Whether you want to try a new activity or are looking for adventure in Ohio, horseback riders of all ages can benefit from the riding opportunities around Hocking Hills State Park. Five stables offer this activity.You can rent from the stables or bring your own horse or horses. Primitive camping is available at Hocking State Forest for those who want to enjoy the area for more than one day.
Identification
Hocking State Forest encompassing 9,000 acres which includes Hocking Hills State Park. You can't ride your horse in the majority of the state park, but you can ride on the Buckeye Trail, a bypass in the park around the east end of Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls, a couple of popular areas open to riders. The forest has over 40 miles of bridle and hiking trails available for horseback riding that move through birch and hemlock trees and along sandstone cliffs.
Trail Markings
Red, purple, orange and green markers painted on trees indicate the horse trails. When you leave the horse camp area, the marked trees are on your right. When you return, they are on your left. Blue spots designate the Buckeye Trail. Green paint indicates a side trail. Yellow paint distinguishes state property from private land holdings.
Warnings
Horse and rider can use only designated bridle trails or forest roads. Only use the trails in the daylight. The area has steep cliffs. You don't want your horse or yourself to fall. Obtain permission before crossing the yellow state property lines.
Considerations in the Horse Camp
No fees exist to use the bridle trail or the 23 campsites. Water is available for horses at the horse camp. Parking for day use only is adjacent to the horse camp. You cannot save specific campsites for your friends. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can eat the berries and nuts that grow there, but not those in the nature preserve or seed orchard. Use the hitching posts provided. You are not allowed to tie horses to trees at the horse camp.
5 Nearby Stables
The Hocking Hills area offers five nearby stables. Equestrian Farm in New Plymouth offers riding lessons before the trail ride. Happy Trails in Rockbridge leads guests close to the main attractions within Hocking Hills State Park including Old Man's Cave, Conkle's Hollow, Ash Cave, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs. At Smoke Rise Ranch Resort, you can experience the old west and ranch life in Glouster. Spotted Horse Ranch in Laurelville has 16 campsites and a cabin that sleeps six. Guests can rent or bring their own horses. Uncle Buck's Riding Stable in New Marshfield allows guests to explore Zaleski State Park on horseback.
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