Withlacoochee State Forest — Attraction in Spring Hill

Ahh yes, the Withlacoochee State Forest, one of Florida's largest forest. it has so much to offer and so many cool places to see. Here you will find all kinds of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. if you get lucky, you will find Dames and Peace Caves and some others (although I believe some are being protected and have recently been closed to the public). There has been lots of vandalism in the caves, also known as, "Cave art" along with littering so when we visit we carry an additional bag and throw trash away when ever we see it. Always leave with more than what you came with, this will help clean this beautiful forest and allow for continued visits. I visited the Withlacoochee forest twice this year and both times were different. The first was dry season. We visited the caves and it was as dry as can be, no moisture what so ever. We crawled into the cave pods through tiny holes that would lead us into these huge pods filled with "fools gold". It was pretty exciting to see these tiny crystallized bead-like "gold"; unfortunately, once you touch these tiny little pebbles, they pop! We found slate and shells as well. Sometimes, I would take photos and this weird blob of green and blue would show up on my photo even though I couldn't see it in person (I found that... super creepy). Anyways, We went back during wet season and realized we really couldn't do much but walk around. All of the caves were filled with water so you couldn't crawl through them. It was a different feel, much more moist, but still cold as you climb down the slippery rocks. My suggestion is, if you're visiting the caves don't go alone. Take someone with you and take a head lamp. We were lucky to find a new friend who had explored these caves before so he was pretty much our guide. He showed us around and knew which caves led to another opening. It was STUNNING. One of my favorite...

After 15 years, this park has once again we captured my heart. I had last visited this place while camping with my boy scout troop when I was in my teens, this past weekend I was finally able to take my family on our first family camping trip. The Rangers at the guardhouse or very welcoming and warm and full of knowledge we drove through to the Silver Lake Campground site and proceeded to choose are campsite. We ended up taking site number 5 which had a back-trail down to the lake and you can see the lake through the cypress trees. In our campsite we had four different varieties of citrus growing all with multiple fruits on them rype and readi is a nice little treat for my two daughters. The beach of the lake was perfect size great for lounging, swimming or fishing. The house just before the entrance to the park was a great spot to pick up firewood for...

Great place for a day hike! We went to Peace Cave and the nearby exposed caves. I heard about Florida caves further north but these were an easier drive from Tampa Bay. You can get directions from Google and you park on the roadside . It’s about a 30 minute hike that’s fairly flat and easy, watch the trees for a spray painted Peace Sign then turn left. Peace Cave is small but a great place to chill and have lunch next to the opening. But your just getting started because the bigger caves are further up the trail. You can walk in the bigger caves just watch your head and your footing it can be a little muddy inside the caves. Great way to see the natural limestone cavities that are underneath most of Florida. We drove around afterwards and hit a few other places in the park, great day! Get off your phone and get...