Hiking, Biking, Trail Running, Horseback Riding, Geocaching, Kayaking and Canoeing - Croom Tract has it all. It’s no wonder the Withlacoochee State Forest was named one of the “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been” by the World Wildlife Fund.
For hikers, Croom offers a 15 mile loop with several cross connecting trails breaking it down into smaller sections. This loop trail is perfect for a day hike or a weekend excursion. In addition, the western linear corridor of the Florida Trail passes through this area via the Withlacoochee State Trail, so long distance hikers also get to experience Croom as well.
Since I live in the area, the bulk of my hiking and running takes place here. The best place to park and hike or bike is at the Tucker Hill Trailhead. The parking lot is situated next to the Division of Forestry Fire Tower, so it’s hard to miss.
From the trailhead I went down the north side of the loop trail. This side starts out with Oak and Cedar trees nestled around an old spring. Take a look off to the left when you pass the trail sign-in log and you’ll see it. It’s more of a sinkhole, but at one time it was maintained and there are remnants of old log bridges over some sections. It’s a great place to explore. I’ve been here a lot of times and only recently did I discover this, right here at the trailhead.
If you are a runner looking for a great place for hill work, this is the best location around. In the first two miles there are several large hills that are perfectly spaced out, giving you a chance to recover somewhat before you conquer the next one.
Wildlife count: 1 Raccoon, 19 deer (that’s right!), 1 rabbit, and about a thousand ’skeeters. Do yourself a favor and put on some bug spray if you are hiking. They aren’t bad further down the trail, but near the trailhead they are awful right now.
I’ve got some pictures posted in the gallery, but since it was getting dark they came out sort of crappy. I’ll have better ones to post in the near future.
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