Nature Coast
 With an average January temperature of 60 degrees, year-round outdoor recreation is the mantra in Hernando County. Hunting, fishing, camping, paddling, birding, and hiking are just a few of the many recreational opportunities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Championship golf courses, paved or wilderness bicycle trails, and the Croom Motorcycle Recreation Area attract visitors from far beyond the County borders.
Hernando County covers approximately 506 sq. miles including the cities of Brooksville and Weeki Wachee. Unincorporated areas include Spring Hill, Ridge Manor, Ridge Manor West, Bayport, Aripeka, Lake Lindsey and Hernando Beach. The county stretches 37 miles from East to West and 18 miles from North to South. It is bounded on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and on the north by the Chassahowitzka Swamp and the Withlacoochee State Forest.
As part of the Nature Coast, vast tracts of public land have been preserved in Hernando County. These include the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Chinsegut Hill National Wildlife Refuge, Withlacoochee State Forest, Weeki Wachee Preserve, and the PK Ranch. Recreation also abounds on the Withlacoochee and Weeki Wachee Rivers as well as at the Silver Lake Recreation Area, and the first-magnitude Weeki Wachee Springs. The latter were recently purchased by the State of Florida.
Much of this area is rural, having been set aside as national, state and county parks and preserves. Crystal-clear springs attract visitors from afar to swim, snorkel and scuba dive. In Citrus County visitors can swim with manatees, taking care not to harass or disturb them (fall and winter months are best).
At nearby Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, a relaxing river cruise leads to the park where native animals are displayed and visitors descend into an amazing "fish bowl" to see thousands of fish as well as manatees. Brooksville is a pleasant, scenic town rich with Civil War-era history and provides a glimpse at the lifestyle and relics of a gone -- but not forgotten -- segment of American history.
Crystal River If snorkeling and water activities interest you, Crystal River is an ideal vacation destination. About two hours north of Clearwater Beach and minutes from Inverness and Lecanto lie waterways teeming with exotic wildlife. It's not uncommon for manatees, attracted by the 72-degree winter water, to nudge and caress adventurous swimmers. These gentle giants average 10 feet long and 1,200 pounds. Numerous dive centers and resorts in the city of Crystal River offer complete dive packages and opportunities for people of all ages and experience.
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