Withlacoochee River Trail at Potts Preserve is a wilderness walking trail along the river for two miles. The trail is a combination of upland hardwood forest and wetland habitat.

The trail goes through the campground about a half-mile from the entrance. All along the trail check the river for birds and other wildlife. The Preserve wetlands are part of the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes; the forested river floodplain holds floodwater.

Withlacoochee River Trail is five miles north of lnverness on Turner Camp Road (R581). Bear left at Hooty Point Road to the Preserve entrance. Park here. Check kiosk for up-to-date birding information. Trail starts at the entrance and continues north. The designated birding trail is about two miles long, but one can travel along the river for four miles.

Withlacoochee River Trail is an easy walking trail along the river that takes one through old growth forest to the open area campgrounds. This trail is the only river-walk trail in the Citrus County trail system and is recommended as a beautiful nature walk as well as a birding trail. Portable toilets are available in the campground. The trail continues down stream along the river in a mix of swamp and hardwood hammock. Bring any personal needs, water and insect repellent.

Potts Preserve is an 8,400-acre site with trails throughout. After birding the river trail return to Turner Camp Road south to Deep River Road and continue to the gate for trails leading to upland and fresh water marsh for other birding opportunities.

At the gate to the river trail start birding for woodpeckers, Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, cardinals, blue jays and other passerines. Red shoulder hawks, swallowtail kites (in summer) and osprey are found along the trail. Check the river all along the trail for herons, egrets, limpkins and wood storks. Wood ducks are common, and blue winged teals are seen on the river. Springtime brings warblers through this area. Evenings chuck-will's-widows can be heard calling. Plan on spending two to three hours along the trail.

At the Deep River gate check the kiosk for reports of Florida scrub jay.

Photography by Bill Garvin