Bike & Hike Getaway (Day 1): Hike in Withlacoochee State Forest - Croom C Loop

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EVENT DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP!
This getaway is supposed to be a social event and involves an overnight stay in Inverness. However, if you do not want to spend the night in a hotel, you can still sign up for each or any of the two days individually.
If you want to do both days, please sign up on both so that we know whom to expect.

Day 1: Hike the Croom C Loop within the Withlacoochee State Forest
(bring along a picnic!)

A day pass for the State Forest will be $ 2.00 per Person and can only be bought online at DAY PASS. (scroll down towards the middle of the page)

10:00 AM: Let's meet at the Tucker Hill Trailhead (26416 County Rd 480 W, Brooksville, FL 34601). Restrooms will be available.

Croom is named after a nearby ghost town that existed on the banks of the forest’s namesake river. We will casually hike the C Loop, one of the popular trails in the forest. This is a great hike that is unique to most Florida trails due to the nearly 400 feet elevation gain. If we are lucky, we might already see a couple of wildflowers along the way.

Total length will be 7.2 miles. However, we will take a couple of breaks and even have a little picnic. Please bring your own food.

02:00 PM: Because it will be too early for check-in at our motel, we will drive for about 30 minutes (26 miles) to the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum in Inverness. The Museum will be open until 04:00 PM and is free.

It offers three stimulating exhibitions on the first floor that explore 12,000 years of Citrus County and Florida history. Traveling and special temporary exhibits are scheduled throughout the year. The beautifully restored courtroom on the second floor is also available to all visitors.

After the museum visit we can explore the small but picturesque historic downtown of Inverness and maybe go for a drink at Stumpknockers or ice cream at Ally J's Ice Cream.

04:30 PM: A short 5 minute drive will get us to our accommodation.

We will stay at Central Motel (721 US Hwy 41 S), a simple but very popular, reasonably prized and clean motel. Please book your room as soon as possible. We will get a special, discounted rate of $ 109 plus tax per room. You will have to mention our group name SWFL Bikes and Hikes when you make the reservation at (352) 726-4515.
The motel has a small pool area and a wonderful breakfast place right next to it. Breakfast won't be included but you will get a discount if you stay at the motel.

Of course, there are other accommodations in the area but they might involve some driving.

06:30 PM: After check-in, some freshen up and relaxation, we will meet at the pool area and walk over for dinner to Cedar River Seafood. Last time we were there food was delicious.

After dinner, we will call it a day and hopefully get some good night sleep.

On Day 2 of our getaway, we will start our bike ride at 10:00 AM in Floral City. This will give us enough time to enjoy the delicious breakfast at Central Café & Bakery next door to the motel. They open at 08:00 AM.

As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.