Jacksonville Horse Trail Riding

The areas described below offer NorthEast Florida trail riding facilities for experienced riders with their own horses. To find guided horse trail rides with horses provided, horse rentals or beach horseback riding, click here.

Jennings State Forrest featuring equestrian trails can be found in norttheast Florida and covers areas in both Clay and Duval counties. The 24,000 acre forrest features 15 different natural biological communities, each with unique plants, animals, and physical characteristics. This results in an abundance of wildlife residing in the forest. Horse riding trails and trail heads are indicated on the Map

Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail is an equestrian trail that starts about 5 miles from downtown Jacksonville. Equestrian and mountain biking trails continue being developed as part of the corridor. Contact the City of Jacksonville for the latest status on these recreational opportunities. Map

Amelia Island State Park is on Amelia Island near Jacksonville, Florida. The park protects over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southern tip of Amelia Island. Beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests provide visitors a glimpse of the original Florida.

Bayard Conservation Area This conservation area’s importance is magnified by its closeness to the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Featuring equestrian trails, the conservation area runs along the western bank of the St. Johns River, east of U.S. 17, south of State Road (SR) 16 in Clay County, just southeast of Green Cove Springs and 12 miles south of Jacksonville. Equestrian trail heads may be found on the Map

Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area In Clay County, about one mile east of Middleburg, along the south bank of Black Creek. This tract consists primarily of natural woodlands and wetlands. Horseback riding is allowed on many conservation areas on equestrian trails in designated areas and established roads and fire lines, except where restricted by signs. Check area maps for horseback riding opportunities. Map

Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area Six miles south of Palatka in Putnam County, bounded on the east by the St. Johns River and on the south by the Ocklawaha River. The area is located at the confluence of the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers. The area helps the restoration of these two major rivers and protects threatened and endangered species. The management area is a large, diverse tract which connects the Cross Florida Greenway with the Ocala National Forest. Equestrian trails are available in designated areas. Check area maps for horseback riding opportunities. Map

Cary State Forest is locatd in northeastern Florida near Jacksonville in Nassau and Duval Counties. Horeback riding is a popular activity on the forest and is allowed on all open forest roads as well as two designated eight mile horseback riding trail. The 12 mile Fireline Trail and Red Root Trail takes horseback riders through many different forest ecosystems which include: mature longleaf pine stands, immature slash pine stands and basin swamps.

Dunns Creek Conservation Area Situated on the east side of Dunns Creek, west of State Road (SR) 100 and east of U.S. 17, at the north end of Crescent Lake, approximately eight miles south of Palatka in Putnam County. The majority of the area is floodplain swamp and hydric hammock, which protects about five miles of shoreline on Dunns Creek. Pine flatwoods and upland mixed forests with small strand swamps and dome swamps are interspersed. Equestrian trails are available. See the map for horse riding trail heads. Map

Newnans Lake Conservation Area (North Tract) Equestrian riding trails in the St. Johns River Management District near Palatka, Florida.This area encompasses nearly two miles of Newnans Lake shoreline and parts of its two major tributaries — Hatchet Creek and Little Hatchet Creek — protecting a large area of floodplain wetlands. The conservation area also includes numerous isolated wetlands such as depression marshes, dome swamps and a large basin swamp known locally as Gum Root Swamp. Horseback riding is allowed on many conservation areas on trails in designated areas and established roads and fire lines, except where restricted by signs. Check area maps for horseback riding opportunities.

Guana River Wildlife Management Area Located midway between fast-growing Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Horseback riding is permitted on most named and numbered roads, established trails and firelanes. Horse riding is prohibited during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, small game and spring turkey seasons. Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a riding helmet when riding on public lands. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands. Map

Welaka State Forrest Welaka State Forest is located in northeastern Florida, approximately 17 miles south of Palatka, off of U.S. Highway 17. The forest is on State Road 309, 1 mile south of the town of Welaka. The Sandhill Horse Trail was established for equestrian use as well as hiking. All horses must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results when on state lands. Welaka State Forest also manages a 72-horse STABLE, TRAINING ARENAS and SHOW HORSE ARENA, which are all available for rental. Pets are not allowed in the horse facility area or dorms.

Florida Horse Trail Directory (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) There are currently 18 state forests and 26 state parks in Florida offering horse trails.

Florida Greenways and Trails
Explore recreatiolnal maps and descriptions of greenways and equestrian trails throughout the state.