Croom State Forest

Croom State Forest

	Croom State Forest
Location:	Florida
Nearest Town:	Brooksville
Directions to Trailhead:	Exit #61 of I-75 (aprox 20 miles N of Tampa)-East on Rt. 50 ~1 mile to Croom Road (traffic light BEFORE going under Withlacoochee Trail)-North on Croom Road, around all twisties, under I-75, past Power Station 1/4 mile to parking area. WWW site has nice maps provided by the SWAMP Club.
Trail Description:	Florida’s longest contiguous bicycle single-track officially opened March 1997, as the Withlacoochee Forest - Croom Off-Road Bike Trail. This network of single-track forms two loops of 12 and 35 miles. Actual trail length, including connectors, is over 55 miles. Trails consist of Florida uplands, sweeping cross country trails (wooded and open) to abandoned mines and challenging pits and drop-offs. Check kiosks sites for trail maps
Trail Length:	55+ miles
Trail Type:	Singletrack
Skill Level:	Trails for all skill levels
Web Link:	http://www.swampclub.org
Submitted By:	Eric Santman

jim from allover, th, world Date: June 15, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: park at the withlacoochee trail head and ride the 4 miles to croom, it's a good warm up and a nice road rage after. Other recommended trails in the same area: morris bridge
Review: croom is an ever changing, wildly varied loop through central florida pine forests, sand ridges and abandoned phosphate mines. there are basically three trail systems, blue north, yellow and blue/red. each encompasses single track riding through flat to rolling oak stands, pine barrens and sandy ridges where root, sand bog and bush clipping avoidance takes precedence over raw tech skills. those can be utilized at the handful of minng pits, where you can play to a limited extent. if you're of a mind there's a hiker-only trail which winds through the wilderness that's emminently poachable. this isn't as bad a trail system as some reviews make out. you really have to concentrate to keep a smooth line and there are enough toss-ins (log jumps, log rollovers, quick up and down pitches, etc.) to keep things interesting. if you're a newbie find a map somewhere or you're guaranteed to get lost. try and ride within a day or two after a rain, which helps keep the sand hardened.	Overall Rating:

Deanna from Marco Island Date: March 24, 2003 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This trail is a great cross-country trail. It is not very technical, but the senic ride through the woods is absolutely beautiful. You are never that far from a road (maybe 2 miles at the most), even though it seems like you are in the middle of nowhere. We saw deer all morning long the last time we rode the trail. Of course there is sand, but this is Florida so we shouldn't expect anything different. There are some fun hills to climb and quite a few logs to jump. I recommend this trail to anyone who wants to get out and enjoy the peace and quite of the woods. The SWAMP bike group has done an excellent job maintaining the trails.	Overall Rating:

Lee from Spring Hill Date: March 21, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: East from I75 on hwy 50 to second light. Continue apst the parking lot for the rails-to-trails wimps and continue on for about 10 miles.The trail head begins at the little turn off on the right just before you get to the fire tower. Other recommended trails in the same area: OK, I don't mean to knock the folks who use the rails-to-trails, they will see much of the same wildlife you do. They just won't see any of the challenges, and isn't that what its all about?
Review: I fell in love at the Croom trail. Like many others I was given a mountain bike by someone who thought I needed the excercise. I tried a few simple trails and was getting bored, thinking perhaps mountain biking did not hold any challenge for me. Then I rode the 12 mile section at Croom and I felt something I had never experienced while biking- terror. The first mile of the trail has some harrowing challenges, at least for us beginners. The rest of the trail is a leisurely stroll through some primitive forest teeming with wildlife, with a few challenges thrown in for good measure. By the time I was done with my first tour I was exhausted, exhilarated and in-love with my new-found sport. I return often now, always aiming to improve my skills and my time. This is a terrific ride for all but the most seasoned of veterans.	Overall Rating:

ron from bradenton, fl Date: September 9, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: east from I75 on hwy 50 to second light, turn left and follow road for several miles. go pass the first parking lot that is designed for rails to trail and go until you see next lot, several miles, parking on right, trails begin across street. Other recommended trails in the same area: San felasco preserve.12to 15 miles north of gainesvill on 441 at second entrance to progressive business park on west side of 441. follow paved road to dirt road. keep going until you find pay station. pay your dollar and ride rolling hills for 12 mile loop. this trail is good for beginer to intermediate.
Review: my wife and i did the blue north trail 8 miles to first bail out and then 4 more miles to next bail out. total of 12 miles for those of you without a calulator. if you are looking for something different and fun around the pit areas, do it now. all the rain has made it solid and hardly any sand to ride through. not as good as alafia, but different for a change. after the 12 miles ride back to car 3 miles on the rail to trails.spend the night and ride Santos the next day. when leaving head west on hwy 484 to us 41 take a dip in crystal river at the dunelln public beach. ask for directions once you get in town. perfect way to end 2 days of riding.	Overall Rating:

Juan L. Pelotas from abungalunga, Africa Date: August 27, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: hit the road jack Other recommended trails in the same area: http://www.mxsx.com.ar http://www.mxsxusa.com
Review: very nice for begginers who want to be able to dissappear, and bust their dicks without their friends laughing at them, you will find all kinds of different situations where your skills will be put to the test. Riding through the forest in 3 and 4th (sometimes 2nd)wide open will sharpen your mind for your open races, trust me, if you can dodge all kinds of trees and big ass banana spiders in your face while doing 40 0r 50 mph, then you are ready to race anywhere. Also the open sandy areas are great for all you sand freaks, who are afraid of a little challenge. if you want sand, the best place in the world is Villa Gesell, Argentina, there I rode with Luis Pihgetti, who is the current national champion of mx, (Its hard to keep up with that dammned crf 450 in the sand). there you will find the biggest sand dunes right on the beach for miles and miles, take a tour, train, run, idle, walk, or take your girl, and if you want forest, then forest you shall have, just look west, and you can see the tree line @ ground level, there you have a drop of about 30 to 40, (some are as high as 70, even 80 feet)feet into the vast forests of Villa Gesell, and Carilo'. If you have a, somewhat, healthy bank account, take your bike, and go. If not, then you can rent one, and no, they don't shorten tha gas cable, all bikes are race ready (remember, in Argentina you can't sue no one for your own stupidity) so if you bust your dick, tough sh!t, get up and keep riding.	Overall Rating:

Haro from Tampa, FL Date: June 18, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I-75 North past Brooksville and straight on to Ocala Other recommended trails in the same area: GO TO THE REAL TRAILS - Santos, Reddick, Hard Rock, Toe, Carter Road
Review: Waste of time - You're better off to fill your bathtub with sand and pine straw - stick your bike in on a trainer and turn the heat up to 100 degrees. Want the Croom experience: toss 'Deliverance' and 'Southern Comfort' into the DVD. Do yourself a favor and skip this trail - go use your mountain bike for what it was meant for .. riding hills and rocks. Santos/Hard Rock are the best bets. Carter, Alafia, Toe are best near Tampa. Morris Bridge is good for beginners, cardio and "girlfriend" rides. Yeah, I'm pissed I even paid for gas to get there!Blows - one flat tire.	Overall Rating:

Craig Fulton from St. Pete Date: January 18, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: It's all the same. Other recommended trails in the same area: Santos, Razorback
Review: First off, the last guy with the motorcycle and blow me. Secondly, why can't you find anything closer to Ft. Lauderdale? Oh what is that? Can you say over developed!! Lauderdale sucks. You have to drive to Brooksville because you got no where else to go with your kawasuzuki. Funny how there are more places for bicycles than motorcycles. Maybe because you have to be lazy to just turn your wrist to go. Dude, you suck! Anyway...about the trail. This trail is cross country only. Not too much for someone looking to drop or jump. Last time I was there I brushed against a few odd looking bushes and thought I caught anthrax. Skip this trail and head on to Santos or Razorback. Check out www.kmaracing.com	Overall Rating:

MIKE FROM FT. LAUD from Ft Laud Fl Date: November 16, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: You peddle fags need to get a motor on thoes fagcycles or get out of the way of my motorcycles!!!!!!!	Overall Rating:

Joe from Clearwater Date: October 9, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: None Other recommended trails in the same area: All within an hour or two, Razorback, Santos, Carter Road, or the Toe if you have access. Gran Canyon in Brooksville is ok, and if your a beginner or want an easy/fast day go to Morris Bridge
Review: This place was a huge dissapointment. I heard it was almost all sand, so we went after and during a rain - it didn't help. It reminded me of horse and motorcycle trails. The trails were poorly marked and seemed to not be maintained at all. We stuck it out and somehow finished around 25 miles. The "pit" you hear a few talking about sucks. I doubt I'll ever go back, and I would not reccommend this trail to anyone, even if your just there for cardio. Morris Bridge in Tampa is even better than croom - don't waste a good day at this #@ithole. I will say as far as seeing nature it is a very nice area, thats why it's a hunting area. I would much rather ride 10-15 miles of maintained good trails than 60+ miles of unmaintained garbage. I've ridden most of the trails in this area and croom takes the cake for the worst.	Overall Rating:

Sean from Bayonet Point, FL Date: July 9, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This trail seems to be better than any south of it. As everyone stresses, you must know when and where to go. There are some very good sinks. If you want to get to them sooner, go north to the bail out point of the blue trail and continue northward.	Overall Rating:

Kevin from Tampa Date: March 14, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Back to the I-75 interchange. Other recommended trails in the same area: Santos, Hardrock, Carter Rd., The TOE
Review: I was disappointed with this area. Apparently there is a paved trail for a leisurely ride, but I would not recommend this location for mountain bikers. Croom State Forest is exactly that, a forest. There were horse tracks everywhere, plenty of sugar sand and nothing technical at all on the trails I rode. There was also a lot of gunfire from who knows how close to the trails. After around 10 miles I ended up at an unmarked clearing, found my way to a forestry road and followed it back to the parking area. It was mid-afternoon and cloudy so the sun was not really visible to get oriented.	Overall Rating:

Jason from Ridge Manor Date: January 30, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: none! Other recommended trails in the same area: Santos, Hardrock
Review: I wouldn't recomend this ride unless you enjoy riding on motorcycle trails and horse trails. This used to be a half way decent ride untill they allowed the motorbikes to race on our mountain bike trails. The State needs a swift kick in the @ss for allowing this to happen!! Not only are the trails ruined by moter bikes, there are spots in the trail where you come to a cleared out area and loose the trail. I have rode croom for the last time! This plase doesn't deserve 1 star!	Overall Rating:

EaterOfDog from Ridge Manor, FL Date: July 27, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: The beginning of the Yellow Section has a fun little downhill and the north end of the Blue Section is a fun ride. Check the message boards for maps and info. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This place is super-sandy in most areas, so try to ride after (or in) rain. A few areas provide cheap thrills, like the 45 ft. deep sink in just south of the 12 mile bailout on the Blue Section. Mostly sandy trails with big whoops going up and down the hills. Plenty of nature out here! I've encountered deer, turkey, fox and even a 5 ft. Eastern Diamondback! I ride here because it's a great place to build stamina ,it's pretty and it's only 15 minutes from my house. On the weekend I visit Santos!	Overall Rating:

funkydrums from Orlando Date: March 1, 2000 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: blue trail....skip to the 12 mile bail out and ride north from there...you'll skip a lot of sand Other recommended trails in the same area: Santos rocks!
Review: Well, there is sand...lots of it. By the 6th mile of the blue loop, I was cursing...loudly. The pits were okay, but honestly I enjoy Santos much more as there is more variety. Some of the downhills would be better if my bike were outfitted with skis. Motor bikers compound the problem by digging up more sand. They are not supposed to be there with the exception of a one week window every year. If you do this trail, bring lots of water, food and a good sense of direction.	Overall Rating:

John from Jacksonville Date: June 20, 1999 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: See Header Other recommended trails in the same area: Santos, Hardrock are both excellent
Review: The key to this place is to ride it right after a good rain. Extended dry periods turn the place into a big sand dune. Riding it at 1pm, in the summer, when its dry will surely cause you to hate it. But...this is my favorite place to ride. Yup, my favorite. It has what no other place in Florida has to offer - an awesome sense of adventure. You CAN get lost here, and I mean VERY lost. As you are getting lost, you are cruising through some great scenery. While not technical, those rolling hills can sap you after a while, and you WILL get tired. Yeah, Santos is fun, Hardrock rocks, but I like the smell of wet pine needles at 9AM and a day of adventure (as close as I can get in FL) stretched out before me.	Overall Rating:

Fly Girl from Tampa Date: June 6, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I-75 to the Brooksville exit Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: We made the mistake of going to this trail. We should have gone another 30 minutes north and went to Santos. Obviously I was dissapointed. The trails were weedy, poorly marked and mostly up hill. The beggining of the trails were exciting, then they became very straight and nontechnical. The pit?!? Well, it more like a hole thats all washed out. We should have figured this wasn't exactly the best place to ride when all we saw were two other bikers that looked like they crawled out of the barn (lots of them up there). Over all, its a grreat place to take your grandma for a lesiurely ride.	Overall Rating:

Denny from Riverview, FL Date: May 26, 1999 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: See above. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gran Canyon ($Fee), Santos trails (Ocala), Hardrock MTB Park ($Fee)(Ocala), Morris Bridge/Flatwoods (Tampa), Boyette trails (Riverview/Apollo Beach)
Review: Croom is a great place to ride to get in shape. There are some nice downhill rollers which require a steady climb to get up. There is a lot of trail out there and getting lost is a REAL possibility! Prepare for the worst- it does get remote. To my knowledge there is one "pit" on the south side of Croom road and two on the north. They are fun but if you want a test of strength and nerve go down the road to Gran Canyon, a private park in an old quarry. Overall a nice set of trails. If you go, plan on making a day of it and have fun!	Overall Rating:

Eruption from Dade City, Florida Date: May 4, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Take I-75 get off at exit 61. Go East on HWY 50 about a mile and take a left at the light on Croom Rd. Follow this road untill you cross the paved bike trail twice. The second trail crossing is the entrance to the blue trail. If you keep going you will hit a dirt road for a few miles and you will come to the Tuckere Hill Parking lot. This is another trail entrance. Other recommended trails in the same area: Santos, Hardrock
Review: The First few times I went to this place I thought it sucked but the more I rode it, the more fun trails I found. This place has some killer pitts with tons of technical stuff on the Blue trail. The sand is pretty bad when it is dry. You are half the time in the sun and half the time in the shade but the best time to ride this place is in the winter but not during hunting season. I have rode out hear several time and not seen a soul, but I manage to see a deer or two everytime I go. This is an excelent place to train or to just get back into shape.	Overall Rating:

Alex Pasquel from Tampa, Fl Date: April 14, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Exit 61 to Croom Road - Follow it until you come to the trail Other recommended trails in the same area: Santos - the best of the area and then Morris Brige in Tampa
Review: The day started with warnings of rabid foxes which was the on going joke of the day. Lower part of Croom is pleasant forest with some technical trails. The rest (3/4) of Croom is loose sand and pine .. even down hill. It made for a hard, unenjoyable ride. Do bring a compass, sunscreen and water. You'll only see one map of the place. Most trails are marked to a minimum. If you are considering Croom, go the extra 30 minutes to either Morris Bridge Tampa or santos in Ocala. Croom was very disappointing.	Overall Rating:

Nailbiter from Georgia Date: February 10, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Good directions above. Other recommended trails in the same area: None. Instead, why not drive around like a dumbass for two hours trying to follow the directions to Grand Canyon.
Review: I would describe it as "pleasant" single track which can be considered a compliment or an insult depending on your skill level. There is an enormous network of trails here and it is easy to get turned around so be prepared (H2O,PBar,compass even). You could ride all day and not hit the same trail twice which is good but little skill is required. I heard the legend of the technical pit areas but couldn't find them. I found mostly sand and scrub bushes. Riding solo, I got lost and hooked up with two other groups of lost riders before finally making it out. Overall, a decent ride but not enough to wet your pants over.	Overall Rating:

Andy wiles from Plant City,FL Date: January 26, 1999 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: I-75 to exit 61. GO eastfor a few miles until you get to croom road. GO until you see the Mt. bike parking lot. Other recommended trails in the same area: Santos Trail is very comparable to croom.
Review: Their are many differant trail sstems you can take. There is a map at the parking lot. I suggest you study it,and have a good sense of direction.It would not be a bad idea to bring a compass. There is at least 50 miles of trails so know your limits. There are trails for all skill levels, but most of them are fairly easy. This is an excellent place to train because mostly flat and fast. Its mostly all singletrack. If you know where to go there some awsome pits that will test your skill level and your nerve. So be careful. Its a long walk back(very long.) Every time I have been there I have seen dear. Make sure you check and see when hunting season is. Bring alot of water and a few energy bars.	Overall Rating: