The Florida winter, with its clear, blue skies and moderate temperatures, is the best time of the year to hit the trails on an off-road motorcycle. With dozens of great places to ride, it would take years to hit them all, but this list will at least get you started.


Forest Rides

 The Croom Motorcycle Area in Withlacoochee State Forest has a national reputation thanks to its varied terrain. With more than 145,000 acres of pine forests, hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps to explore, this wilderness playground is one of Florida's best. Its 2,600 acres reserved for off-road use host a variety of trails that range from easy to highly challenging. An annual permit is required.

Apalachicola National Forest has no designated off-road vehicle trails, but the forest has numerous dirt roads that dirt bikes may use. Some areas - such as wetlands - are off-limits. The best bet is to check with the nearest district ranger's office before heading out to get the latest on trail conditions.


Raceways and Speedways

 The Dade City Raceway, in operation for 20 years, has a practice session every Thursday night and racing every Saturday night, regardless of weather conditions. This flat track is located on the Pasco County Fairgrounds, about eight miles east of I-75.

East of Fort Myers in Hendry County, you will find the Felda Motorsports Park, with 640 acres of trails for the Motocross rider. The trails are moderate and ride-able in most weather conditions. To reach Felda from Fort Myers, take 82 East approximately 30 miles to State Road 29. Go north approximately 10 miles to County Road 832; then go east one mile.

Northwest of Jacksonville near Hilliard you will find a natural-terrain track at the North Florida Raceway. Open for practice four days a week, this 40-acre park has three tracks, including a dedicated peewee track, a one-mile sand track, a one-mile clay track and a 20-acre marked trail. Membership is not necessary.

Located near Reddick, between Gainesville and Ocala, Motocross of Marion County has an all-clay track that was completely redesigned in 2003. The facility also has a vintage track that is a combination of clay and sand. Motocross of Marion County also operates one of the state's top MX schools for riders 65cc and up.

Another great off-road spot near Ocala is the Hardrock Cycle Park. With a two-mile track spanning more than 100 acres, this highly technical venue hosts some of the state's top off-road events. The main motocross track has an elevation change of more than 100 feet, as well as Hardrock's signature obstacle, the "Water Tower Jump," which has a trajectory of over 100 feet.

Osceola National Forest has 200,000 acres of wilderness with dozens of unnumbered forest roads that are open to dirt bikers.

Trees and Tracks

 Off-road enthusiasts will find another great spot to ride near Lake City, west of Jacksonville. Osceola National Forest has 200,000 acres of wilderness with dozens of unnumbered forest roads that are open to dirt bikers. For the latest trail conditions and regulations, contact the district ranger's office.

Seventeen miles northeast of Pensacola, the West Florida Motocross Track has a track open to off-road motorcycles. The separate motocross and supercross tracks are a combination of clay and sand. Lights are available for night riding.

The Sunshine Motor Speedway near St. Petersburg closed recently, but the Sunshine Moto-X track is still open. The track is open to dirt bikes. The schedule varies depending on the season. Membership is required.

Southwest of Tallahassee, Tate's Hell State Forest has more than 150 miles of trails on forest roads. Off-road enthusiasts will travel through everything from cypress swamps to pine flatwoods encountering a variety of wildlife including wild pigs, whitetail deer and black bear. An annual permit is required.