Horseback Riding on and around the Blue Ridge Parkway

There are a limited number of trails on the Parkway that allow horseback riding. Anyone interested in riding on these trails must provide their own horses. Currently, there is not any horse rentals located directly on the Parkway. When traveling these trails, horseback riders should follow all posted signs and directions. Horses are required to stay on the path at all times and are not to enter open fields or travel on paved roads.

Virginia

Roanoke Valley Horse Trail

This horse trail has two separate parts. The first section begins at milepost 121.4 just off Highway 220. It travels in a loop around Roanoke Campground then parallel to the Parkway ending around milepost 116. The total distance is approximately 12 miles.
The second section of this horse trail is located at milepost 111 and can be traveled to milepost 114.5. Access for this section of the trail can be found at the Stewarts Knob Overlook. These two trails make up the Roanoke Valley Horse Trail but are not connected because there is no horse access across the Roanoke River. Together they total approximately 16 miles in distance.

View a map of the Roanoke Valley Horse Trails

North Carolina

Moses Cone Park Carriage Trails

There are 24 miles of trails surrounding Flat Top Manor at Moses Cone Park. The carriage trails are open for horseback riding year round. To access these trails, parking for visitors with horse trailers is available at Trout Lake or on NC Hwy 221 just outside Bass Lake.

View a map of the Moses Cone Park Carriage Trails

Doughton Park Horse Trail

Horseback riding in Doughton Park is allowed on the Grassy Gap Fire Trail. This trail is 6.5 miles long and wide enough for horseback riders to ride side by side. Starting at milepost 248 off Long Bottom Road the trail works its way up the mountainside and past the primitive campgrounds ending at milepost 243.9. All horseback riders must enter and exit the trail from Long Bottom Road.

View a map of the Doughton Park Trails

There are many stables within close range of the Parkway that can provide guided tours and activities.

Dutch Creek Trails The home of Dutch Creek Trails is a 200-year-old farm located in Valle Crucis, one of the High Country’s oldest communities. You will enjoy trails that wind through the woods and past pre civil war barns. Enjoy some of the best views of the valley and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife. Our sightings to date include deer, fox, pheasant, quail, turkey, and a rare sighting of a bear cub. Our barn loft and picnic area are great if you are in need a place for a family get-together or party. More Info | info@dutchcreektrails.com Milepost 298 ~ 828-297-7117 Ruben Walker Road ~ Vilas, NC Summertime Rides: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00 Wintertime Rides: 11:00, 1:00, & 3:00 Open year round Monday - Saturday Closed on Sunday