Hiking at McKethan Lake in Withlacoochee State Forest

McKethan Lake is a 57-acre lake within the Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida’s third largest forest. The land around the lake is designated as a day use recreation area though I’m not sure exactly how many acres that day use area encompasses. Withlacoochee State Forest covers more than 157,000 acres. McKethan Lake is a bird sanctuary and is home to hundreds of species of birds, animals and native plants. Hiking at McKethan Lake can be done on the 1.9 mile nature trail with marked points of interest. The park also has a one-way, paved loop for cars which is also used by walkers and bicyclists. Bicycles and horses are not allowed on the nature trail. Pets are not allowed at McKethan Lake due to its designation as a bird sanctuary.

• Distance: 1.9 miles
• Type: loop
• Elevation: flat
• Difficulty: easy
• Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Trailhead Address: 15185 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34601
• Parking: Unpaved; $2 fee/person.

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The nature trail at McKethan Lake starts near the main entrance and circles the lake. It passes through a forest of oaks and ironwood, palms and dogwoods. The trail crosses the lake over a footbridge and briefly passes through the picnic area on the far side of the lake where hikers also find restrooms. It is one of the narrower trails I’ve encountered in Florida, sometimes just a foot or two wide. In places where the trees have shed their leaves, the trail blends in with the surrounding land. Yellow arrows and occasional signage, however, do mark the trail.

A small station with a log book and brochure at the beginning of the trail provides good information. The brochure lists 24 points of interest along the trail. These are marked by small wooden markers with numbers. They provide more information about the forest and plants found within it.

On the warm Saturday I visited in late February, the area was lightly trafficked. I saw two others on the nature trail, a father and son. While many people did not use the nature trail, several did stop by the picnic buildings beside the lake. Others walked or cycled around the loop road.

Other Things to Do at McKethan Lake

McKethan Lake Recreation Area offers many other things to do beside the gentle hike. The location in the Withlacoochee State Forest makes this park a good place for wildlife viewing, especially for birders. Birdsong rings out throughout the area. Bird sightings include sandhill cranes, cardinals, and ibises. A small boat ramp provides access to the lake for kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized watercraft. Enjoy a picnic with family or friends using one of the many picnic tables scattered around the lake or one of the picnic pavilions for larger groups (reservations recommended; there is a fee.) Fishing is another popular activity at McKethan Lake.

More Information for Hiking at McKethan Lake

If you plan to go hiking at McKethan Lake, plan your day according to the season. From October/November to March, the weather will generally be cooler and the humidity less stifling. In April and May, the heat ramps up but the ground remains drier. These are typically our drought months. From July to October, rains pour down nearly daily in the afternoon. The heat and humidity make hiking potentially dangerous, especially for anyone who is not accustomed to Florida’s heat and humidity. Additional general tips:

• Wear weatherproof shoes, especially in the summer when you might encounter water on the trails.
• Bring water with you. There are no drink stations or water fountains at this recreation area. Bring more water than you think you will need.
• Wear a hat.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• Bring your camera or phone for pictures.
• Bring your phone for emergencies.
• The Withlacoochee State Forest Visitor Center sits adjacent to McKethan Lake. Open during the week, the rangers here provide excellent information to visitors. Worth a visit!

Ready to see more of Florida’s natural beauty? You might enjoy spending an afternoon at Hillsborough River State Park. Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park provides hiking and kayaking trails as well as unique historical artifacts. Or take a longer hike at Brooker Creek Preserve.