Description for Croom State Forest
Declared as one of the "10 Coolest Places in North America" by the World Wildlife Fund, the Withlacoochee State Forest has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities available for everyone. Among the recreational amenities that make this state forest so popular are the off-road trails in the Hernando County portion of the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The off-road bicycle trails in this area are dry-to-damp, all weather trails that wind through central Florida’s longleaf pine and scrub oak hills, live oak thickets and hardwood hammocks, past creek bottoms and cypress ponds. Of particular interest are the area’s ravines, prairies and abandoned rock mines. Wildlife found in the area include deer, quail, grey squirrels and bobcats. The Florida Division of Forestry established these trails in cooperation with the SouthWest Association of Mountainbike Pedalers (SWAMP).
Trail Length/Surface: Yellow Trail is approximately 12 miles; Blue Trail is approximately 32 miles; Red Trail connects loops. All trails are unpaved off-road bicycle trails.
Metal, color coded signs showing the international symbol for bicyclists mark the trails. Supplemental information signs are placed where needed. Bailout points to exit the trail are maked in green.
The Croom Tract also contains hiking trails and horse trails. Hikers may walk on horse or off-road bicycle trails and you may encounter hikers or equestrians at trailheads and trail crossings. Please be courteous to hikers and horseback riders. Allow hikers and riders to pas you on trails designated for them. Step off the trail and downhill from passing horses. Stand quietly and listen for instructions from the rider.
Overnight primitive camping is permitted only within the camp zones designated by white-banded trees. These are located north of the Tucker Hill trailhead and north of Croom Road/Forest Road 6 between Forest Road 9 and Nobleton Road.
Horse, hiking and off-road biking trails are closed on the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest during the muzzleloading gun and general gun portions of the annual hunting season. Equestrians should were brightly colored clothing when riding during other portions of the hunting season.
For information regarding hunting seasons, and additional rules and tips regarding use of off-road biking trails and the Withlacoochee State Forest, contact the Recreation/Visitors Center.
Directions to Croom State Forest Trailhead
The primary trailhead (Parking Area #3) is located on Croom Road/Forest Road 6 adjacent to the Tucker Hill fire tower. Two other trailheads (Parking Area #2 and Parking Area #1) are located further east along Croom Road at the intersection with Forest Road 7 and at the intersection with the Withlacoochee State Trail.<br />
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