Epic Croom Mountain Bike Trails 

 

Notable Croom Trails

• Drunken Monkey – A 2-mile intermediate-to-advanced trail full of jumps, short climbs, sharp twists, and a dirt wall ride. Set in an old phosphate pit, it’s one of Croom’s most exciting rides.
• Sugar Mountain – A long, steady climb followed by fast descents. Great for intermediate riders who enjoy working up a sweat and earning their downhill flow.
• Pig Pen – A tight, rooty singletrack loop that twists through forest terrain. Offers plenty of turns and short technical sections that sharpen bike handling skills.
• Vortex Return – A fast, advanced trail used by experienced riders to wrap up long loops. Expect elevation changes and natural tech features.
• Blue Highway – Ideal for beginners and intermediate riders, this trail is smooth, fast, and scenic, with very few technical elements.

What Riders Are Saying About Croom MTB (Withlacoochee State Forest)

Croom gets talked about as Florida’s big-mile, big-leg trail system: 50+ miles of mostly old-school XC singletrack where the challenge isn’t nonstop tech—it’s the distance + extended climbs that sneak up and turn your ride into a full cardio mission.

Croom has a split personality:

• Most of it is rolling, fast, and not overly technical—great for spinning, endurance miles, and newer riders who want a long day without constant danger.
• Then you’ve got the limestone quarry “pits” areas that add the spicy stuff: short, steep climbs and drops that feel like a little BMX park for mountain bikes.

A few consistent “heads-ups” people mention:

• It’s easy to miss turns if you’re not watching markers (there are lots of other paths and intersections).
• Some sand shows up here and there, but it’s usually not the whole ride.
• It feels remote, so riders recommend showing up prepared (water, tools, snacks).

Trail Spotlight: Drunken Monkey Trail

Want to ride something with personality? Say hello to Drunken Monkey—a two-mile thrill ride tucked into an old phosphate pit that’s packed with jumps, rollers, punchy climbs, and a dirt wall ride you won’t forget.

This trail is all about rhythm. You’ll dive into steep ravine drops, twist through tight turns, and power up quick, jagged climbs before plunging into the next descent. The terrain rolls like a rollercoaster—short ups and downs, tight switchbacks, and sudden little peaks that keep your adrenaline fired up.

There’s a bypass route for those not ready to tame the Monkey—but if you’re a competent intermediate rider looking for a challenge with flow and fun, this trail delivers big.

VIDEO: Riding Drunken Monkey: Croom MTB Trails

Trailheads at Croom Mountain Bike Trails – There are many!

The Mountain Bike Trail system in Withlacoochee State Forest is massive—over 50 miles of trails—and it can be confusing to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Knowing the key entry points makes a huge difference, especially if you’re aiming to hit specific loops or more challenging terrain. Here are the main access points to get you rolling in the right direction:

Tucker Hill Day Use Area (Main Trailhead)

• Location:Intersection of Croom Road and Forest Road 7
• Features: Pavilion with grill and picnic tables, restrooms, outdoor shower, trail maps
• Best For: Accessing the core trail network and most loop options
• Note: Day-use fee required

Croom Road Trailhead

• Location: About 2 miles down Croom Road from the Tucker Hill intersection
• Features: Parking area, access to the Withlacoochee State Trail and the Blue Trail
• Best For: Jumping into longer routes like the 32-mile Blue Trail

Nobleton Croom Road Trailhead

• Location: Off Nobleton Croom Road (dirt road access)
• Features: Small parking area, quieter entry point
• Best For: Direct access to trails like the Cole-Lition Loop and surrounding singletrack

Tips for Navigating Croom

• Trail Markings: Look for 4-inch circle blazes in different colors—each loop is clearly marked
• Maps: Bring a printed trail map or use GPS apps to avoid getting turned around
• Pack Smart: Some trailheads have limited amenities—carry water, snacks, and tools
• Events: Check the schedule for races or challenges that may affect access

Choosing the right trailhead can help you make the most of your Croom MTB experience—whether you’re out for a short loop or planning to crush a full 50-mile day.

Why Ride Croom?

• Over 50 miles of diverse singletrack
• Real elevation changes (yes, in Florida!)
• Old quarry terrain for natural tech and scenic views
• Beginner to expert trails woven through a wild, wooded landscape
• Ample parking, forest shade, and ride options for every skill level

Croom is where grit meets flow, and every mile earns a smile. Grab your water, tighten your helmet, and get after it.

Where You Can Camp at Croom (Withlacoochee State Forest – Croom Tract)

• Silver Lake Campground (developed campground)
  The easiest “set up camp, then go ride” option. It’s on the shore of Silver Lake and has RV/tent sites with water + electric (30/50 amp), plus a bathhouse and dump station.
• Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone East (hike-in)
  Hike in / hike out only. No water, no amenities (sometimes a fire ring/picnic table). The camp zone is about 0.5 mile from the parking area.
• Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone West (hike-in)
  Another hike in / hike out primitive option with no water and no facilities. This one is deeper—about 5.25 miles from the parking area—so it feels more remote.
• Croom Tract Primitive Camp Zone Paddle-In (paddle-in)
  Paddle in / paddle out only. No water or amenities (sometimes a fire ring/picnic table). It’s about 1.2 miles north of the Silver Lake Recreation Complex boat ramp on the river.
• Buttgenbach Campground at Croom Motorcycle Area (developed, but OHV vibe)
  A developed campground inside the Croom Motorcycle Area, with electric + potable water, bathhouses (restrooms/showers), and even an ATV/dirt bike wash station. Great if you don’t mind the off-road scene (and the potential noise).