From paddling to birding, here are just a few destinations to visit:
• Withlacoochee State Trail – This 46-mile converted rail line runs through lovely countryside with no steep hills.
• Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park – Birds and wildlife abound throughout 500 acres of mangroves. Two canoe/kayak paddling trails weave through the aquatic preserve.
• Anclote Key Preserve State Park – Over 45 bird species reside in this 11,773-acre park in Tarpon Springs, which is accessible by private boat or ferry.
• Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park – Watch fish and manatees swim from the Underwater Observatory and observe flamingos and the oldest captive hippo.
– Eve Lederman, The Tampa Bay 100