Richloam Forest and the Green Swamp

Terrain:  Low lying and wet.  Avoid this area during the rainy season.  The Van Fleet Rails-to-Trails is paved.  Check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission prior to visiting because this area is open to hunting.

To Get There:  From Orlando take SR 50 West to the General Van Fleet Trailhead at Mabel, 5 miles beyond Mascotte or continue on SR 50 for another 10 miles to Clay Sink Road and the Richloam fire tower entrance on the South side of the road.

The Green Swamp is a critical piece of land because it contains nascent waters for four major Florida rivers:  the Hillsborough, the Ocklawaha, the Peace, and the Withlacoochee.  The Southwest Florida Water Management District understood the importance of this area early on and has played a major role in maintaining nearly 900 square miles of land.  This largely uninhabited region is about 45 minutes from Orlando and can be accessed easily from the General Van Fleet Rails-to-Trails at Mabel.  Ride the trail South for 4 miles to the Richloam Forest boundary and enter the forest on any of the jeep roads running off the West side of the trail.  Richloam is part of the Withlacoochee State Forest system that also includes the separate but equally enticing Croom and Citrus forests.  The jeep roads and trails crisscrossing this huge area can be confusing so it's best to go in with a geological survey map and compass.

The trails are flat, long, and not challenging.  Experts wanting a change of pace to train may like the miles of fire roads and wilderness.  Beginners should brush up on their orienteering skills or stay on the paved Rails-to-Trails.  If you seek thrills, technical trails, and an abundance of singletrack then prepare to be disappointed.  If you enjoy the wilderness, seek refuge from city life, and appreciate the subtleties of Florida's flora and fauna, then this area is worth a visit.  Water and sunscreen are a must during warmer weather.

A pedestrian-only portion of the Green Swamp is the Florida Trail's Western Corridor.  Campsites are available within the region.  Please visit www.florida-trail.org for comprehensive information.