Below are informational links to parks in our area available for trail riding. I have organized them by "who owns it". Of course, if you plan on utilizing any of the facilities or parks below, I encourage you to confirm availability and familiarize yourself with any regulations prior to making the drive.
Don't have a horse but want to trail ride? Some of the Park authorities listed below, hire concessioners that offer trail riding for those without a horse. I have seen horse back riding offered at 2 Virginia State Parks; Andy Guest (Shenandoah) and Sky Meadows. I'm sure there are more, just check out their websites below to find a park near you and see what they have to offer.
2010 Update! The Virginia Horse Council in conjuntion with local clubs and jurisdictions has updated their Directory of Primary Horse Trails and Trail Heads. The directory is online and is broken down by geographic region. Check it out on the VirginiaOutdoors website .
Franklin Park, Purcellville, VA **NEWS** The proceeds from the 2009 USTR Memorial Day Benefit Ride are earmarked and have been matched by USTR to begin the development of public riding facilities at Franklin Park in Loudoun County. The County is home to the largest equine population in the state of Virginia, but sadly, there are no public riding facilities to serve this population. USTR, along with Loudoun Horse Association and TriState Riding Club, is supporting the County to try to change the imbalance in services offered to its equestrian constituents. Obviously, the proceeds of one fundraiser will not create a Frying Pan Park caliber facility but with the help of equestrians enthusiasts local and afar, we hope the get the desperately needed facilities and trails under way! Please click here for information on how you can help .
Pilot Trail off Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, VA - there is no official site for this trail and sadly, the Loudoun County Parks and Recs people answering the telephone, have no knowledge of it. Funny, since I've ridden this trail. It does exist. Parking and trailhead are at the intersection of Woods Road and Evergreen Mills Road north of Leesburg.
Northern Virginia Park Authority (Bull Run, Fountainhead, W&OD)
Virginia State Parks (Sky Meadows, Shenandoah River, Lake Anna) Parks are organized into regions. Click on the park you want to visit to determine if riding is allowed.
Virginia Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries (Thompson, Phelps) Many of the wildlife managment areas (WMA's) allow horseback riding. Again, check before you go.
Virginia Dept of Forestry (Conway Robinson is located close-by in Prince William County.)
Prince William County has a couple of parks with equestrian facilities and trails. James Long Park and Nokesville Park are two. Their website is not very robust or informational, so call ahead and see what's available.
The next 3 properties are within about 40 minutes of each other. The first is about a 2 1/2 drive from Leesburg, VA and offers primitive camping so a weekend trip exploring these trails is definately worthwhile.
Fulfillment Farm is located in Esmont, Virginia, approximately 6 miles west of the town of Scottsville and south of Charlottesville. This 2000 acre tract is owned by the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV). It is managed for hunting activities but riding allowed on non-hunting days. The terrain varies from vast open fields, to steep wooded slopes and there are many beautiful creek crossings. Equestrians can apply for a special use permit. For more information visit the website http://www.vawildlife.org/fulfillment_farms.htm
The Belmead Saddle and Riding Club is located in Powhatan, Va. This membership based riding club operates on the historic Belmead plantation on the James River, just West of Richmond. Members and their guests have access to about 2,265 acres of riding with more trails under development. For more information contact Bill Catlett at billcatlett@earthlink.net. Belmead is owned by the Roman Catholic Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and is a state and national historic landmark. Much of the property has been placed in a conservation easement.
The Heritage Trail at Pleasant Grove, Fluvanna Co. in Central Va. The Fluvanna Parks and Recreation department opened the Heritage Trail at Pleasant Grove to the public on May 5, 2007. Historically, the trails had only been opened to country residents and their guests. The trails will be open everyday including hunting season as hunting is not permitted within Pleasant Grove. The fee is $8.00 per day, per rider for non-county residents. Pleasant Grove is located on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains and borders the Rivanna River. It includes approximately 15 miles of trail on the 969 acre property. Trails are a mix of wooded single track and open fields.
