At just under 400 acres, the Lake Townsen Preserve packs a lot of recreational
potential into a small area. Located along County Road 476 near Nobleton, this
preserve encompasses several tracts including the Sandhills Unit, Lake Townsen
Regional Park, the Rock Pit Unit, and Nobleton Wayside Park.
The
Regional Park includes a variety of day-use activity resources, including a
picnic area with rental pavilions, public restrooms, a basketball court, beach
volleyball court, baseball field, and childrens playground. There is also a
trailhead to the Withlacoochee State Trail ... which extends for 46 miles
through three counties ... and is one of the longest paved
bicycle/rollerblading/hiking trails in Florida.
Running roughly parallel to the Withlacoochee Trail in this area, there is an
equestrian trail. And the Lake Townsen Preserve provides parking for horse
trailers. This is a day use area, and camping is not allowed. The Sandhill Unit
also includes several miles of hiking and horse trails.
Vehicle and trailer access is provided to a launch site onto the Withlacoochee
River. It is not only kayak and canoe friendly ... motorboats may be launched
via a concrete boat ramp. A short boardwalk and fishing pier also makes this a
popular fishing location.
Activities & Facilities
Playground
Picnic shelter
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Mountain bike trails
Horse trails
River or lake kayaking
Motor boating