Pumpkin Hill Trail Ride with Happy Trails in Jacksonville

Located just north of Jacksonville, Florida, the Pumpkin Hill Trail Ride offers a distinctive horseback experience through one of the region’s less-visited natural areas. Managed by Happy Trails Walking Horses, this trip stands apart as an authentic encounter blending coastal forest ecosystems with tranquil waterways. The ride traverses sandy paths winding through scrub pines, palmettos, and the occasional live oak, where riders can witness native wildlife such as wading birds and white-tailed deer in their natural habitat. Pumpkin Hill Preserve State Park is a quiet green space offering an escape from the bustle of the city, with its diverse habitat that supports rare plants and marshlands.

Happy Trails Walking Horses is deeply rooted in local knowledge and committed to horse welfare, with guides who balance safety and a personable approach. Reviewers praise their well-trained, calm horses and comfortable saddles, making the ride suitable for horseback novices and seasoned riders alike. Riders report quiet moments along coastal edges and inland trails punctuated by the soft sounds of hooves on sandy earth and the rustling of leaves.

What makes this experience unique for Northeast Florida is the opportunity to ride through a subtropical coastal preserve rich in native flora and fauna while avoiding the crowded tourist spots. Happy Trails also offers sunset beach rides just minutes away, but the Pumpkin Hill Trail Ride offers a more secluded, nature-focused alternative that highlights Florida’s less-explored wilderness.

Whether you seek a meditative solo ride or a couple’s getaway, this trail presents a calm yet engaging way to connect with the outdoors on horseback. The personalized service, healthy horses, and serene surroundings combine to make Happy Trails an essential stop for those searching for an authentic Florida equestrian adventure beyond the beach and busy city life.