<P> The Withlacoochee River (or Crooked River) originates in central Florida's Green Swamp, east of Polk City . It flows west, then north, and then turns northwest and finally west again before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico near Yankeetown . The river is 141 miles (227 km) long and has a drainage basin of 1,170 square miles (3,000 km). It is believed to have been named after the Withlacoochee River to the north . </P> <P> Along its route are the 46 - mile - long (74 km) Withlacoochee State Trail, the longest paved rail trail in Florida, the Cypress Lake Preserve, a 324 - acre (1.31 km) park with approximately 600 feet (180 m) of frontage, and Nobleton Wayside Park, a 2 - acre (8,100 m) park in Nobleton that includes a boat ramp, shelter, basketball court, and picnic tables . </P>

Where does the withlacoochee river begin and end
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