7 jaw-dropping horseback riding adventures in WV
Trek the mountains the same way the settlers did— by horseback.
Many mountain trails are only used for horseback rides, which gives you a chance to see new parts of the state.
So pack your jeans, closed-toe shoes and cowboy hat (optional) and saddle up for an adventure through the West Virginia hills:
1. Cacapon Resort State Park
Go with: Triple C Outfitters in Berkeley Springs
This family-owned stable has experienced guides and gentle, well-mannered horses to lead you through Cacapon Resort State Park near Berkeley Springs.
Take in the stars under some of the darkest skies in the country on one of Triple C Outfitters moonlight rides. You can even sleep under those stars with their overnight ride package with dinner, camping and breakfast!
2. New River Gorge
Go with: Horseshoe Creek Stables in Hico
Horseshoe Creek Stables takes riders through the New River Gorge’s majestic mountain tops, beautiful wildflowers, rushing streams, and deep, lush forests.
Take a jaw-dropping out-and-back trip, or even stay overnight. Even the younger kids will love their carriage rides, pony rides and more!
Or: Equestrian Adventures in Fayetteville, WV
Equestrian Adventures has more than 25 years of guided horseback riding experience. They lead private rides on more than 6,000 acres of trails in the sweeping, rugged New River Gorge National Park, where you can uncover all kinds of natural wonders and history.
3. Lost River State Park
Go with: Hidden Trails Stables in Mathias
Hidden Trails Stables is a family-friendly stable with guided trail rides through Lost River State Park. The staff of experienced guides and herd of gentle horses will take riders along streams, across wildlife-filled hills and out to sweeping overlooks of the park. Even the youngest members of your party can enjoy the fun on a pony ride!
4. Oglebay Resort
Go with: Oglebay Stables in Wheeling, WV
Home to the Bethany College Equestrian team, Oglebay Stables has group and private lessons, and therapeutic rides for people with disabilities. Kids as young as 2 can ride the ponies, while ages 12 and up can take to the trails.
Oglebay Stables also have a variety of horse summer camps for different ages and abilities.
5. Pocahontas County
Go with: Shalimar Farm in Cass, WV
Local guide Jon Mullenax is a lifelong native of Pocahontas County and shares his lifetime of experience riding in the mountains, crossing rivers, identifying plants and animals.
Rides are easy to customize. They’re all rated on a 1-to-10 scale— the lower the number, the easier the trail. Explore both well-groomed farm trails and lush West Virginia forest paths.
6. Snowshoe
Go with: Autumn Breeze Stables in Slaty Fork, WV and Russellville, WV
Autumn Breeze Stables gives guided Western-style trail riding year-round. Rides near Snowshoe include trail treks, 30-minute lake rides for young children, buggy rides, overnights adventures and even sleigh rides when it’s snowy.
You’ll get to experience authentic trail riding, scenic mountain top views on pre-Civil War roads, up and downhill trails, and colorful creek crossings. You may spot flocks of turkey, deer and the occasional bear.
7. Canaan Valley
Go with: Mountain Trail Rides in Davis, WV
Take in the beautiful countryside of Canaan Valley with Mountain Trail Rides, and your steed may not be the only creature you meet! You can usually spot white-tailed deer and black bears while you ride through the wooded forests and mountain meadows. It’s the perfect chance to snap a picture!
For a little more adventure, check out the Mountain Adventure Ride. It includes miles of scenic mountain country, a picnic-style lunch while the horses rest, snacks and drinks. The little ones can play at the petting zoo or take a pony ride.
What’s your favorite place in West Virginia to ride?
This post was last updated on July 22, 2020