Horse Back Riding Trails for North Central FL and Alachua County

My Tennessee Walking Horse, Lady, and I have traveled many trails in the area together. We are happy to introduce you to the local parks and preserves beckoning for horseback adventures.

The desirable climate makes it possible to enjoy these natural areas year round. Some parks even offer moonlight rides in summer months. Most of the parks are open 8:00 am to sundown and a negative coggins is required with you at all times. Compiled below is information on some of the states best riding trails. 

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

This vast nature preserve boasts one of the few remaining mature forests in Florida. A combination of limestone soils and extreme elevation deviations allow for a variety of species of animals and hardwoods. Wildlife including bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys and many songbirds can be spotted in the preserve along the twenty miles of cleared trails. The entrance for horseback riders is located off U.S. 441, just south of the town of Alachua. The cost is $6 per horse.

For Information about San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, please call 386-462-7905.

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

It is protected as a 16 mile long Florida State Park rail trail that runs from the City of Gainesville's Boulware Springs Water Works to the town of Hawthorne. It also passes through the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area along a former Seaboard Coast Line rail line. A grassy equestrian pathway is available except east of the Lochloosa trailhead. For Information about Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, please call 352-466-3397.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Preservef being Florida’s first state preserve in 1971. Since then it has become a National Natural Landmark. Over 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife, including alligators, bison, wild horses, and over 270 species of birds.

Eight trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Ranger-led activities are offered on weekends, November through April. Fishing on Lake Wauberg is allowed and a boat ramp provides access for canoes and boats with electric motors. Gasoline powered boats are not allowed. Full-facility campsites are available for overnight visitors. Located on U.S. 441, 10 miles south of Gainesville.

For Information about Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, please call 352-466-3397.

Lake Louisa State Park

A short drive from Orlando, this park is noted for its six beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes. Lake Louisa is the largest in a chain of 13 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway. Lake Louisa, Dixie Lake, and Hammond Lake, the park's most accessible lakes, provide access for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Anglers can fish in four of the park's six lakes, but gasoline-powered boats are not allowed; only boats powered by trolling motors or without motors are permitted. Camping facilities and more than 15 miles of horse trails are available for equestrians. For hikers and backpackers, the park has over 20 miles of hiking trails with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Dixie Lake has a fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, and a picnic pavilion.The park also has a full-facility campground, fully furnished cabins for rent, and primitive campsites. Lake Louisa State Park is located just seven miles south of State Road 50 in Clermont on U.S. 27.

For Information about Lake Louisa State Park, please call 352-394-3969.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

One of Florida´s first state parks, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park was developed on a 2,000-acre site by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. The extraordinary craftsmanship of the CCC is still evident today. Located on rolling sandhills in an area known as the central ridge of Florida, a deep ravine with springs issuing from its side bisects the area and forms Gold Head Branch. Marshes, lakes and scrub provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing along the park´s nature trails and a three-mile stretch of the Florida Trail. For aquatic recreation, visitors can swim or fish in the lake, or spend a lazy afternoon canoeing. A large picnic area, with tables and grills, overlooks Little Lake Johnson. Nestled under the trees is a full-facility campground. Group and primitive campsites are available as are fully equipped lakefront cabins, some of which were built by the CCC. For Information about Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, please call 352-473-4701.

O'leno State Park River Rise Preserve Equine Trails

The Santa Fe River goes underground in O'Leno State Park and reemerges over three miles away in River Rise Preserve as a circular pool before resuming its journey to the Suwannee River. Surrounded by quiet woods and huge trees, anglers can spend a relaxing afternoon fishing on the river. Hiking and wildlife viewing is also a favorite pastimes for park visitors.

Equestrians can explore over 20 miles of 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. O´Leno State Park is located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs. The entrance to the River Rise is two miles west of High Springs on U.S. 27.

For Information about River Rise Preserve State Park, please call 386-454-1853.