Tampa Bay Area Trail Riding

Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Desoto

Withlacoochee State Forest – Croom Equestrian Trails Among the recreational amenities that make this state forest so popular are the horse trails in the Hernando County portion of the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The horse trails in this area are dry-to-damp, all weather trails that wind through central Florida’s longleaf pine and scrub oak hills, live oak thickets and hardwood hammocks, past creek bottoms and cypress ponds. Of particular interest are the area’s ravines, prairies and abandoned rock mines. Wildlife found in the area include deer, quail, grey squirrels and bobcats.

Flying Eagle Preserve The Withlacoochee River forms a portion of the eastern property boundary and is a vital component of regional drainage and flood conveyance. This property is a mosaic of small lakes, marshes and swamps, with numerous scattered islands of forested uplands. A broad mixture of hardwood and cypress swamps covers the floodplain of the Withlacoochee River. Riders required to stay on 9 miles of marked or designated multiuse trails.Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current negative Coggins test. Equestrian use not permitted during hunts.

Colt Creek State Park Purchased from the Overstreet Family in May of 2006, this 5067 acre park nestled within the Green Swamp Wilderness Area and named after one of the tributaries that flows through the property was opened to the public on January 20, 2007.
Visitors are invited to fish, picnic, and hike or ride their horses on over 12 miles of trails and enjoy nature study at its finest.

J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park 10 miles of marked equestrian trails. Corral and watering trough located in equestrian parking/staging area. Equestrian camping allowed at some campsites. Supplies and provisions must be packed in. Riders are required to stay on marked trails. Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current negative Coggins test. Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to wear helmets.

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 trails throughout the state.

Florida State Parks
Listing of all Florida State Parks and those that feature horse trails