From Canal Dreams to Horseback Adventures: The Story of Florida’s Cross Florida Greenway

Discover the history of the Cross Florida Greenway — from canal diggings to Florida’s rare elevation changes — and why it’s perfect for scenic, beginner-friendly horseback tours minutes from WEC in Ocala.

A Ride Through History and Nature

Most people know Ocala as the Horse Capital of the World — home to the World Equestrian Center (WEC), world-class breeding farms, and elite equestrian events. But just minutes away lies a corridor where history and nature intersect: the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

Today, riders explore shaded trails, open meadows, and rolling ridges across 70,000+ acres of protected land. What makes the Greenway truly stand out is its origin story — a canal that was never finished, but permanently reshaped the land.

Florida’s “Big Dig”: The Cross Florida Barge Canal

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the federal government approved the Cross Florida Barge Canal Project — a 107-mile waterway intended to connect the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and let barges bypass the Keys. Work began in 1935 with dynamite, heavy machinery, and ambition.

Decades of on-again, off-again construction carved trenches and cut through limestone. The canal diggings left behind ridges, slopes, and valleys — features Florida isn’t exactly famous for. By the early 1970s, amid rising environmental concerns and costs, the project was finally halted.

From Industrial Dream to Natural Treasure

Out of the halted project rose a conservation victory. The corridor was preserved and renamed for the environmentalist who led the opposition: Marjorie Harris Carr. The result is a coast-to-coast swath of public land now enjoyed by hikers, cyclists, paddlers, and — best of all — horseback riders.

Why Horseback Riding Here Is So Unique

Rolling Ridges, Shaded Trails, and Wildlife

The Greenway blends oak hammocks, pine forests, and open meadows. Because of the canal diggings, rides include soft climbs and dips — never technical, just more interesting than flat prairie. Low areas hold shade and moisture (great for wildlife); high ridges offer breezes and views.

Expect deer in the brush, hawks riding thermals, and seasonal wildflowers along the sandhill edges. It’s Florida, but with texture.

The Land Bridge Trailhead: Gateway to Adventure

Our rides begin at the popular Land Bridge Trailhead. This trailhead features ample parking (including RV and paved motorcycle parking), restrooms, and picnic tables. The land bridge itself is a feat of green infrastructure — a tree-covered overpass carrying hikers, cyclists, and horses safely over I-75.

What You’ll Experience on a Ride

• Shaded, beginner-friendly trails under live oak canopies
• Historic canal diggings visible as ridges, berms, and cuts
• Rolling elevation changes that make the ride feel adventurous
• Well-matched horses and steady pacing for comfort and confidence

Whether you choose a 1-hour, 90-minute, or 2-hour tour, the Greenway’s variety keeps every ride engaging.

The Horses Who Make It Possible

Many of our horses are rescues who’ve found new purpose as trail partners. We rotate ~22 horses to give them time off, and we ride in comfortable Australian and Western saddles. Our guides match each guest to a horse based on weight, experience, and any accessibility needs.

Why Ride with Us Near WEC

• Minutes from the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala
• State-designated horseback riding provider on the Greenway
• Beginner-friendly + family-friendly
• Experienced guides who share history and local nature along the way

Plan Your Visit

• Ride lengths: 1 hour, 90 minutes, or 2 hours
• Arrive: Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing
• Age & safety: 13+; helmets required for riders 17 and under (provided); weight limit 260 lbs; not pregnant; no neck/back injuries; no oxygen tanks
• Prices: $70 (1 hr), $90 (90 min), $110 (2 hr)

Prefer a quick overview? Visit our landing page: Guided Horseback Tours Close to WEC.