- Jul 10, 2025
End of Trail & Heritage Festival – Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026
Join us for a full day...
Experience Florida’s Rich Ranching Heritage: The Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026
Step back in time and immerse yourself in Florida’s storied ranching past by participating in the Great Florida Cattle Drive 2026. Scheduled for January 26-31, 2026, this unique event offers an authentic glimpse into the life of 19th-century cow hunters, allowing participants to traverse the state’s picturesque landscapes while driving cattle, much like the pioneers did centuries ago.
A Journey Through Time
The Great Florida Cattle Drive is more than just a trail ride; it’s a living history experience that celebrates and preserves Florida’s deep-rooted cattle-driving traditions. Participants will cover approximately 80 miles for this week-long adventure, moving cattle across some of Florida’s remaining ranchlands. This reenactment honors the state’s ranching heritage and educates attendees about the challenges and triumphs faced by early Florida cow hunters.
Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of Florida’s rich cattle-driving heritage!
The Great Florida Cattle Drive isn’t just an event—it’s a living, breathing reenactment of history. This extraordinary gathering celebrates Florida’s status as one of the first cattle states in America by recreating an old-fashioned cattle drive. Imagine riding on horseback across central Florida’s vast landscapes, pushing cattle through the same trails used by ranchers over a century ago. For participants and spectators alike, it’s more than a ride; it’s a chance to step back in time and connect with Florida’s cowboy heritage.
The event involves hundreds of riders working together to drive herds of cattle for miles, all while donning historically accurate attire and camping under the stars. This isn’t a quick day trip—it’s a multi-day expedition designed to replicate the experiences of Florida’s original cow hunters.
The 2022 Great Florida Cattle Drive was an unforgettable adventure. My 7-year-old son, teenage cousin, one of my closest friends, and I made the trip all the way from Pennsylvania to take part. Heading into it, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect and even questioned my decision on the first day—it was a long journey, especially with a young child in tow. But everything changed on day two when I saw the pure excitement on my son’s face as he rode alongside the cattle. That moment alone made the entire trip worthwhile.
We were blessed with perfect weather, incredible food, wonderful company, and breathtaking scenery during those long hours in the saddle.
If you’re considering joining the next Great Florida Cattle Drive, start preparing now. Condition yourself and your horse, gather your gear, and secure your spot—you won’t want to miss this incredible experience!
In December 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Great Florida Cattle Drive for the first time. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to dive into Florida’s rich cow culture. Along the way, I connected with wonderful people and forged lasting friendships. Without a doubt, it stands out as one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life.
After hearing a friend share their unforgettable experience during the 2016 Great Florida Cattle Drive (GFCD), I couldn’t resist signing up for the 2022 event with my husband. The idea of living primitively and riding 80 miles over the course of a week captivated me—I wanted to prove to myself that I could handle the challenge.
Participating in the 2022 GFCD is a memory I’ll cherish forever. I accomplished something that truly “ain’t for sissies.” The attached photo was snapped on the final day with Domingo, our trail boss. The smiles say it all, especially my husband’s (on the left). Initially, he wasn’t thrilled about joining me and was initially reluctant, but by the end of the week, he was overjoyed.
From the incredible camaraderie of the people to the majestic cattle and breathtaking ranch landscapes, this ride was a heartfelt tribute to Florida’s Cracker/Cow Hunter Heritage. It was truly the experience of a lifetime. We’re already looking forward to joining the Great Florida Cattle Drive in 2026 with our grandson so he can share in the adventure as well!
Summing up what the last Great Florida Cattle Drive (2022) meant to me is no easy task. It was an adventure that made me fall head over heels for old Florida, sparking an endless curiosity to explore beyond every grove of trees I encounter. It taught me to slow down, soak in the moment, and truly be present. I even rationed my phone battery, saving it solely for capturing photos—though no picture could ever fully explain to my family and friends why I returned a changed person.
On the first day, they told us this experience would transform us. I assumed they were simply romanticizing the journey. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It truly did.
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