Manager's Message

Dennis Parson, Park Manager

Now is the time to enjoy the extensive trail system at River Rise Preserve State Park. Please remember to have a cellphone, trail map and water while hiking, biking or horseback riding on the trails for your safety and enjoyment. The multiuse trails are shared by hikers, bikers and equestrians, so please remember to use trail etiquette. Trails leading north of Bellamy Road into O'Leno State Park are not equestrian trails.

Located on the Lower Santa Fe River, River Rise Preserve State Park offers primitive equestrian camping, fishing and 34 miles of multiuse trails through 18 different natural communities.

Ticks and other nuisance insects are prevalent in the outdoors and are common at River Rise Preserve because of our healthy deer population. We sell tick repellent at the ranger station for your protection, but please be aware that it is not for application directly to skin, only upon clothing or other material.

The park conducts prescribed burns year-round. Portions of trails may be closed periodically while these areas are being burned or cleared. Please call O'Leno State Park at 386-454-1853 to inquire about any possible trail closures.

Please be aware that flooding of the Upper Santa Fe River into O'Leno State Park can also cause flooding over the "natural bridge" into River Rise Preserve State Park, resulting in trail closures until the waters recede.

Park Entrances

• River Rise Preserve State Park - East Trail Head Parking Lot (U.S. 441): Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Fees to enter River Rise East can be paid with exact change directly at the honor system pay station located within the gate, by calling the O'Leno State Park Ranger Station at 386-454-1853 and paying by credit card, or paying by check at the O'Leno State Park Ranger Station.
• River Rise Preserve State Park - West Trail Head and Primitive Equestrian Camp (U.S. 27): Call 386-454-1853 for information on how to access this section of the park.