On our quests to find new places to walk/home we found Fickett. It's a nice, dirt path with a few…read moresigns about every half mile. There are a couple little bridges also. It is a completely dirt path so expect lots of bugs, dress appropriately and bring bug spray. However, it's completely shaded the whole path, so while it does get hot and humid, at least you don't have the actual sun beating down on you! Our only complaint was no benches or picnic tables to sit down and snack afterwards. Not a horrible complaint as out car works just fine, we just enjoy having a snack after we walk and eating it outside. We will definitely be returning to this oayh more often!

Fickett Hammock is about 148 acres and a one mile hiking trail loop located northwest of…read moreBrooksville on Centralia Road. The address is: 15482 Centralia Road, Brooksville, FL 34614. According to the county website the hardwood forest hammock includes seasonally flowing streams and saw palmetto thickets with tree species including hickory, dogwood, longleaf pine, hophornbeam, ironwood, American holly, and swamp chestnut oak. Ecosystems include oak hammocks, hickory groves, sparkleberry thickets, and flatwoods. A second trail was supposed to be in the works.. I will investigate!!! More info and a link to a map and photos at http://www.hernandocounty.us/plan/esl/preserves/

Came here the day after thanksgiving to check out this 46 mile trail and it was definitely worth…read morebiking due to the beauty you encounter. It took us about 3-4 hours with a 20 min stop in Floral City in the middle. We saw the occasional tortoise roaming along the trail side and pretty trees with Spanish Moss. This state trail also makes its way through areas where hunting is allowed so be warned and careful around hunting season. We noticed a park attendant in a truck which had a blower mounted on it driving down the trail and leaf blowing. That explained how pristine it was to ride it. Really enjoyed this area and finding some local wineries to sample from nearby. Floral City had a bike rental shop and noticed a number of people riding recumbent bikes on the trail.

As best I can tell, and I haven't been to all of them, there are several fun natural areas in…read moreWithlacoochee State Forest. Richloam offers ATV or dirt bike riding opportunities. There's a Withlacoochee River something or other part. And there are at least two other access roads to State Forest areas off S.R. 50. The Van Fleet Trail, a 29.3 mile rail-to-trail linear park, is toward the eastern part. WSF offers some good opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and adventure. So get outside and enjoy. :)

Went on a wander and came across the Weeki Wachee preserve…read more Free parking and a nice long paved walking trail. I didnt go far, i was trying to get the sunset and I was too late. I still got some very nice shots.

I was looking for a local place to get a few steps in. I've been here now, three times in one…read moreweek. I've rarely seen other people. Beautiful place to walk, and watch the sun set. Plenty of parking. A picnic table here or there.

Unbelievable I can't believe this but only 10 months ago we visited a beautiful park and I was…read moreexcited to take dog back during cool weather. There's no more Park!! It's a trail with a thin line of forest on each side and mass production of houses on either side of the trail and trees. We tried to go off the trail to find more nature but they have destroyed it. The Deep Wound: How Environmental Destruction Harms Human and Animal Healing In the natural world, forests are not just ecosystems--they are sanctuaries for healing and life. When forests are destroyed, the impact ripples beyond what the eye can see. From a trauma EcoTherapy and Shamanic perspective, the loss of these sacred spaces profoundly affects both human and animal well-being, cutting us off from the very source of life and spiritual restoration. Forests as Sacred Healing Spaces For millennia, forests have been places where humans and animals alike retreat to heal. The earth beneath our feet, the ancient trees, and the rhythmic cycles of nature hold a profound wisdom that facilitates physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. For those carrying the weight of trauma, nature is not just a place to visit--it is a partner in the healing process. EcoTherapy recognizes that human trauma is intricately linked to the trauma of the earth. Just as humans suffer from wounds of the psyche, the destruction of the environment mirrors and exacerbates those wounds. Forests provide safety, quiet reflection, and an energetic container to process deep pain. When these spaces are destroyed, we lose a vital source of healing. The Animal Kingdom's Silent Suffering Animals, too, seek refuge in forests, not only for survival but for their own innate healing. Trees provide shelter and medicine, while ecosystems offer nourishment and safety. When their homes are destroyed, animals experience displacement, stress, and often death. This destruction severs the ancient relationship of mutual healing between humans and animals--relationships where animals often serve as guides, teachers, and mirrors for our own emotional landscapes. The Consequences of Disconnection When we lose access to nature, our collective trauma deepens. Urban environments, stripped of living ecosystems, amplify feelings of isolation, anxiety, and grief. Without forests to retreat to, trauma survivors are cut off from the natural cycles that regulate the nervous system and reconnect us to a sense of belonging. From a Shamanic perspective, every living being carries a soul contract with the Earth. Trees, animals, and humans are interconnected through unseen threads of spiritual purpose. When forests are razed, these sacred agreements are shattered, leaving open wounds in the physical and energetic worlds. The destruction of nature is not only ecological--it is a spiritual betrayal that fractures our relationship with the Earth Mother herself. Healing Through Sacred Reciprocity Healing these wounds requires a return to reciprocity--a sacred exchange of care between humans and the Earth. By protecting forests, we protect the sanctuaries where healing can occur for both people and animals. Through EcoTherapy practices, we can reconnect with the natural world, remembering that as we care for the Earth, the Earth cares for us. It is our responsibility to stand as guardians of the forests, to preserve the living beings who inhabit them, and to ensure future generations have access to the profound healing that only nature can provide. In the heart of every tree and every creature, there is a truth--when we destroy the Earth, we destroy ourselves. Pamela Nations-Weissman (Namdag Tsomo) Shamanic Life Path Coach, EcoTherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Trauma Specialist "Truth lives in The Dark - It's up to each of us to bring our Truth into the Light and share it with the world. It is our duty as human beings on this planet to do so." I was saddened and sickened by this visit. tried to post photos of the massacre but wasn't able to get yelp site to cooperate.

"Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile (74 km) long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in…read moreFlorida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. It follows along the Withlacoochee River and passes through the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is the longest paved rail trail in Florida." Probably the best paved trail in Florida. A little over 46 miles one way and has a lot of very scenic spots along the way. It is in Florida so it's fairly flat but it does have some elevation changes and some overpass over the busier/wider state roads on the route. Multiple trailheads w parking lot and restrooms. My favorite trailhead is the one in Inverness. Beautiful town along the route.

Stumbled upon this park on a wander…read more It was well tender and cared for, and in use. Always good to see parks being used!

Just a short drive North out of Brooksville, in a historic locale you'll find this off the beaten…read morepath gem. I prefer to call it a hidden gem. You won't find tons of traffic, people, noise or banter. IF that's what ya want, head to the beach! Instead you will find solace. Serenity. Quiet. A place to relax and reflect. The park is 'anchored' by a small lake. No speed boats, just reflections of the clouds above. There are a few small trails to conquer. And a short rickety wooden bridge, not much higher than tall grass, and no longer than a moment. But it's all a portrait of simple pleasures. I will sometimes just sit at one of the rustic wooden picnic tables and wonder how that huge oak got uprooted but still thrives. For me that's a symbol of pure survival, and a reminder to us humans. If you let it, time can slow down or even stand still here. Leave the driving to Mother Nature, and relax. Enjoy!

Back ten years ago this park was great, our church would come here and have a terrific time and…read moreroom for everyone. There were plenty of swings for a group and one for handicap, large play area for many children to play on - now the park is a fourth of the size, trees were cut down but now there is a dozen or more little trees grow big in the center of a stump in the middle of this small park - there is one baby swing that is four feet off the ground and one swing that is three feet off the ground. No child can use the swing without an adult help to get on it or get down from it. No more slide, no more handicap swing. The section off plastic dividers are broken with sharp edges. The Picnic tables need some serious TLC. What a shame this park has been neglected In Istachatta there aren't many things we have - no more library- and now the park is pretty sad.

Bordered by state forest and the Withlacoochee River, Lake Townsen Regional Park is part of the 375…read moreacre Lake Townsen Preserve. The park offers 2.5 miles of hiking / running / biking / horseback riding trails as well as sporting favilities, pier and boat ramp. Facilities include a fishing pier, boat ramp on the Withlacoochee River, playground / tot Lot, sand volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pits, horse trailer parking, water trough, hitching rails, and a network of riding/hiking trails; and Withlacoochee Trail segment, lighted picnic pavilions and picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, historical signs and baseball field. The forested area includes longleaf pine, cypress, and sandhill habitats.

This is a cute little park, they allow fishing, grilling and have picnic tables. You can bring your…read moredoggo but have their license on them because there's a trooper there waiting and watching! You can't have alcohol, or ground fires. And NO swimming! The trees are beautiful!

It is a cute but extremely small yet nicely shaded park. I was looking for walking path not a…read morewalking circle. But if you don't mind that then this is the place for you. Peaceful next to the water though!

Very basic with several areas "under construction " including the tower. Quick stop the. We were…read moreback in the car.

Kids playground area is dirty, as well as right next to porta-potties that you can smell from the…read morepark. Worst is the back walk area has been closed and under construction for what 5 years now. Clearly they've given up on this park.