Central Virginia Horse Trails

Horse Trails, Parks, Forests & Equestrian Destinations

Central Virginia and the surrounding regions offer an extraordinary variety of places to ride — from state parks and forest trails to mountain routes, river corridors, and private riding destinations. For equestrians, these trails are more than recreation; they are part of the lifestyle that makes Virginia horse country so compelling.

Whether you are exploring nearby bridle paths, planning a weekend ride, or considering a move to a horse-friendly area, this guide offers a starting point for discovering riding opportunities throughout Central Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, and Northern Virginia.

Important note: State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a current negative Coggins report with each horse brought to a state park. Always confirm trail access, hours, seasonal closures, horse-use rules, and trailer parking directly with the park or facility before you go.

Central Virginia Horse Trails

These Central Virginia destinations offer a mix of park trails, forest routes, river-country scenery, and horseback riding opportunities within reach of Charlottesville, Richmond, Appomattox, and the surrounding countryside.

Holliday Lake State Park

The trail connects to a 10.2-mile loop in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest for hikers, bicycle riders, and horseback riders. 2759 State Park Rd., Appomattox, VA 24522; Phone: 434-248-6308; Email: hollidaylake@dcr.virginia.gov.

Pocahontas State Park

The park has more than 80 miles of trails throughout 7,925 acres open to hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. In Chesterfield County, about 20 miles from Richmond. 10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

Bear Creek Lake and Cumberland State Forest

The park is about 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland. From U.S. Route 60, go west on Route 622 and south on Route 629 to the park entrance.

James River State Park

Located in Gladstone, the park has 15 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and bridle use. 104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone, VA 24553; Phone: 434-933-4355; Email: JamesRiver@dcr.virginia.gov.

Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest

Horses are permitted on the Prince Edward-Gallion Multi-Use Trail. The eight-mile trail can be accessed from a parking area near Stony Knoll House on Route 689. The trail is closed except on Sundays from early November through mid-January due to heavy use by hunters.

Pleasant Grove Heritage Trail

Pleasant Grove Heritage Trail is a Fluvanna County resource for riders and outdoor enthusiasts. Confirm trail access, horse-use rules, parking, and seasonal conditions before visiting.

Dorey Park

Located in Richmond, this 400-acre park offers everything from disc golf to horseback-riding trails, from a fishing pier to nearly two miles of hiking trails. Dorey Park features approximately five miles of trails designed for horseback riding. 2999 Darbytown Road, Richmond, VA 23231; Phone: 804-501-7275.

Graves Mountain Lodge

Graves Mountain Lodge is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Syria, Virginia. Call 540-923-4231 to book horseback rides.

Shenandoah Valley Horse Trails

The Shenandoah Valley offers some of Virginia’s most memorable riding landscapes, from state parks and arboretum trails to national park routes and mountain outfitters. Riders should always confirm horse access, trail conditions, trailer parking, and Coggins requirements before visiting.

The Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park

This park offers riding trails along the Shenandoah River corridor. Be sure to bring a copy of your current negative Coggins report and confirm current horse-use rules before visiting.

State Arboretum of Virginia, Blandy Experimental Farm

Bring your horse and explore the Arboretum on horseback on a 7.5-mile gently rolling trail. The park is in Warren County, eight miles south of Front Royal and 15 miles north of Luray. Address: 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville, VA 22610.

Fort Valley Stables

Horse and mule campgrounds with guided horseback trail rides. Phone: 540-933-6633; Address: 299 S Fort Valley Rd, Fort Valley, VA.

Royal Horseshoe Farm

Scenic trail rides are offered year-round. Trails pass through the Shenandoah Valley’s historic meadows, woods, and hills. 509 Morgan Ford Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630-9355; Phone: 540-636-6375.

Shenandoah National Park

Spring through fall, guided trail rides may be arranged from Skyland. Shenandoah National Park offers over 180 miles of trails open to horse use, ranging from smooth gravel paths to steep, narrow, rocky mountain trails. Information Line: 540-999-3500.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Horse riding is allowed on open forest roads, many gated forest roads, and more than 1,290 miles of trails in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019; Phone: 540-265-5100.

North Mountain Outfitter

Riding is on mountain trails and can include an overnight experience. 709 North Mountain Road, Swoope, Virginia 24479; Phone: 540-886-7768 or 1-866-481-4400.

Northern Virginia Horse Trails

Northern Virginia includes regional parks, battlefield trails, and trail systems where horseback riding remains part of the landscape. Riders should confirm current trail access, parking rules, and horse-use restrictions before visiting.

Washington and Old Dominion Regional Park

The 100-foot-wide W&OD has been called “the skinniest park in Virginia.” It is also one of the longest parks, with 45 miles of paved trail for walking, running, bicycling, and skating, plus 32 miles of adjacent gravel trail for horseback riding.

Blue Ridge Lane Farm

Exclusive trail riding and carriage packages are offered year-round. Phone: 540-547-2973.

Bull Run Regional Park

Designated in 2006 as a National Recreation Trail, the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail invites hikers and horseback riders to discover more than 4,000 acres of scenic woodlands.

Sky Meadows State Park

The park has more than 17 miles of hiking trails and horse trails. 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144; Phone: 540-592-3556; Email: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov.

Fountainhead Regional Park

Fountainhead Regional Park features a 2.25-mile looped nature trail, access to the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, and shared-use equestrian and hiking trails. To reach Fountainhead, take I-95 south of the Beltway, exit at Occoquan, travel north on Rt. 123 approximately five miles, then turn left onto Hampton Road and drive three miles to the entrance.

Pohick Bay

Horses are restricted to the red trails, which total about 3.3 miles. 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton, VA 22079; Phone: 703-339-6104.

Tamarack Stables

Tamarack Stables offers trail rides on wooded trails along Pohick Creek. 9905 Old Colchester Road, Lorton, VA 22079; Phone: 703-339-5160; Email: ridetamarack@gmail.com.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Manassas National Battlefield Park has approximately 21 miles of designated trails for horseback riding. Riders should bring their horses and stay on designated trails.

Looking for a Horse Property Near Trails?

For many equestrian buyers, trail access, ride-out potential, country roads, trailer-friendly locations, and nearby horse amenities are part of the decision. Bridget Archer helps buyers and sellers understand how land, setting, location, and equestrian usability shape value throughout Charlottesville and Central Virginia.