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Saddle up for a relaxed, family-focused two-hour horseback ride through Ocala’s Cross Florida Greenway. This private outing offers tandem options for young children and a slow, scenic pace through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks.
Saddle up for a relaxed, family-focused two-hour horseback ride through Ocala’s Cross Florida Greenway. This private outing offers tandem options for young children and a slow, scenic pace through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks.
Book with Makin Tracks Trail Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Makin Tracks Trail Rides · Fort McCoy, Florida
Just a short drive northeast of Ocala, Florida, the Cross Florida Greenway opens into red clay tracks and longleaf pine shade at 15901 NE 137 Court in Fort McCoy. The 2 Hour Trail Ride - Private Ride is a guided horseback escape that suits families and first‑time riders, offering tandem options for children ages two to five. Meet your guide at the farm, where experienced wranglers and steady mounts are readied for the trail and staff help you onto the saddle. Your scheduled two hours don’t start until you’re comfortably mounted and the group departs for the trailhead.
From the trailhead the route winds through classic Central Florida habitats: sandhill ridgelines carpeted in wiregrass, open pine flatwoods dotted with longleaf pines, and shaded oak hammock pockets where live oaks spread low branches and Spanish moss swings in the breeze. Notice the pale limestone outcrops and sandy soil underfoot; sinkholes and seasonally wet hollows are part of the Greenway’s geology, a reminder that this landscape was spared large-scale development when the Cross Florida Barge Canal project was halted in the 1970s.
What makes this private two‑hour option stand out is the small-group, family-first pacing. Rides are scheduled to avoid crowding, leaders tailor the tempo to mixed skill levels, and tandem seating allows very young riders to share an experienced adult’s mounting. Guides know every root and water crossing, point out wildlife such as wild turkey and gopher tortoise, and help riders with basic steering and posting techniques so the outing feels secure and relaxed.
Physically the ride rates easy to moderate: you should be comfortable sitting in the saddle for two hours and able to mount independently or with assistance. This experience is accessible to beginners but does require closed-toe shoes and a willingness to follow guide instructions. Children under six should ride tandem; contact the operator for specifics on smaller ages and any weight considerations.
Practical details matter: meet at 15901 NE 137 Court, Fort McCoy; arrive on time but not excessively early, as horse prep and a short lesson are part of the rhythm. Bring water, sun protection, and a light layer—morning temperatures can shift quickly beneath pines. The operator provides trained horses and helmets on request; costs and reservation details are handled through their online booking link.
For photographers, golden-hour light on sandy ridges and sun-dappled hammock clearings make memorable frames; for families, the simplest reward is shared quiet in the saddle and a child’s smile after a first confident trot. Whether you’re based in Ocala for a weekend or passing through Central Florida, this private two‑hour trail ride is an easy, reliable way to trade pavement for hoofbeats and see a less-visited side of the Greenway. Today.
Children ages 2 and up may join via tandem with an adult; solo riding typically requires older children—call the operator for specifics.
Meet at 15901 NE 137 Court, Fort McCoy, FL. The operator sends detour maps when needed and recommends punctual arrival.
No prior experience is required—guides provide a short lesson and assistance mounting; basic balance and following instructions are expected.
Helmets are available on request; ask during booking if you prefer a helmet to be set aside for your group.
The outing is easy to moderate—two hours in the saddle over mildly undulating terrain; comfortable sitting and light balance are needed.
Use the provided online booking link or call the operator directly to reserve, change, or ask about tandem options and availability.
Makin Tracks Trail Rides operates guided horseback rides from Fort McCoy, Florida, along Ocala’s Cross Florida Greenway. The company offers a selection of public and private trail rides in durations of one, two, and three hours, including river rides that feature a river stop and possible swimming. Rides are guided, family-friendly, and include options for tandem riding to accommodate young children and first-time riders. Public rides run on scheduled departures and welcome riders of varying experience levels, with a relaxed start and basic instruction provided. Private rides provide a personalized guide and expert assistance for families or small groups seeking a tailored experience on the same scenic trails. The two-hour and three-hour rides allow more time on the Cross Florida Greenway; the three-hour options include a river stop where riders may dismount or let horses rest while enjoying the river. Makin Tracks Trail Rides uses horses suited to trail riding and matches mounts to riders to promote safety and comfort. Guides lead all rides and provide orientation, basic riding instruction when needed, and direction along marked trails. The operation emphasizes scenic exploration of Ocala’s greenery, straightforward booking for public and private options, and family-oriented policies like tandem riding. Visitors to Fort McCoy and surrounding Ocala areas can choose from short introductions to riding or longer river rides, all running on the Cross Florida Greenway routes managed during each tour. Reservations and scheduling are available for both public and private rides; guests should confirm times before arrival. Questions can be emailed.
Book with Makin Tracks Trail Rides