Horseback riders love Florida’s Adventure Coast for the many horseback riding trails throughout the Withlacoochee State Forest
Horseback riders are equally at home in the Withlacoochee State Forest with more than 40 miles of designated, well-marked, single-track trails and many miles of scenic forest roads available for horseback riding. All trails and forest roads are sandy, with flat to moderately hilly terrain, and traverse spectacular pine, cypress, and hardwood forests with abundant wildlife viewing. Because most of the trails are shady, they can be ridden year-round; however, optimal horseback riding weather in Central Florida occurs from October through May.
The primary trailhead is centrally located on Croom Road (Forest Road 6) adjacent to the Tucker Hill fire tower while primitive horse camping is allowed at Twin Pond Hunt Camp when the area is closed to hunters. (Special Use Permit required; contact the Visitors Center at 352.797.4140). If you’re new the trails, you may wish to join one of the local horse groups hold that hold regular rides; contact the Visitors Center for a current list of groups. Local Bed & Barn lodging is also available at Spotted Dance Ranch.