The Top 10 Best Horseback Riding Trails in the U.S.
Neighbors Trailer .Feb 12, 2025 361 5 min read Horsebackriding, Horsetrailerrental
The United States is one of the best countries on earth to explore on horseback. From red-rock canyons in Utah to alpine meadows in Wyoming, public lands offer hundreds of trails purpose-built for riders and pack stock. This guide rounds up the 10 best horseback riding trails in the U.S. for 2026, plus a quick look at how to get there with a properly equipped horse trailer rental.
1. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The Peekaboo Loop in Bryce Canyon was designed with horses in mind. Ride past hoodoos and sandstone amphitheaters on a 5.5-mile loop that descends from Bryce Point. Mules and horses get right-of-way on this trail, so hikers step aside.
2. Big South Fork National River, Tennessee and Kentucky
More than 180 miles of horse-friendly trails wind through sandstone bluffs, hardwood forests, and river bottoms. Several backcountry camps include corrals and high lines, making this a premier multi-day destination east of the Mississippi.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Several parkway access points connect to U.S. Forest Service trails open to horses. The Pisgah Ranger District alone has more than 100 miles of equestrian trails with sweeping mountain views and waterfall stops.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
The 45 miles of carriage roads inside Acadia were built by John D. Rockefeller for horse and carriage travel. Today the gravel paths remain the gold standard for accessible, scenic riding, especially in early fall.
5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
With 300 miles of trails open to horses and pack stock, Yellowstone is the holy grail for backcountry equestrians. The Bechler River and Slough Creek are favorites. Permits are required and stock numbers are limited, so book early.
6. Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses Mount Hood, and many forest roads connect to dedicated equestrian campgrounds. Riding through old-growth Douglas fir with the snowcapped volcano in view is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
About 200 miles of trails inside the Smokies are open to horses, including the Cataloochee Valley loop where elk often share the meadows. Five drive-in horse camps make multi-day trips easy.
8. Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
The Centennial Trail runs 111 miles from Wind Cave to Bear Butte and is fully open to horseback travel. Riders can connect the route with dozens of forest service trails for week-long rides.
9. Death Valley National Park, California
Best ridden in cool months, Death Valley offers a surreal experience. Wildrose Canyon and Surprise Canyon are popular routes. Bring plenty of water and electrolytes for both horse and rider.
10. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier permits stock travel on most park trails. The Belly River and Many Glacier routes offer alpine meadows, mountain goats, and turquoise lakes. Concession-permitted outfitters operate guided rides for visitors without their own stock.
Top 10 Horseback Riding Trails at a Glance
| Trail | State | Best Season | Difficulty |
| Bryce Canyon Peekaboo Loop | UT | Spring, Fall | Moderate |
| Big South Fork | TN, KY | Spring through Fall | Easy to Hard |
| Pisgah Ranger District | NC, VA | Summer, Fall | Moderate |
| Acadia Carriage Roads | ME | Summer, Early Fall | Easy |
| Yellowstone Backcountry | WY | July, August | Moderate to Hard |
| Mount Hood NF | OR | Summer | Moderate |
| Great Smoky Mountains | NC, TN | Spring, Fall | Moderate |
| Centennial Trail Black Hills | SD | Summer | Moderate |
| Wildrose Canyon | CA | Late Fall to Spring | Hard |
| Glacier Many Glacier | MT | July, August | Moderate |
How Much Riding Each Park Offers
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FAQ: Horseback Riding Trips Across the U.S.
Do I need a permit to ride in national parks?
Most national parks require a backcountry permit for overnight rides and may limit total stock numbers. Day rides on designated trails usually need only the standard park entry fee.
What trailer size is best for these trips?
A two-horse slant or three-horse straight load with a tack room handles most trips. For longer hauls, a living quarters trailer makes basecamp travel easier.
Are guided rides available if I do not own a horse?
Yes. Concession outfitters in parks like Glacier, Yellowstone, and Acadia offer everything from one-hour rides to multi-day backcountry trips with provided stock.
What is the rental option for the trailer?
Renting a horse trailer from a peer-to-peer marketplace lets you pick up local to your home, drop off after the trip, and skip the cost of trailer ownership. Confirm capacity, lights, and brakes before you load.
Plan Your Horseback Adventure
The best ride starts with the right trailer. Whether you need a two-horse bumper pull for a weekend at Big South Fork or a gooseneck living quarters for a week in the Black Hills, Neighbors Trailer makes it easy to rent locally, then head out to whichever of these top-10 trails calls your name in 2026.
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Content updated May 2026