For Novinians, communing with nature may only extend as far as a visit to the dog park or wine country, but Virginia is rich in natural beauty known for much more than its viticulture. Virginia’s numerous state and regional parks offer equestrian trails for horseback riders of all levels of experience, from seasoned equestrians who have been riding since they were young to those who have never even seen a horse up close before. We have compiled a list of NoVA’s horseback riding trails below, where enthusiasts can either bring their own steed or rent a horse from a nearby stable.
For inexperienced riders:
Fairfax County
Pohick Bay Regional Park: Pohick Bay is open from dawn to dusk and is free for Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington County residents. Non-residents are required to pay $4.50 per vehicle per day. There is a 3.3-mile horseback riding trail that goes through the forest and along water. The terrain for the trails ranges from flat to somewhat hilly. // 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton; 703-339-6104
Hemlock Overlook Regional Park: The equestrian trails at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park are open daily from dawn until dusk. Trails for horses are near the entrance of the park, with many going near to the Occoquan Reservoir. Some sights to see on the trail include the ruins of Virginia’s first hydroelectric dam on the banks of the Bull Run. // 13220 Yates Ford Road, Clifton; 800-877-0954
Fauquier County
Sky Meadows State Park: Hours for Sky Meadows State Park are from 8 a.m. to dusk. This park is well-suited for beginners who require a short, easy trail for their first time riding, as there are four trails all designated as easy. Together, they total 10.5 miles in length, but none of the trails exceed 1.61 miles. // 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane; 540-592-3556
For experienced riders:
City of Manassas
Manassas National Battlefield Park: This park is not only rich in Civil War history; it is also plentiful in equine trails. There are 21 miles of bridle trails and trailer parking available off of Groveton Road and at Portici. The trails are extensive, all three or more miles long. For ambitious riders, one of the trails spans 10 miles. // 12521 Lee Highway, Manassas; 703-361-1339 x0
Cross-Counties
Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park: There is no fee to use the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, which is the longest continuous equestrian trail in our guide. There are 32 miles of horse trails next to a paved bike road that stretches from Arlington to Loudoun County. The length of this trail and its streams and dense brush accounts for its difficulty. The trail is open from dawn to dusk. // Vienna to Purcellville, 703-729-0596
Fairfax County
Bull Run Occoquan Trail: The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is open from dawn to dusk every day and it’s the longest natural surface trail in the NoVA Parks, spanning from Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville to the Bull Run Marina in Clifton. The equestrian trails, in total, are more than 11 miles in length. The location has historical significance that can be seen on the trails, with earthen mounds that were once used for defense during the Civil War. // 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station; 703-250-9124
Seneca Regional Park: This park is open from dawn to dusk every day and has connections to the nation’s first president, with remnants of George Washington’s Potowmack Canal in the nearby Potomac River and the Potomac National Heritage Trail where Washington once walked. The equestrian trails here aren’t too long (no more than two miles each), but the areas where the trail and the Potomac meet may prove to be more challenging. // 101 Seneca Road, Great Falls; 703-450-4655
