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Trail

Florida Trail

Central Florida Section Trails

FT Croom

Length: 29.8 miles (linear) plus 20.1 mile loop

Leaving the Richloam Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, the trail continues to its westernmost point (less than 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico) en route to the Croom Tract. Plans are in the works to build a connecting trail between Blue Sink (at the northwestern most point of the Richloam Loop) and the Croom Tract. Meanwhile, hikers must connect the two natural areas via a roadwalk. The Croom Hiking Trail is a gem along the route, anchored by two beautiful developed campsites on either end as it winds through hardwood and floodplain forests along the Withlacoochee River.

Overview

Trailhead at Ridge Manor (Deb Blick) After you complete the Croom Hiking Trail, it’s back to a connecting roadwalk to reach the Withlacoochee State Trail, a rail trail that serves as the FT’s temporary route to the north.

Backpackers and day hikers have the option of accessing the Croom Loops (A, B, and C) from the Silver Lake Trailhead or the Withlacoochee State Trail off Croom-Rital Road. These loop trails are described by some hikers as “fitting exercise to get in shape for the Appalachian Trail,” as they ascend and descend rolling sandhills topped with pines and oaks. When the river is in its floodplain, don’t miss a 3.5 mile loop day hike by taking the access trail from Silver Lake Recreation Area to the blue-blazed low water trail; it passes through spectacular stands of old-growth cypress trees. Use the orange-blazed high water trail to create a loop back to the trailhead.

Map

28 Croom The 20,470 acre Croom Tract is the center tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, east of Brooksville. The primary trailhead is at Tucker Hill Tower five miles east of US 41 on Croom Road. Trail access is available at Silver Lake Recreation Area, four miles north of US 98 (SR 50) on Rital-Croom Road. Look for the large FT sign near the boat ramp at the north end of the recreation area near the Interstate 75 bridge over the Withlacoochee River. When the river is high, the trail may not be accessible at this point.

Access the north end of the Hog Island Trail at Hog Island Recreation Area off CR 476 and CR 635 east of Nobleton, and the south end at River Junction Recreation Area, off CR 476B via Forest Road 13. The Withlacoochee State Trail (paved bike path) offers a connecting route between the Cross Florida Greenway and the town of Nobleton.

Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey.

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

Parking is available at Tucker Hill Tower (where trail crosses Forest Road T6), Silver Lake Recreation Area, Hog Island Recreation Area, and River Junction Recreation Area.

Features

Campsites

River Junction, Hog Island

Conditions

The Croom tract affords dry, all weather hiking on slightly hilly terrain. There is an overnight 20 mile loop hike on the perimeter, or you may plan day hikes on any of three loops and the Hog Island Trail.

Precautions

There is no camping allowed along the Withlacoochee State Trail. Brightly colored clothing is recommended when hiking during hunting seasons.

Restrictions

In the Croom section of the thru trail (east of the Withlacoochee River), camping is allowed only in the two campgrounds. On the Croom loop trail (west of the Withlacoochee River, see the FTA loop map Central-2 for full information ) camping is allowed only in the campgrounds and at designated campsites. No fires during high wildfire potential.