Lake George horseback riding in the birthplace of the American vacation. Riding a horse on the Queen of American Lakes is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
This is the perfect hub to launch your 4th of July or Labor Day celebrations.
From its crystal clear waters that Thomas Jefferson referenced to being some of the most beautiful in the world to its mountainous terrain perfect for challenging yourself, Lake Georges’s beauty is one of a kind.
With illustrious peaks, old-growth forests, and fresh mountain air, Lake George is the perfect area for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Adirondacks on horseback.
Not only is Lake George full of different scenic routes and trails, but the stables and riding locations on this list provide some of the best horses that will have even the most nervous rider feeling safe.
From the guides with immense knowledge of the area to the horses, bringing out your inner cowboy has never been easier.
Enjoying this vacation paradise with over 170 islands and 109 miles of shoreline should be on everyone’s bucket list.
So grab your family and get to explore.
How To Find The Perfect Horseback Riding Site In Lake George
Most people know upstate New York and Lake George thanks to the hundreds of miles of shoreline and extensive hiking trails.
However, the area’s rugged terrain, different level altitudes, and the Adirondacks make it an adrenaline seeker paradise.
Here’s a narrowed-down list of the best of the best.
Saddle Up Stables
If you’ve been looking for a well-thought-out, professional, experienced trail ride, Saddle Up Stables has you covered.
They are one of the oldest stables in the Lake George area, offering horseback rides for over 75 years. Saddle Up puts family front and center.
As a family-run business, they ensure everyone has a good time.
With a large selection of beautiful and well-groomed horses and ponies, giddy-up and enjoy.
They have some of the best-maintained trails filled with landmarks and views of Lake George, and you can enjoy them from the top of one of their horses while accompanied by their friendly wranglers who know the area like the back of their hand.
The limits of experiencing all the area have to offer are up to you.
Saddle Up Stables also offer pony rides for the little ones, and whole horse rides around the barn for anyone who isn’t comfortable getting on the trail.
The ranch operates from mid-May to early September and offers a 1-hour trail ride charged at $80 per rider.
What You Need To Know
- The riders must be at least eight and 50 inches tall to get on the trail rides.
- Riders under 18 years require helmets and are provided free of charge.
- Reservations are recommended. However, they accept walk-ins
- The weight limit is 250 lbs
- They don’t accept any double riding
- The scenic trail ride is 1 hour long
- Long pants and shoes are recommended
Website: https://ridingstables.com/
Phone: 518-668-4801
Address: 3513 Lake Shore Dr, Lake George, NY 12845, United States
Mountain View Rocking B Ranch
The ranch offers guided western horseback rides through the Adirondacks. Mountain View Ranch is the perfect place for riders of all ages and experiences.
Located 10 minutes from Lake George village, they offer a variety of rides catering to all levels of cowboy and cowgirl.
Whether you choose their guided two-hour ride accompanied by friends or other riders, you will get a treat to views of streams, blooming wildflowers, and wildlife, and you will be begging to go back whenever you have any free time.
You can choose from the following rides:
- One-hour trail ride
- Good Mornin Breakfast Ride
- 2 Hr + Mountain Ride
Sunset Dinner Ride – $120
The sunset dinner ride lasts 3 hours. As one of the more popular rides, this specialty ride takes you to the top of Beech Mountain, where you can view Lake George, the Adirondack Mountains, and Lake Vanare.
An adventure you are sure not to forget, the ride takes you through wooded trails and ends at the top of Beech Mountain.
In addition, you get dinner which comprises an appetizer, tossed salad, baked potato, bread and butter, choice of chicken, steak, or salmon, a beverage, and dessert.
Need To Know About This Ride
- The ride leaves at 5 pm. Riders should arrive by 4 pm
- Cell phones are not allowed on the ride
- One must be ble to ride the horse by themselves
- Riders under 18 must have their parents or guardians sign a liability form.
Good Mornin Breaksfast Ride – $75
An unforgettable adventure, spend the morning breathing in the crisp morning mountain air as you are guided through a babbling brook and mountain stream to a bridge where you will be treated to a delicious breakfast.
Riders are treated to a family-style breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, biscuits, fruit juice, and coffee.
This ride is suitable for ages nine and above. The ride leaves the stable at 8:30 am.
One Hour Trail Ride – $60
Great for beginners, this ride takes riders on a one-hour adventure where they will be treated to views of blooming wildflowers and leaping deers.
It’s suitable for ages nine and up. Walk-ins are only accepted for their Junior Ride, which is charged at $15.
What To Know
- They are closed during Fall and Winter.
- Helmets are provided and required for riders under 18 years
- The minimum age for trail rides is nine years
- The junior ride is offered for younger riders
Website: http://mountainviewrockingb-ranch.com/index.html
Phone: 518 321 3595 , 518 696 4444
Address: 84 Gage Hill Rd, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846, United States
Ruggiero’s Horseback Riding At Painted Pony Ranch
Enjoy first-class riding, incredible views, well-behaved horses, and family fun at Painted Pony.
Located 5 miles outside Lake George, they feature some of the best horses and trails, making it easy to see why families return to this site year and year again.
Whether you’re a first-time or experienced rider looking to get back into the saddle, there’s no better way to vacation.
From the gentle horse practically family to the owner himself, playfully called playboy Pete, you are sure to enjoy yourself.
Ruggiero’s has been in business since 1942, so saddle up and let cowboy Pete take you on guided horseback going from the ranch down to the river and through the thick Adirondack forest.
They are open from mid-April through October.
Offers
- 1-hour trail ride
- ½ hour trail ride
- For riders aged seven and up
- Miniature ponies for riders aged six and below.
In addition, they offer log cabin rentals where guests can enjoy smores by the campfire lit by the moonlight with family and friends.
Website: https://www.paintedponyranch.com/
Phone: 518-932-2139
Address: 746 Howe Rd, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846, United States
Circle B Ranch
What started as a farm in the 1800s soon became an iconic establishment in the southern Adirondacks.
It’s run by the Boggia Family, whose goal was to create a place where everyone could develop and nurture their love for horses.
Set on hundreds of acres, filled with thick forests, a trail system spanning miles, and incredible views of the mountains, you are sure to find a new trail to explore anytime that you are there.
The ranch boasts some of the best, well-behaved horses. Each one displays its personality that you are sure to enjoy as you are led by some of the most experienced, committed guides to ensure every ride is safe and memorable for rider and horse.
Before a ride heads out, instruction is given on safety, essential signals, and mounting and dismounting.
If getting on horseback seems daunting, but you still want to enjoy the magic of these animals, they offer unique carriage and sleigh rides that can be enjoyed by the whole family or with that special someone.
You can never start them too young for the little ones; as such, they can be treated to pony rides led by the wranglers on the ranch.
If you’ve been looking to freshen up on your riding or learn how to ride, they offer English-style lessons and an indoor arena for riding and horse training.
Circe B ranch goes above and beyond by keeping its doors open. Unlike other ranches around, Circle B is available year-round, allowing its guests to witness the seasons change as they bond with their equine partners.
They offer two types of rides:
The Beaver Dam Trail Ride
- Duration 1 hour
- Costs $75
Circle B Mountain And Valley Trail Ride
- Duration 2 hours
- For ages 7 +
- Costs $130
Note Before Going
You need a reservation before heading there.
Website: https://www.circlebranchny.com/horseback-riding
Phone: 518-494-4888
Address: 771 Potter Brook Road Chestertown, NY 12817
Lake George Wild Forest
Offering numerous miles open to riders and their horses, Lake George is the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy the open wild without restrictions.
There are two mountings platforms, one at Dacy clearing and the other at Upper Hogtown road.
Erebus Trail
Overlooking Lake George, this 8.6-mile loop has streams perfect for cooling off. Generally considered a more challenging trail, it takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
This trail is rather popular. Consider going in May through October.
Lakeshore Trail
Starting at various points along Shelving rock road, it boasts an easy back-and-out trail with a descent of 90 m and a climb of 85 m.
The 3-mile single-track and moderately tricky trail make it perfect for riders looking for more of a challenge without the crazy elevation.
Shelving Rock
Perfect for any level rider, this trail is a 1.7-mile (3.4 round trip ) hike. Lasting 1 hour, the trip to reach the summit should be easy and fast.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why Lake George and the surrounding areas are so famous. Not only do they have picturesque landscapes, but they possess the best opportunities for horseback riding.
Whether you’re looking to ride your horse or one at these sites, one thing is for sure you will not regret it.
