Offroad Adventures in Hernando County, Fla.

Off-Road Adventures Await on Florida’s Adventure Coast

By Kevin and Amanda Mims

From riding the off-road trails of a vast state forest to zip lining through the treetops of a private park, adrenaline-fueled adventures that are also family-friendly aren’t hard to find on Florida's Adventure Coast. Here’s your step-by-step guide to two days of action-packed fun.

DAY ONE: OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES AT CROOM MOTORCYCLE AREA

7 a.m. — Breakfast at Southern Harmony Cafe
Cajun meets Cracker in this quaint cafe in Ridge Manor that offers guests home-cooked Southern meals in a blend of flavors from the owners’ home states of Louisiana and Florida. Familiar favorites and unique dishes are on the table in this warm and welcoming eatery.

8 a.m. — ATV riding at Croom Motorcycle Area
The 2,600-acre Croom Motorcycle Area in Brooksville has something for everyone in the family. Miles upon miles of trails are available for use, ranging in difficulty from easy to advanced, along with an area for training and young riders, a 100-acre sand bowl, and more.

The Croom Motorcycle Area is open daily and users have the option of bringing their own off-highway motorcycle or ATV or renting one from a local vendor. Two day-use areas, Hammock and Sand Hill, are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For complete fee, trail, and camping information, visit the Croom Motorcycle Area’s website.

Noon — Lunch at Florida Cracker Kitchen
This local favorite serves up classics like chicken and waffles, fish dip, and shrimp and grits. Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville serves breakfast and lunch and has an adjacent tap room that serves local beer, cocktails, and wood-fired pizza. After your meal, check out the Trading Company next door, which has apparel and gifts as well as local honey and sauces.

6 p.m. — Dinner at El Sol De Mexico Bar & Grill
For authentic Mexican fare and a full bar, head to El Sol De Mexico Bar & Grill, which has a festive atmosphere and a menu full of familiar favorites. While you’re there, browse their small market, which sells fresh pastries, breads, and other goods.

DAY TWO: ZIP LINING AT FLG X ADVENTURE COURSE

8 a.m. — Breakfast at The Farmer’s Wife Cafe
Fuel up for the day’s adventure with breakfast at The Farmer’s Wife Cafe in Brooksville. This cozy homestyle eatery serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and offerings include biscuits and gravy, omelets, pancakes, and crepes.

9:30 a.m. — Zip line at FLG X Adventure Course and Zip Line
Make your way to FLG X Adventure Course and Zip Line in Brooksville, where aerial adventures await in the treetops. Their high-flying courses are suitable for varying skill levels and incorporate obstacles such as bridges, ladders, tunnels, and cargo nets. There’s even a Little Ninja course for 5- to 8-year-olds that takes place on the ground and mimics the aerial courses. End the day with a 500-foot zip line and a sense of accomplishment. Plan to spend four hours at this stop.

1:30 p.m. — Lunch at Deep South Family BBQ
For more than 20 years, Deep South Family BBQ has been pleasing crowds with its Southern recipes and daily specials. Choose from a variety of classic barbecue dishes, plus plentiful sides and dessert offerings.

2:30 p.m. — Explore the Florida Mermaid Trail and Brooksville Mural & Arts Tour
Explore scenic Brooksville, walk brick-paved streets, and stroll past shops and historic sites as you take a self-guided walking tour of photo-worthy murals and unique art with the Brooksville Mural & Arts Tour, part of the Florida Mural Trail. While exploring downtown, you’ll come to the Florida Mermaid Trail, a scavenger hunt for 27 mermaids hidden throughout the city. Get your map of the mural trail online or at the Brooksville Welcome Center at 205 E. Fort Dade Avenue.

6 p.m. — Dinner at The Bistro

Make your way to The Bistro in the heart of downtown Brooksville for wood-fired pizza and a rotating menu featuring fresh local produce. Relax in the historic 1915 building and order a drink—the choices are many and include local beers and wines.

Time Allowance

This itinerary calls for three nights and two days. However, you could arrive after breakfast on the first day and make it a two-night stay instead.

Distance from Population Centers

The Brooksville and Weeki Wachee areas of Hernando County are an hour north of Tampa, 90 minutes west of Orlando, 90 minutes south of Gainesville, and 2.5 hours south of the Florida Welcome Center in Jennings.

Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do

All stops on this itinerary are in or near Brooksville and are an easy 15- to 20-minute drive apart.

What to Bring

If you own safety equipment for activities involving ATV and dirt bikes, you should bring it. If not, you can rent gear from a local outfitter. Activity-appropriate clothing, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, and bug spray are a must. For zip line activities, you will need to wear close-toed shoes. Bring plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated and a few light snacks. Don’t forget fingerless gloves, which can also be purchased at FLG X, and a camera durable enough for these adventures. Bring cash for gate fees at Croom Motorcycle Area and purchases at Florida Cracker Trading Company.

What to Expect

This itinerary will have you spending lots of time outside in the scenic natural areas of Hernando County. There is plenty of parking available in all locations.

Physical Demands

You’ll need enough stamina to climb trees and maneuver through obstacles. For the four adult courses, participants must be able to reach a height of 5 feet 11 inches with the middle of their palms with feet flat on the ground. For the junior course for kids ages 9 to 11, the reach requirement is at least 5 feet 9 inches. There is a weight limit of 275 pounds for zip lining.

Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights

Persons with physical disabilities may be able to complete portions of the zip line courses by making prior arrangements with the facility. Contact FLG X for more information.

Trip Highlights

Soaring among the treetops is an exhilarating experience, as is riding off-road in the Croom Motorcycle Area. This itinerary is full of adrenaline-filled action, but it’s also family-friendly: children as young as six can ride their own ATV at the Croom Motorcycle Area.

Awards And Recognition

The Croom Motorcycle Area is part of the Withlacoochee State Forest, which was named one of the “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been in North America” by the World Wildlife Fund.

Lodging and Accommodations

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, visitors have a choice of everything from national chain hotels to campgrounds and RV parks to waterfront vacation rentals and historic bed and breakfasts. Hotels at the I-75 interchange will be most convenient to the Croom Motorcycle Area and FLG X, and downtown Brooksville is just 15 minutes away.

Culinary Adventures

Order some “chumbo” (seafood gumbo) from Southern Harmony Cafe, a family-owned restaurant that combines the flavors of Florida and Louisiana.

Follow the familiar upside-down boot logo to Florida Cracker Kitchen, known for its famous smoked mullet dip and shrimp and grits.

In addition to Southern barbecue that’s kept people coming back for more than two decades, Deep South Family BBQ’s specialties include fried green tomatoes and delectable desserts.

Pair wood-fired pizza from The Bistro with locally-crafted beer or wine.

When to Visit and Seasonal Differences

Both of these adventures can be enjoyed year-round, but visiting between October and May offers cooler weather. Keep in mind that afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so plan accordingly. FLG X is open rain or shine but will temporarily close the courses due to severe weather, such as high winds and close lightning.

Surprises/Bonuses

As you tour downtown Brooksville and see the murals, look for QR codes on the buildings to get more information.

Many wild animal species inhabit the Croom Motorcycle Area and Withlacoochee State Forest. Piebald white deer, also called ghost deer, can be found in this area, along with white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, tortoises, turkeys, and birds of prey, including hawks and owls.

Rules

Zip line participants must meet height and weight requirements. Helmets are required for all riders in the off-road areas. Annual motorcycle permits are required for all units entering the Croom Motorcycle Area when camping. Use of the off-road areas is limited to ATVs and off-road motorcycles 55 inches or less in width and with a dry weight of 1,500 pounds or less. This area does not allow pets or alcohol. The Croom Motorcycle Area does not currently allow off-highway vehicles.