Looking for a dude ranch in Pennsylvania? There are plenty of places throughout Pennsylvania where you can get a wide variety of terrain and riding styles.
Ranging from the classic barn and horse experience to one that will appeal more to the modern urbanite. Here are some of our favorites:
Creekside Resort & Ranch
Located in Clearville, PA, Creekside Resort & Ranch offers all the fun and adventure you could ask for! And what makes this place unique?
The ranch is home to mountain breeds like bison, well-trained horses, and ponies.
So you’ll have the chance to learn how to ride these majestic creatures while touring their beautiful location, except for the bison, which require a strict tour guide for viewing.
Creekside Resort & Ranch staff know everything there is to do in Pennsylvania. They can help you plan your next trip to get what you’re looking for!
This resort features everything from scenic hikes through the local mountains to guided tours of the nearby wildlife preserve.
In addition, they offer special events such as cookouts, campfires, swimming pools, fishing, and other community-building activities that are perfect for connecting with friends and family when you’re away from home.
What To Do
- Participate in outdoor games, including horseshoe pits, corn hole, volleyball, and basketball.
- Go on a guided trail or pony ride through the forests
- Fishing in the pier, fountains, and gazebo
- Watch the sunset over the lake
- Special events including weddings, family reunions, romantic getaways, birthdays, banquets, retreats, and more
Note Before Booking
- Every rider must book in advance and sign a waiver
- Reservations are only allowed for 21 years old and up
- A lifeguard on duty is not provided in the swimming pool
- Smoking in the cabins will result in a fine charge
- No age limit for horseback riding
- Children 12 years of age and less will not be allowed on the property without an adult company.
- Firearms or fireworks are not allowed.
Address: 1461 Big Creek Rd, Clearville, PA 15535, United States
Website: https://www.creekside-resort.com/
Phone: +1 814-784-0062
Cook Forest Scenic Trail Rides & Dude Ranch
Cook Forest Scenic Trails is only committed to one mission: To provide a safe and fun experience for their guests while they enjoy the beautiful trails of the Pennsylvania mountains.
But, of course, the horses are the best part of this experience, so the staff in this dude ranch work hard to ensure they’re happy, healthy, well-trained, and kind.
At the Cook Forest Scenic Trails, there are plenty of opportunities for riders to go on trail rides through the beautiful forests on the property.
There is everything you need to enjoy this experience, including well-trained horses, comfortable saddles, and experienced guides committed to leading you through our gorgeous landscape.
The trail rides accommodate all abilities and ages, from beginner to advanced. In addition, there are organized food rides where riders enjoy three cowboy meals a day.
The good thing is you can pay for this ride with weekly pricing of $399 for adults and free for children below five years.
Address: 1661 Scott Dr, Clarion, PA 16214, United States
Website: https://patrailride.com/
Phone: +1 814-226-5985
Fairview Farm and Guest Ranch
When you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then Fairview Ranch has all it got to give precisely that.
They are located in beautiful Granville Summit, offering an array of adventure activities, including horseback riding, riding lessons, trail rides, horse camps, and more.
The horses in this family-owned dude ranch are the show’s main stars. The horses have been raised here at Fairview Farm from birth and are well-trained professionals who will make you feel safe and secure during your ride.
The farm offers guests a wide selection of horses to choose from so that you will have the best experience possible on your adventure.
Fairview Farm has facilities in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, giving endless breathtaking sunset and sunrise views.
In addition, the ranch has cabins and lodges that accommodate groups of all sizes and private homes for family vacations or romantic getaways with your loved ones.
What To Do
- Horse camping
- Trail rides
- Riding lessons
- Boarding
- Enjoy the day and overnight accommodations in the rustic cabins
Address: 2998 Fairview Road, Granville Summit, PA 16926, United States
Website: https://fairviewfarmandguestranch.com/
Phone: +1 570-364-5212
Magnolia Streamside Resort Poconos
There’s no shortage of things to do in Magnolia Streamside Resort Poconos. There are mountain streams throughout the property, fishing, a pool and canoe, a kid’s playground, and many outdoor activities.
But if you’re looking for something a little different than what you’d find at your local resort, check out the horses.
Magnolia Streamside Resort rents out horses for trail rides along the mountain streams. These horses are trained to follow commands and ensure that your ride is safe and fun, no matter your experience level.
What To Expect
- Reservation for persons 25 years and up
- Rents and other charges are non-refundable
- Dogs are the only pets allowed
Address: 2518 Route 390 N, Canadensis, PA 18325, United States
Website: https://www.magnoliastreamside.com/
Phone: +1 570-595-2489
Lukan’s Farm Resort
It’s not surprising that Lukan’s Farm Resort has become the most popular place for people who stay in the Pocono Mountains.
The resort offers horseback riding and hiking which is a great way to see the beautiful landscape of our farm. It also has a variety of accommodations from which to choose, including:
- Cabins with fireplaces
- Cottages with kitchens or kitchenettes
- Luxury treehouses
- Large heated pools
You can also do many other activities at Lukan’s Farm Resort, including deer spotting, hiking trails, a children’s playground, farm animals, catch and release in fishing ponds, and recreation rooms with a fireplace.
If you’re looking to host an event at Lukan’s Farm Resort, they can help with that too! There are adequate spaces for parties, and you can cater your event with delicious food from several local restaurants.
Address: 539 Long Ridge Rd, Hawley, PA 18428, United States
Website: https://www.lukans.com/
Phone: +1 570-226-4574
What To Pack For Dude Ranches In Pennsylvania
As a horseback rider, you know that a good ride is all about preparation. You must ensure that your horse is fed and ready to go before you even saddle them up, but what about yourself?
I’m sure some of you may have gone on rides without any extra items; However, this can be very dangerous in case something goes wrong during your ride in the Pocono region.
Put the following items in your suitcase, and you will be ready for all things dude ranch-related:
Comfortable Clothing You Can Layer
You may be spending a lot of time outside. Thus, it’s good to have clothes you can add or take off depending on the temperature and your activity level.
This is particularly true if you visit a dude ranch in Pennsylvania in the off-season when temperatures can drop unexpectedly or snow is on the ground.
Even if you’re visiting during warmer weather and don’t expect cold temperatures, it’s wise to pack layers because of unpredictable weather-related conditions.
Helmet
You should always wear a helmet, even when seated in the saddle, holding the reins, and not moving your horse.
Helmets should be replaced after a fall, as they may no longer protect you as well as before the accident. Plus, the Pennsylvania law requires riders to wear helmets at all times.
Riding Boots
Riding boots are probably the essential part of your kit. They need to be comfortable and durable, with a good grip on the stirrups and the ability to protect your feet from burns.
Most importantly, they must be waterproof and breathable so that you don’t overheat while riding in hot weather.
Also, they must be easy to clean. You don’t want mud caked into the soles when you’re out for a ride!
Gloves
Gloves are a good idea for horseback riding in Pennsylvania. They protect you from the sun, bugs, reins, saddle, and horse’s mouth.
If you’re wearing gloves made of leather or vinyl, they’ll keep your hands cool enough that sweat won’t build up underneath them.
And if they fit tightly enough around your wrist, making it harder for them to come off during a fall, they should prevent debris from getting inside your gloves.
Half Chaps
Half chaps are an essential piece of horseback riding equipment. They protect your legs from being kicked and provide sun, wind, and rain protection.
If you’re planning on riding in cold weather, they also provide warmth to your legs.
Some folks use them to protect against brush or branches that might scratch up their calves.
In contrast, others only wear them when the temperature drops below freezing to stay nice and cozy inside their warm clothes while providing extra coverage when needed.
Waterproof Jacket Or Vest
A waterproof jacket or vest is a must-have for horseback riders in Pennsylvania. It’s good to have in case of rain, but you can also wear it on cold days. It serves as a windbreaker, too!
Fly Spray
Fly spray is crucial when riding in Pennsylvania, as the area can be very fly-infested. It would be best to use fly spray during the summer, as these are the times when flies will be most active.
Water Bottle
A water bottle with a sports top would serve best, so you can drink without taking your hands off the reins, which help keep you hydrated while riding during hot days in Pennsylvania, where temperatures can rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for a place that combines outdoor fun with great Western ambiance, you want it to be as unique as the times you’ll share there.
Plenty of good dude ranches in Pennsylvania can take you on an adventure of a lifetime. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or something more adventurous, there’s something out there for everyone.
