Tampa: Croom A-Loop Trail
Discover central Florida's hidden pocket of dry, undulating forest on this 8-mile loop through longleaf pine hills, wet prairie, and an abandoned lead mine.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 12.3
Waypoints
CRM001
Location: 28.5935707092285, -82.2960433959961
Hike NE behind information kiosk on Florida Trail
CRM008
Location: 28.6033592224121, -82.2683792114258
Cross FR 7
CRM009
Location: 28.602201461792, -82.272705078125
Watch for wildlife in marshland watering holes: herons, egrets, foxes
CRM010
Location: 28.5981101989746, -82.2848205566406
Cross FR 5 through thick pine forest and gently rolling terrain
CRM002
Location: 28.5938205718994, -82.2953491210938
Turn L, follow North Trail sign; cross paved Croom Rd. to enter heart of Withlacoochee State Forest
CRM003
Location: 28.5980491638184, -82.2948379516602
Stay L @ 3-way; pass primitive A-Loop campsite on L; no permit required, no water available
CRM004
Location: 28.6082992553711, -82.2919082641602
Hiking through hilly, longleaf and slash pine forest, cross grated dirt road used by equestrians and bikers
CRM005
Location: 28.6168994903564, -82.2682113647461
Cross FR 7; pass several old burn patches where prickly-pear cacti sprout; park managers occasionally burn this area to limit undergrowth, invasive species
CRM006
Location: 28.6084804534912, -82.2541122436524
Cross dirt road. On W side of trail see old lead mine, a football-field-sized unnatural depression, active until early 20th century. Wander down embankment to explore ruins hidden in undergrowth
CRM007
Location: 28.6074905395508, -82.2543563842774
Turn R @ Y on A-B Cross Trail; in spring, trail is lined with goldenrod
CRM011
Location: 28.5980377197266, -82.2943725585938
Turn L; return to parking lot