Florida offers a wide range of options and possibilities for anybody looking to sample the unique thrills of the off-road experience, either on a motorcycle or an ATV (all-terrain vehicle), or from behind the wheel of a 4x4. For veteran off-roaders there are wild, challenging trails, while the novice can take advantage of centers that provide both vehicles and instruction. Thanks to the variety of Florida geography, several different types of terrain can be sampled.
The name's slightly misleading, as the Croom Motorcycle Area provides for the needs of both ATV motorcycles and ATV riders. Enthusiasts come from across the country to sample its wide variety of trails and challenges. Some trails are periodically bulldozed smooth, while others are left unmaintained for a wilder ride.
In places you can even go off trail, cutting into the woods for a truly authentic off-road challenge. Croom is situated about 40 miles north of Tampa in Withlacoochee State Forest. A yearly permit must be purchased to ride the trails. These cost from $30 for Florida residents, and are more expensive if you come from out of state.
If you're new to off-roading and are curious to try it out, consider the facilities operated by Revolution in Clermont, a half-hour drive from Walt Disney World. Here, on a 220-acre property, you can sample a range of off-road vehicles: ATVs, dune buggies and 4x4s.
Firms like Revolution offer a chance to try all aspects of the off-road experience in an environment where novices can take advantage of the expert instruction available, and learn how to have off-road thrills that are both fun and as safe as possible.
In Ocala National Forest in central Florida, it's possible to have an off-road experience with an educational twist, one that's more about appreciating the beauty of your surroundings than the challenge of controlling your vehicle.
These tours are one to three hours in length, providing a unique opportunity to witness Ocala's breathtaking scenery and wide variety of wildlife, while taking advantage of the expertise of an experienced guide. With over 180 miles of trails available, you can explore the heart of the forest at length.
If the forest isn't for you, motocross offers a very different kind of off-road thrill. For those keen to try the high-speed thrills of dirt bike tracks, Florida is very well served, with a number of facilities offering regular open practice sessions.
The North Florida Motocross Park, north of Jacksonville, is a fine example, offering three different types of track. Meanwhile, Motocross of Marion County operates a riding school and is therefore a great option for an inexperienced rider. In fact, there are options throughout the state, from County Line Motocross in the north, to south Florida's Thundercross Motocross Park.
