Florida Panhandle Horse Trail Riding

Florida Panhandle horseback trail riding offers some of the most enjoyable horseback riding trails in the South, featuring beach horseback riding and forest horse trails with tree canopies shading the trail. The horseback riding trails described below offer trail riding facilities for experienced riders with their own horses.

Some trails and parks offer equestrian camping, overnight horse stables, and wash racks for horses. Call ahead for reservations.

Guided Trail Rides

For more information about guided horse trail rides, beach riding, rental horses, or horseback riding lessons click here.

Horse trail riding in Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, and Washington counties.

The Trail Riding Store

Prepare for your next horse trail ride with a visit to the Trail Riding Store where you will find saddle bags, pack saddles, picket supplies, trail food and water bottles.

Panhandle Horse Trail Directory

Florida Horse Trail Directory (view online or download the pdf file.)
Eighteen state forests and 26 state parks in Florida offer equestrian horse trails. The brochure highlights many of the trails throughout Florida that are suitable for beginner and advanced horseback riders.

Florida Greenways and Trails
Explore recreational maps and descriptions of equestrian greenways and horse trails throughout the state. The Florida Greenway is a vast network of trails and conservation areas stretching across the state, designed to preserve natural habitats and provide recreational opportunities. It includes the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, which spans over 200 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. This greenway offers a range of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and paddling. The diverse ecosystems within the greenway support a variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The Florida Greenway is a testament to the state's commitment to environmental conservation and outdoor recreation.

Florida State Parks
Listing of all Florida State Parks and those that feature equestrian horse trails. Below is a list of Florida State Parks in the Florida Panhandle that offer equestrian trails. All horses ridden in Florida state parks must have a current Coggins test.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Equestrian trails just outside of Tallahassee on Thomasville Road. The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers approximately five miles of multi-use trails that can be used for hiking, biking, or equestrian horseback riding. These horse trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only, and for scenic viewing by people.

Apalachicola National Forest

Near Crawfordville, southwest of Tallahassee in the Florida Panhandle, Apalachicola National Forest is the largest forest in Florida at 571,088 acres, which includes 2,735 acres of water. The Apalachicola National Forest is home to some of the most unique animal and plant species in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy safe, family-friendly activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking and trail riding while surrounded by tranquil, diverse ecosystems.

The Apalachicola National Forest offers horse trails and opportunities for overnight camping. Equestrian pursuits are supported by marked equestrian trails.

The LAM Equestrian Trail is a popular choice, starting at Doe Lake and extending north for 34 miles, paralleling the Ocklawaha River. Primitive camping is permitted along this trail, except during hunting season. You must be part of a group renting the group recreation area to camp here with your horse.

Apalachicola National Forest Recreation Guide; Map of Apalachicola National Forest.

Blackwater River State Forest - Coldwater Recreation Area

Blackwater River State Forest, located near Milton, Florida, in Santa Rosa County, in the Florida Panhandle., offers a serene retreat for equestrian enthusiasts. The forest boasts over 50 miles of scenic equestrian trails, weaving through towering longleaf pines, gentle hills, and along pristine waterways. Riders can enjoy well-marked trails suitable for various skill levels, with opportunities to spot wildlife and experience Florida’s natural beauty.

 Horse camping is available at designated sites like Coldwater Recreation Area, which provides facilities such as water, horse stalls, and spacious parking for trailers. These amenities ensure a comfortable stay for both riders and their horses, making Blackwater River State Forest a premier equestrian destination.

All horses must have proof of current negative Coggins test results when on state lands. ALL children under the age of 16 are required to wear a protective helmet while riding on state lands.

There are two equestrian trails located at Coldwater Recreation Area. Go 5.5 miles south of Munson Crossroads on County Road 191. Turn west on Hardy Road and follow it 5.5 miles to Coldwater Recreation Area. The Pink Trail is 7.1 miles and the Yellow Trail is 8.2 miles.

Chipola River Water Management Area

The Chipola River, the largest tributary of the Apalachicola, also boasts 63 fresh water springs, the largest number of any rivers in Northwest Florida near Marianna. Visitors enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, canoeing, biking, camping, horse riding and bird-watching. Also, the state park offers many multi-use trails, including equestrian horse use, which continues on District lands.

The Chipola River Water Management Area in Florida offers opportunities for horse camping. The area is known for its natural beauty and diverse recreational activities, including horseback riding. There are designated campgrounds and trails for equestrian use, where horse campers can enjoy the scenic landscape and trails along the Chipola River. It's always a good idea to check with the local authorities or the managing agency for specific details on camping availability, regulations, and amenities.

Coldwater Recreation Area in Blackwater River State Forrest. The Coldwater Recreation Area, bordered to the north by Coldwater Creek, offers horse trails that take horse riders through some of the most scenic woodlands in Florida. The area features equestrian trails, horse stalls and horse camping. Before planning your visit, it’s advisable to check for any specific regulations or reservation requirements and confirm the availability of campsites for horse camping.

Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park is located near Marianna, Florida in the Florida Panhandle. Florida Caverns State Park offers a fantastic experience for equestrians, with scenic trails and camping options. The park features several miles of equestrian trails that wind through beautiful hardwood forests, providing riders with a peaceful and natural setting. These trails are suitable for riders of various skill levels.

The park also has a designated horse camp, equipped with amenities like stalls and hitching posts, making it convenient for those wishing to camp with their horses. This combination of trails and equestrian camping makes Florida Caverns State Park a popular destination for horseback riders seeking outdoor adventure.

Lake Talquin State Forest - Fort Brandon Tract

Lake Talquin State Forest is located just west of Tallahassee, Florida, straddling Leon and Gadsden counties. The forest is adjacent to Lake Talquin, a reservoir formed by the Ochlockonee River. Directions from Tallahassee: Go west 8.7 miles on Highway 20 from Capital Circle. Entrance road will be on the right.

Here is an opportunity to explore a range of different ecosystems and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Talquin on the 1242 acre Fort Braden tract. This recreation area features a designated Trailtrotter trail.

Lake Talquin State Forest features two equestrian horse trail loops. Each trail is five to six miles in length. Riders should expect an amazing trail that will include low water crossings, inclines, and winding trails.

NOTE: All horses must have proof of current negative Coggins test results when on state lands. All children under the age of 16 are required to wear a protective helmet while riding on state lands.

Lake Talquin State Forest offers horse camping! The High Bluff Recreation Area and Fort Braden Trails both have primitive campsites that are accessible by horseback. These sites are ideal for self-sufficient campers who are comfortable bringing their own portable corrals and supplies. The serene surroundings and diverse trails make it a great spot for horse camping enthusiasts.

Campers must obtain a State Forest Use Authorization for overnight camping from the Lake Talquin headquarters on Geddie Road. Facilities include picnic pavilions and a trail head restroom.

River Rise Preserve State Park

River Rise Preserve State Park is located in Columbia County, Florida, about six miles north of High Springs. It's situated off U.S. Route 441 within O’Leno State Park. The park is known for the unique phenomenon where the Santa Fe River disappears underground and reemerges a few miles away.

Equestrians can explore over 20 miles of horse trails and end the day camping overnight with their horses. Located near the entrance to the park, the horse camp has primitive campsites, restrooms, and a 20-stall horse barn available on a first-come-first-served basis. Equestrian horse fees and camping fees are paid first at O´Leno State Park before entering River Rise State park. The equestrian fee includes park admission. Proof of negative Coggins is required.