When it comes to trails, hiking is the most popular way to enjoy a journey down the beaten path. But did you know that several state parks in West Virginia offer the opportunity to explore the trails by horseback? From guided trail rides to riding the trails by horseback, West Virginia’s state parks are one of the best places to visit if you want to travel with your horse or want a whole new trail experience.

If you want to travel with your horse and enjoy the trails at your own pace, Camp Creek State Park and Forest offer horseback riding trails and equestrian camping. If you want to give horseback riding a try, Cacapon, Lost River and Pipestem Resort all have stables and guided trail rides. Here’s what you need to know about each park’s horseback riding opportunities.

Cacapon Resort

With 6,000 acres full of scenic beauty and outdoor adventures, Cacapon Resort has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing cabin getaway or exciting summer vacation with your family. While this park is known for its spa and resort amenities, its horseback riding opportunities offer a unique experience you don’t want to miss.

Guided horseback riding at Cacapon Resort is offered by Triple-C Outfitters, a family-operated riding stable that has been in business for more than 22 years. Their horses are well-mannered and perfect for beginners and experienced riders.

The good thing about guided horseback rides is that you can travel light and make time to enjoy everything else the park has to offer. Cacapon Resort has a golf course, lake swimming, hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, nature center programs and all of the resort amenities you could ask for, including a restaurant. After a day of outdoor adventures, you’ll want to rest and recharge in one of Cacapon’s lodge rooms or cabins.

Camp Creek

Camp Creek is known for beautiful waterfalls, great camping and for being one of the best places to enjoy the trails with your trusty steed. Not only are Camp Creek’s 35 miles of trails open to horseback riders, there are places to camp with your horse too.

The Double C Horse and Rider Campground at Camp Creek offers two and four horse occupancy sites, so you can camp with your horse or enjoy a horseback riding trip with a group of friends. 

Lost River

Located in a remote part of West Virginia’s eastern panhandle on 3,934 acres of quiet woodlands, Lost River has some of the best views in West Virginia. In fact, you can see five counties in two different states from the Cranny Crow Overlook. And the best part is that you can see the views at Lost River from horseback. 

Enjoy a guided horseback ride with the experts at Hidden Trails Stables, which is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends in April, May, September and October. Want to ride your own horse? Horseback riding is permitted in the park all year for visitors who register at the park office.

One of the best things about Lost River State Park’s remote location is that visiting gives you an excuse to rent a remote campsite or cabin and get away for a weekend or longer.

Pipestem Resort

Last but not least, Pipestem Resort is a great place to visit if you want to go horseback riding. Pipestem Stables is located only 2.25 miles from McKeever Lodge and is operated by R&R Stables Concessionaire. Trail rides are available for a half hour, one hour or two hour trips. Click here to learn more about guided horseback riding at Pipestem Resort. 

The best thing about horseback riding at Pipestem Resort is that you have access to so many other outdoor adventures, resort amenities and overnight accommodations. Hike the trails by foot, enjoy hours of zipline thrills,feel like a kid again at the park’s adventure lake and splash park or adventure zone, cast your line on a guided trout fishing trip, go on a mountain bike excursion, hit the greens on the championship golf course or settle in for the night at one of the park’s campsites, cabins or lodge rooms.

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