Florida Panhandle Trail Riding

Beach Riding with Horses

Florida Panhandle 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 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.

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.

Equestrian pursuits are supported by marked equestrian trails. Apalachicola National Forest Recreation Guide; Map of Apalachicola National Forest.

Blackwater River State Forest - Coldwater Recreation Area

The Coldwater Recreation Area, bordered to the north by Coldwater Creek, offers trails that take horseback riders through some of the most scenic woodlands in Florida. Opened in 1974, the facility has been a prized recreation area for bird dog and fox hound field trial participants and horseback riders. 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.

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. Marked equestrian trails, horse stalls and camping.

Florida Caverns State Park

Near Marianna, Florida in the Florida Panhandle. An equestrian horse facility is located in the center of the multiuse trail system. Horse riders can enjoy the use of horse stables. A wash rack is located directly behind these stables to clean and cool the horses after a hard day's work. Restrooms and picnic shelters are also nearby for your convenience. Equestrian camping is available. Please be sure to bring proof of negative Coggins for each horse. At this time the park does not rent horses. Horses are restricted to marked horse trails.

Lake Talquin State Forest - Fort Brandon Tract

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.

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.

Primitive campsites for both individual and group camping. 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.

Directions from Tallahassee: Go west 8.7 miles on Highway 20 from Capital Circle. Entrance road will be on the right.

River Rise Preserve State Park 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.