Withlacoochee River (Florida) facts for kids
The Withlacoochee River is a cool river in central Florida. It's sometimes called the "Crooked River" because of its winding path! It starts in a place called the Green Swamp, which is east of Polk City.
The river flows west first, then turns north, then northwest, and finally west again. It ends up emptying into the Gulf of Mexico near Yankeetown. This river is about 141 miles (227 km) long. It also has a large area of land that drains into it, covering about 1,170 square miles (3,030 km²). People think its name might come from another river further north, also called the Withlacoochee River.
Along the river, you'll find some interesting spots:
- The Withlacoochee State Trail: This is the longest paved bike and walking trail in Florida, stretching for 46 miles (74 km).
- The Cypress Lake Preserve: A 324-acre (1.3 km²) park with a long stretch of riverfront.
- Nobleton Wayside Park: A 2-acre (8,100 m²) park in Nobleton where you can launch boats, have picnics, and play basketball.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District also owns a big nature preserve along the river in Citrus County. It's a huge 5,484-acre (2,219 ha) area bought in 2005 to protect nature and offer fun outdoor activities.
The Withlacoochee River flows through many counties in Florida, including Pasco and Hernando. It also forms borders between several counties like Hernando and Sumter, and Citrus and Sumter, Marion, and Levy counties. The biggest city near the river is Dade City.
What Does "Withlacoochee" Mean?
The name "Withlacoochee" likely comes from an old Native American language called Muskhogean. It's a mix of words from the Creek people.
- we means "water"
- thlako means "big"
- chee means "little"
So, putting them together, it could mean "little big water" or "little river." Since "we-lako" can also mean a lake, the name might also mean "river of lakes" or "lake river." This makes sense because the Withlacoochee River flows near Tsala Apopka Lake. The St. Johns River, which flows through many lakes, was called welaka by the Seminoles.
Another idea is that "Withlacoochee" means "crooked river" in Native American languages. This name perfectly describes the river's winding path from the Green Swamp all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
Images for kids
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State Road 33 bridge over the river.
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State Road 471 bridge.
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The Lanier Bridge at Withlacoochee River County Park.
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The river east of State Road 575.
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The US 301 bridge crossing the Withlacoochee River.
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The US 98 bridge.
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The US 98 and State Road 50 bridge.
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County Road 476 bridge.
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County Road 48 bridge.
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State Road 44 bridge.
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State Road 200 bridge.
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The Dunnellon Trail Bridge.
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A CSX train bridge over the river.
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The US 41 bridge.
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The US 19 and US 98 bridge.
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