The Withlacoochee River is one of Florida’s wondrous waterways, one of the few rivers in the world flowing south to north. It is 160 miles long, starting in the Green Swamp and winding through eight different counties before discharging into the Gulf of Mexico.
The name Withlacoochee is derived from a Creek Indian word meaning Little Big Water, a likely description of the high and low fluctuations the river naturally experiences.
As you travel along the Withlacoochee, you’ll notice grand cypress trees shading an abundance of wildlife. You’ll spot osprey, hawks, alligators, turtles and more. You’ll view historic bridges and railway pilings, a reminder of the industrial purposes the river once served. Besides its beauty, the river is revered for its ecological and hydrological importance to the region.