You've probably driven past it. If you’ve ever trekked down I-75 toward Tampa or headed up toward Ocala, you’ve seen the signs for Croom and Lacoochee. But right there in Sumter County, tucked into a pocket of the Withlacoochee State Forest, sits Croom-A-Coochee Florida. It's a place that sounds like a tongue twister and feels like a time capsule.
Honestly, most people blink and miss it.
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It isn't a bustling metropolis. It’s a census-designated place (CDP) that basically serves as the gateway to some of the most rugged, untouched terrain left in the Sunshine State. When people talk about "Old Florida," they usually mean kitschy postcard shops or 1950s diners. In Croom-A-Coochee, "Old Florida" means limestone canyons, deep woods, and the kind of quiet that actually rings in your ears.
The Geography of a Tongue Twister
The name itself is a mashup. You’ve got "Croom," named after a family that settled in the area way back, and "A-Coochee," which is clearly a nod to the Withlacoochee River. The river's name comes from the Muskhogean language, roughly translating to "Little Great Water." It's a weirdly accurate description. The river is narrow in spots but carries a massive ecological weight.
What makes this specific area—Croom-A-Coochee Florida—so unique compared to, say, Orlando or even nearby Bushnell?
Elevation.
Florida is notoriously flat. We’re basically a giant pancake with humidity. But because of the historical mining in the Croom area, the topography here is jagged. You’ll find steep drops and actual hills. These aren't mountains, obviously, but for a Floridian, a thirty-foot incline feels like the Himalayas. This terrain is what draws the mountain bikers and the off-roaders.
The soil here is different too. It’s sandy but reinforced with limestone. It’s the reason the dust turns that specific shade of grey-white when the sun hits it in mid-July.
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The Withlacoochee State Forest Connection
You can't really talk about this community without talking about the forest. The Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest is the backyard for everyone living here. It covers over 20,000 acres.
- Mountain Biking: The Croom 35-mile trail system is legendary. It’s not just a dirt path. It’s a series of loops that weave through longleaf pines and turkey oaks.
- The Croom Motorcycle Area: This is a big one. It’s one of the only places in the state where you can legally tear up the dirt on an ATV or dirt bike across 2,600 acres of designated land.
- Hiking: The Florida Trail passes right through this region.
I've spoken to hikers who say the section near Croom-A-Coochee feels more like the Carolinas than the Gulf Coast. The canopy is thick. It gets dark in those woods way before the sun actually sets. It’s easy to get turned around if you aren’t paying attention to the blazes on the trees.
Why People Actually Live in Croom-A-Coochee Florida
It's not about the nightlife. There isn't any.
People move here because they want to be left alone. The population hovers around a few hundred people depending on how the census lines are drawn that year. Most homes sit on larger lots. You see a lot of pole barns, horse trailers, and gardens that are actually meant to feed a family, not just look pretty for the neighbors.
There’s a specific kind of ruggedness required to live here. You’re dealing with the heat, the bugs, and the reality that the nearest "big" grocery store is a bit of a haul. But the tradeoff is a front-row seat to some of the best birdwatching in the country. Swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, and even the occasional wood stork are just... there. In your yard.
The Realities of the Local Economy
Historically, this area was built on timber and turpentine. Then came the phosphate mining. If you look at the landscape today, those "natural" looking pits and ravines are actually scars from an industrial past.
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Today, the economy is much more quiet. It’s a mix of retirees, people working in the nearby correctional facilities in Bushnell or Coleman, and those who commute to the more developed parts of Sumter County. The Villages is sprawling southward, which is actually a point of contention for many locals. They see the retirement mega-city creeping closer and worry about the traffic and the loss of that rural "A-Coochee" vibe.
Getting It Right: Common Misconceptions
People often confuse Croom-A-Coochee with Lacoochee, which is just down the road in Pasco County. While they share a similar history and a similar name, Croom-A-Coochee is firmly in Sumter County.
Another mistake? Thinking it’s a swamp.
Sure, the river is right there. But a lot of Croom-A-Coochee is high and dry. That’s why the hiking and biking are so good. You aren't always trekking through knee-deep muck. The "Highlands" area of the forest is actually quite well-drained.
And let’s be real about the weather. It is brutal.
If you visit in August, the humidity doesn't just sit on you; it crushes you. The air in the thick of the pine stands gets incredibly still. If you’re planning a trip to explore the trails or the river, you do it at 7:00 AM or you don't do it at all.
What Really Happened With the Ghost Towns?
Around Croom-A-Coochee Florida, there are whispers of "ghost towns." This isn't just local legend. There were actual settlements like Croom and Silver Moon that basically vanished when the timber ran out or the railroad changed routes.
If you go deep enough into the Croom Tract, you can still find remnants. Bricks. Foundations. Sometimes just a patch of non-native plants that shouldn't be in the middle of a forest, marking where someone’s front porch used to be. It’s a bit haunting.
The town of Croom itself once had a post office and a school. Now? It’s a trailhead. It’s a reminder that in Florida, the wilderness is always trying to take back the land. You stop mowing for a week, and the vines start eyeing your tires. You leave a town for fifty years, and it disappears entirely.
Practical Insights for the Modern Explorer
If you’re actually going to visit or if you’re looking at property in Croom-A-Coochee, there are some things you need to know that the brochures won't tell you.
- Cell Service: It’s spotty. Don't rely on your GPS once you get deep into the forest roads. Download your maps before you leave the I-75 corridor.
- The River: The Withlacoochee is a "blackwater" river. The tea color comes from tannins in the decaying leaves. It’s perfectly safe to paddle, but it looks intimidatingly dark.
- Wildlife: This is gator country. And pig country. Wild hogs are a massive presence in the forest and can be much more aggressive than a sunbathing alligator. If you’re hiking with a dog, keep it on a short leash.
- Permits: If you’re heading to the Motorcycle Area, you need a permit. Don't just show up and think you can ride. The Florida Forest Service is pretty strict about it.
The Future of the Region
Croom-A-Coochee is at a bit of a crossroads.
With Florida's population exploding, places that were once "out in the sticks" are becoming desirable. The proximity to the Suncoast Parkway and I-75 makes it a prime target for people who want space but need to get to Tampa for work.
However, the state forest acts as a massive buffer. It’s unlikely we’ll see 5,000-home subdivisions popping up right in the middle of the Croom Tract anytime soon. That’s the silver lining for the people who love the area's current state. The land is protected, which means the character of Croom-A-Coochee Florida—that weird, quiet, rugged character—is likely to stay exactly as it is for a while longer.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to experience the area without getting lost or overheated, here is how you do it.
Start at the Silver Lake Recreation Area. It’s one of the best entry points. There’s a campground, boat ramp, and access to the trails. It gives you a "safe" introduction to the river and the woods before you go deeper into the backcountry.
Check the hunting season. This is crucial. Since Croom-A-Coochee is surrounded by Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), there are specific times of the year when hikers and bikers need to wear blaze orange. You can find the specific dates on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website.
Support the local stops. Since there isn't a "main street," look for the small bait shops or roadside stands along State Road 50 or Highway 301. That’s where you get the real flavor of the community.
Hydrate beyond what you think is necessary. If you’re taking on the Croom 35-mile loop, carry twice the water you think you need. The combination of the sandy terrain and the Florida sun is a recipe for dehydration.
Ultimately, Croom-A-Coochee Florida is a reminder that there’s still a part of the state that hasn't been turned into a theme park. It’s raw, it’s a little bit dusty, and it’s entirely authentic.
Resources for Further Exploration
- Florida Forest Service: For maps of the Croom Tract and current trail conditions.
- Sumter County Historical Society: To dig into the family lineages of the Croom and Lacoochee settlers.
- SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District): For water levels on the Withlacoochee River, which can change drastically after a summer storm.
Explore with respect. Pack out your trash. This corner of Florida is fragile despite its rugged appearance.