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Length: 19.1 miles in 3 loops On the western side of the Withlacoochee River in the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, Ridge Manor. Hilly walking with deeply forested ravines on the northern section, gently rolling sandhills to the south, and low-lying floodplain forests along the river.
 The Croom Tract Loop Trail is a favorite for backpackers training for strenuous mountain treks, as it is one of Central Florida’s more rugged hikes. A 3.7-mile blue-blazed access loop leads you from the trailhead at Silver Lake Recreation Area under a bridge under I-75 into the forests along the river, and makes a nice short day hike on its own. The “low water” route passes through cypress stands with some immense trees, while the “high water” route heads right up into the sandhills to access the backpacking loops.
The trail is divided into three stacked loops: A (7 miles), B (9.9 miles), and C (8 miles). Loop A is part of the Florida State Forests Trailwalker Program. There are two deep ravines along the trail, one near the Tucker Hill trailhead on Loop B, and the other along Loop C. Most of the trail is in shady hardwood forests, sandhills, and longleaf pine forests.
 The Croom Tract is the center tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, east of Brooksville. One trailhead is at Tucker Hill miles in 3 loops Tower five miles east of US 41 on Croom Road. A second trailhead is at Silver Lake Recreation Area, four miles north of US 98 (SR 50) on Rital-Croom Rd. 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 passable here. New trail and trailhead have been opened south of Silver Lake for future connection to the Richloam Tract.
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. Park at Silver Lake Recreation Area or at the Tucker Hill Fire Tower. Hilly walking with deeply forested ravines on the northern section, gently rolling sandhills to the south, and lowlying floodplain forests along the river. Wear blaze orange vest when hiking during small game hunting seasons. The trail is closed to hikers during general gun hunting season. Treat all groundwater. If the Withlacoochee River is in flood stage, you will not be able to access the trail from Silver Lake Recreation Area. Camping and campfires are allowed only within zones marked with white bands on trees. Cooking fires only. No fires during high wildfire potential. Permits are required for large groups in primitive campsites. |
Hiking 
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