An Hour on Horseback at Sunshine Acres Ranch: Forest Trails, Creek Crossings, and Big Views
For all ages! • 1 Hour • Great for friends & family!
You pull the brim of your hat down as the morning light sifts through hardwood crowns—maples, oaks, and hickories freckling the path ahead. A gelding nuzzles the back of your hand; the guide checks your stirrups and calls out a route that threads creek crossings and a climb that opens to a ridge. For the next hour the world reduces to rhythm: the click of hooves, a breeze that smells of wet earth, and the slow reveal of this slice of central Arkansas.
Trail Wisdom
Book with rider details
Provide your experience level, height, and weight when booking so guides can match you to the correct horse.
Layer for fluctuating temps
Mornings in hollows can be cool while ridge sections warm quickly—bring a light jacket you can stow.
Secure your camera
Use a neck strap or small crossbody to keep your camera accessible but safe while mounted.
Hydrate before you ride
Drink water before arrival—an hour is short but physical, and shade is limited on exposed climb sections.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Ridge overlook just past the western creek crossing (less visited, great sunset vantage)
- •A shallow spring-fed pool by the lower pasture—good for photos and a quiet rest
Wildlife
White-tailed Deer, Red-tailed Hawk
Conservation Note
Ranch operations here emphasize trail stewardship and limited herd density to reduce erosion; follow stick-and-stay rules and pack out trash.
Settlers in White County shaped much of the land into pasture and small farms; modern ranching at places like Sunshine Acres continues that agricultural tradition.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers, Cool rides, Birdwatching
Challenges: Mud on low trails, Active biting insects
Trails wake up after winter—wildflowers and songbirds make spring particularly rewarding, though expect some muddy sections after rains.
summer
Best for: Early-morning rides, Lush green scenery, Longer daylight
Challenges: High heat and humidity, Insects in low areas
Summer offers full canopies and warm ridge views; choose early slots to avoid peak heat and insects.
fall
Best for: Foliage colors, Crisp air, Photographic light
Challenges: Cool mornings, Shorter daylight hours
Fall brings clear air and brilliant color on the ridges—midday rides are most comfortable as mornings can be chilly.
winter
Best for: Clear long-range views, Fewer crowds, Crisp quiet
Challenges: Cold wind on exposed ridges, Potential icy patches
Wintry rides are quiet and sharp—dress warmly for exposed sections and check for icy trail conditions.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe shoes with slight heelEssential
Help keep feet secure in stirrups and protect toes during mounting and dismounting.
Light layering jacketEssential
Keeps you warm in cool morning hollows and can be stashed if the sun warms the ridge.
Small camera with strap
Capture low-angle forest light and creek crossings—strap secures it while mounted.
Insect repellent
Useful for summer rides and shaded creek sections where insects concentrate.
Common Questions
Do I need prior riding experience?
No—rides are designed for first-timers to experienced riders; guides tailor the route and pace to group skill levels.
What should I tell the ranch when booking?
Provide experience level, height, and weight for each rider so the ranch can assign the right horse and tack.
Are helmets provided?
Helmets may be available—ask the ranch when you book if you require a fitted helmet for adults or children.
How long is the ride and where do we meet?
This experience is a 1-hour guided ride; meeting point is Sunshine Acres Ranch, 804 Wayne Walker Rd, Romance, AR 72136.
Can children ride?
Children can ride if they meet the ranch’s minimum age and size requirements—confirm specifics with the ranch ahead of booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary—check your booking confirmation or contact the ranch directly for current terms.
What to Pack
Water bottle, closed-toe shoes with slight heel, light jacket, insect repellent
Did You Know
White County, Arkansas was formed in 1835 and its landscape of mixed hardwood ridges and bottomlands is typical of the transition zone between the Ozark and Mississippi Alluvial Plains.
Quick Travel Tips
Give horse and rider details when booking; arrive 15 minutes early; choose morning slots in summer; bring cash or card for small on-site purchases
Local Flavor
After your ride, drive into nearby Searcy for BBQ and craft beer, or stop at a country cafe for sweet tea and pie—local diners serve the region’s straightforward comfort food that pairs well with outdoor days.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Little Rock (LIT) ~55 miles; Trailhead/meeting: Sunshine Acres Ranch, 804 Wayne Walker Rd, Romance, AR; Driving: ranch is roughly 60–75 minutes from Little Rock; Cell service: spotty in hollows, reliable on ridges; Permits: none—book direct with the ranch.
Sustainability Note
Support low-impact trail use: stay on designated paths, ride with provided tack only, and pack out all waste to protect stream banks and native vegetation.