​Horseback Riding in Natural Areas

​If you are a horse enthusiast and looking for a quiet trail to ride through the woods or for a longer back country experience from one large preserve to another, you have come to the right site!

Between ERM and Parks and Recreation, the county offers several trails AND facilities for equestrian use.  For information on opportunities offered by Parks and Recreation, click here.

Below are opportunities for horseback riding offered through ERM's programs. 

​Equestrians riding in natural areas

Natural Areas Trails

Quiet meandering loop trails in forested surroundings

 Equestrians are allowed to ride on specific trails within three natural areas: Cypress Creek North, Loxahatchee Slough, and Royal Palm Beach Pines. 

Cypress Creek Natural Area - ​Jupiter Ranch Tract

  • 2,000-acres of upland and wetland habitat
  • 1.2 miles of equestrian trails in northeast section of property
  • Accessible from trailhead at Jupiter Farms Rd & Indiantown Rd
  • Accessible from surrounding neighborhood   

​Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area - Luckey Tract 

  • 12,000-acres of pine flatwood and wet prairie habitat
  • 4.3 miles of equestrian trails in northwest section of property
  • Accessible from Pântano Trail via Riverbend Park
  • Accessible from surrounding neighborhoods     

​Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area

  • 773-acres of pine flatwood and wet prairie habitat
  • over 2.5 miles of equestrian trails
  • 3 access points for horses (south gate, north parking lot and NW gate)
  • Shade shelter with hand water-pump
  • Mounting blocks at all equestrian access points and at the shade shelter​
  • Trailer parking off 40th Street N
  • To gain access to the riding trails at this site, click here.
​Cyclist and Equestrian on a multiuse trail

​Jeaga Wildway Trails

Long-distance multiuse trails connecting preservation areas

 

Trails are in varying stages of improvement with accessible surfaces for cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians and most offer:

  • Pitcher pump well
  • Hitching posts
  • Mounting blocks
  • Shade shelters 

Trail Rules

1. All trail users must comply with these rules, the provisions of Chapter 11, Article XI of the Palm Beach County  Code, and the rules posted on the natural area signs, trail informational kiosks, and any specific permit conditions.


2. Close and/or lock gates immediately after entering or leaving the trails. Do not give the Royal Palm Beach Pines combination to other people.


3. Stay on the trail designated for your particular use. 

Lands adjacent to the trail are environmentally sensitive and can easily be damaged.

Trail Maps Are Found:

 

4. Do not tie or hitch horses to trees or shrubs, or allow horses to graze on or otherwise damage vegetation.

 

5. Horses must be under control at all times. No galloping, running, racing, or trick riding.

 

6. Ride at your own risk - helmets are recommended and mandatory for riders under 16 years old [Florida Statutes Section 773.06)

 

7. Horseback riders must have proof of a negative Coggins test and horses known to kick must wear red ribbons on their tails.

 

8. Respect other users and use proper trail etiquette.

 

9. Horses have the right of way on trails shared with other users (cyclists and hikers).