History…

Since 1972

The history behind Croom Motorcycle Area [CMA] at Croom Withlacoochee State Forest all started back in 1897, when the mine began operating to mine for phosphate, which was then shipped to Germany. However, World War I put a temporary hold on mining production. Returning to operations in 1919. Buttgenbach Mine, once one of the largest phosphate mining operations in the United States, shut down in 1924.

When something comes to an end, another is just beginning, and this is when off-road riders had the opportunity to have a space for them. With the motorcycle industry flourishing, the abandoned mine began to take on a new life. Vegetation and trees started to take over, and the old pits filled with water, creating small lakes that enabled bass and other fish to flourish as well. Wildlife found sanctuary in the forest, which included deer, foxes, bobcats, turkeys, and other wild animals. In turn, this brought many hunters to the area.

Photo by Suzi Mingo

The State of Florida acquired the Withlacoochee State Forest in 1958, including the old mine, from the federal government. State forestry workers in the area would report off-road motorcyclists in the area. In the 1960s, the motorcycle craze was really getting started. During this time, off-road use was prohibited, so the forestry workers would force them to leave the area for several years. This went on until a petition was formed. Many of the petition signers were families looking for a place to ride without having to worry about getting into trouble with the law.

In 1972, there was a public meeting at the Hernando County Courthouse in Brooksville, FL, and the results of this meeting were to set aside 2,600 acres for what we now know as Croom Motorcycle Area, Withlacoochee State Forest, Brooksville, FL. Only requirements were: licensed motorcyclists; however, soon after, a judge ruled to make Croom an exception allowing children to ride.

Soon after 1973, Buttgenbach Campground was formed, offering electric, water, dump stations, restrooms, and showers. Then the cost was $3 for a six-day permit, and camping was $4 per night. And a free day-use area with picnic areas and restrooms, and still to this day, the day-use area is the most popular, with steep-sided gulleys created by the erosion of water and countless riders passing over the trails. Rain has always improved the riding as it increases the traction in the soft "sugar" sand.

This area was never shown on maps; however, people would come from all over the country to ride the trails and pits.

The Croom Motorcycle Area is located 11 miles east of Brooksville, Florida, at the northwest corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 50/98.