Route #103 — Linden · Webster · Center Hill · Wahoo · Oak Grove

This 89-mile round-trip route crosses Sumter and Citrus counties through a largely rural landscape shaped by agriculture, early railroads, and sites connected to Florida’s frontier history. The ride links small communities such as Linden, Webster, Center Hill, and Bushnell, many of which developed during the late nineteenth century alongside expanding rail lines and timber activity.

The route passes through areas tied to the Seminole Wars, particularly near Wahoo and Jumper Creek, where battles took place in the 1830s between U.S. forces and Seminole warriors. Today the region still retains a remote atmosphere, with open pastureland, wetlands, and long stretches of quiet countryside.

After crossing the Withlacoochee River into Citrus County, the ride reaches Floral City, once a thriving settlement during the phosphate boom and home to historic buildings shaded by old oak trees. From there, the landscape shifts into dense forest as the route enters the Withlacoochee State Forest, known for its caves, sinkholes, and preserved natural areas.

Hidden within the forest are traces of vanished towns such as Mannsfield, once the county seat, along with other communities that faded as railroads declined. The journey blends natural scenery with layers of indigenous history, early settlement, and transportation heritage across central Florida.

The complete route, along with its detailed historical context, is part of Discovering Florida – Volume 5.