Go Off-Road

By Terry Tomalin
Published: May 15, 2008
Last Updated On: January 16, 2012

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Related Cities & Topics:

Parks

Gainesville

Jacksonville

Lake City

Ocala

Pensacola

Tallahassee

Apalachicola

Motorcycling

Dade City

Rev it up however you like at these great outdoor, off-road motorcycling areas.

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 for dirt bikes and ATV drivers. An annual permit and helmets are required.

Apalachicola National Forest has designated off-road vehicle trails, and all motorized vehicles must remain on a designated road or trail.The best bet is to check with the nearest district ranger's office before heading out to get the latest on trail conditions, or visit their website where maps of all designated road and trails are available.

Raceways and Speedways

The Dade City Motocross, in operation for 33 years, has a practice session every Thursday night and racing every Saturday night, regardless of weather conditions. This track is located on the Pasco County Fairgrounds, about eight miles east of I-75.

Northwest of Jacksonville near Hilliard you will find a natural-terrain track at the North Florida Motocross Park. Open for practice four days a week, this 40-acre park has three tracks, including a dedicated peewee track, a one-mile sand track and a one-mile clay track. 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 six tracks 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.

Trees and Tracks

Off-road enthusiasts will find another great spot to ride near Lake City, west of Jacksonville. Osceola National Forest has 240,000 acres of wilderness with signs marking roads that are open to all motorized vehicles. For the latest trail conditions and regulations, contact the district ranger's office.

The Sunshine Motor Speedway near St. Petersburg closed, but the Sunshine Motocross track is still open. The track is open to dirt bikes. The schedule varies depending on the season. Membership is not required, but members do get discounts.

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 deer, bear, wild pigs, whitetail deer and black bear. An annual permit is required. The park also added a three-day permit for $10.