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Trade the car window for the steady rhythm of a horse on a two-hour guided ride through the Cross Florida Greenway. Family-friendly with tandem options for toddlers, this outing delivers pine barrens, seasonal creeks, and wildlife without the fuss of complex logistics.
Trade the car window for the steady rhythm of a horse on a two-hour guided ride through the Cross Florida Greenway. Family-friendly with tandem options for toddlers, this outing delivers pine barrens, seasonal creeks, and wildlife without the fuss of complex logistics.
Book with Makin Tracks Trail Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Makin Tracks Trail Rides · Fort McCoy, Florida
On the back of a steady quarter horse, you’ll move through shaded longleaf pine stands and scrub oak along the Cross Florida Greenway. The two-hour guided trail ride offered by the operator meets riders at 15901 NE 137 Court Fort McCoy, FL. 32134, and unfolds across Ocala’s mottled patchwork of sandhill, oak hammock, and river-bottom habitats. This is family-friendly horsemanship—tandem options welcome for children ages 2–5—and an easy way to see a slice of North Central Florida that feels miles from pavement. The Greenway follows a corridor once eyed for the Cross Florida Barge Canal, and its trails climb low ridges and dip beside seasonal creeks, exposing pale sandy soils, exposed limestone outcrops, and an understory of saw palmetto and wiregrass. Horses navigate narrow singletrack, skirt wetlands and pause beneath towering pines; along the way you might glimpse white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and the squat shapes of gopher tortoises. Birdsong is constant in spring and fall migrations, and the quiet of mid-morning rides makes the landscape feel private. Rides depart after a short on-farm lesson and a guided walk to the trailhead; your two hours of saddle time begin when you’re mounted and comfortable. Guides handle tack and route-finding, making this a solid choice for first-time riders, families with toddlers riding tandem, and anyone who wants to trade a car window for a horse’s rhythm. Expect mostly flat to rolling terrain with occasional sandy stretches that test your seat rather than your endurance. Why book this trip? For one, it’s a simple, low-stress way to access the Cross Florida Greenway’s quieter corridors without logistics headache. The local horses are described as calm and reliable, and the operation’s meeting point—convenient to Ocala and Gainesville—makes it an easy half-day outing. Photographers and naturalists find the varied ecosystems rewarding for close-up wildlife and plant study, while families appreciate the patient pacing. Practical details: the ride is two hours of saddle time, minimum age is 2 with tandem rides available, and typical pricing is $90 per person. Bring closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and water; plan for a brief orientation before mounting. The experience is a considerate way to support small-scale equestrian tourism in Marion County and to see a distinctive stretch of Florida that’s more pine barrens than beach. To book, use the provided online reservation link or call ahead; rides fill on weekends and holidays, and the operator may reschedule for wet trail conditions. If you’re photographing, lower ISO and a short telephoto help capture wildlife without spooking the horses. Leave no trace on the Greenway: pack out trash, stay on designated paths, and respect seasonal closures to protect nesting birds and gopher tortoise burrows. Expect friendly instruction and patient, experienced daily guides.
Minimum age is 2; children ages 2–5 can ride tandem with an adult.
The advertised experience includes two hours of saddle time. Your ride time begins after you are mounted and comfortable.
Meeting point is 15901 NE 137 Court Fort McCoy, FL. 32134 — the operator will meet you at the farm and lead riders to the trailhead.
Helmet policy varies by operator; call ahead if you require a helmet or have specific safety needs.
Yes. Guides provide a basic lesson and handle tack and route-finding, making the ride suitable for first-time riders.
The operator may reschedule rides for wet or unsafe trail conditions—call before traveling after heavy rain.
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