Horseback riding is a great way to explore Gettysburg at your own pace. Here are a few best places to go horseback riding in Gettysburg.
Gettysburg is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a great place to go horseback riding. With its rich history and beautiful scenery, Gettysburg offers riders of all levels a chance to explore on horseback.
Riders can explore the history of the Civil War while enjoying scenic views. There are many miles of trails that wind through the battlefield.
In addition, the town is home to many historical sites, including the Gettysburg National Battlefield, a popular destination for horseback riders.
Several stables in Gettysburg offer horseback riding lessons and trail rides with various horses to choose from, so riders can find a suitable horse for their skill level.
Confederate Trails Of Gettysburg Guided Horseback Tours
A family-operated business, Confederate Trails of Gettysburg started as a small stable with five horses and borrowed stables and soon transformed into a Pennsylvania favorite with over 80 horses.
Riders will enjoy beautiful views of the battlefield as they ride on horseback. Confederate
Offering a wide range of tours from the beginner to the advanced rider, Confederate Trails is perfect for those looking to explore Gettysburg on horseback.
With various tour options, riders can find the ideal tour for their skill level and interests. Offering tours for everyone in your social group, you can indulge in whatever Gettysburg experience.
Confederate trails offer the following tours.
2-hour licensed battlefield guided horseback tour
Riders aged eight and up ride alongside a licensed battlefield guide, learning about the essential details and insights into the soldiers’ lives.
You also get a headset, so you don’t miss a single word. In addition, you use the headsets when a live guide isn’t available.
This ride departs from the McMillan Youth Campground. Charges are $99.50 per rider and $119 per group rate – riders or adults.
2 hour licensed battlefield guided carriage tours
If handing over the reins to someone else to enable you and your family to immerse yourselves in history is what you’re looking for, look no further than this ride.
Allowing only ten guests, tour the Gettysburg battlefield in a carriage learning from one of the knowledgeable licensed guides.
The charges for the ride are $56 per adult (12 and up), $42 for kids aged 8-11, and $30 for kids aged 3-7. Kids under three years ride free, and the tour is available from Thursday to Tuesday.
In addition, they also offer several walking tours, private car tours, 1-hour carriage ride tours, and in-town carriage tours.
Helpful Tips
- They have two different departure points for the carriage and horseback rides.
- The trails are closed Tuesday to Wednesday
- All riders must be 250lbs or less
- The minimum riding age is eight years old
- Riders under 18 years must wear a helmet
- You are required to wear Closed toes shoes
- Riding goes out in rain or sunshine. Thus, prepare beforehand.
Website: https://confederatetrails.com/
Address: Youth Group Campground Entrance McMillian Woods Youth Campground GNMP, W Confederate Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
Phone: +17174767428
Email: customersupport@horsetoursgettysburg.com
National Riding Stables
Owned and operated by John and Terry Latschar, National Riding stables is a non-profit dedicated to offering guests an extraordinary experience on their Gettysburg trip.
With an emphasis on the healing and caring of their horses, which were acquired from auctions and, at times, rescued from kill pens, they found a way of incorporating care for horses with their business model.
What To Expect At National Riding Stables
The Wranglers
With decades of combined experience, you can expect a safe, rewarding, enlightening experience. Terry and John are passionate about their work with the horses and providing an excellent customer service experience.
The Horses
They choose the horses carefully to provide an excellent experience for all kinds of riders. Despite finding their way through to the stables due to a traumatic experience, you can expect gentle yet spirited horses.
With different personalities, there’s bound to be a horse that suits your riding style.
The Trails
Meandering through the Gettysburg battlefield, you’ll be able to take in all the sites and smells of nature while gaining a new perspective on this important historical site.
Pricing
- $85 per person for a 2-hour ride
- $60 per person for a 1-hour ride
Guided Horseback Tours
Available between March and November, National Riding Stables offers a 2-hour historic licensed battleground tour and a 1-hour scenic horseback ride. Led by a licensed battleground guide, expect the experience of a lifetime.
Note: For riders who’d like to adopt, contribute donations, volunteer at the stables, and ‘sponsor’ a horse, you can do that by reaching out to the stables.
Website: https://nationalridingstables.org/
Stables Address: 610 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325, United States
Business address: 815 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325, United States
Phone: 717-334-5100
Hickory Hollow Horse Farm
A family-run business, Hickory Hollow has been a trail riding staple for residents and visitors to Gettysburg for the last 30 years. In addition, it has an incredible lineup of horses, ranging from geldings to Palomino Quarters.
You can expect a fun experience for you and your whole family, whether you’re an avid horseman or a novice rider. The rides typically consist of 2 – 10 riders.
However, private rides are available where a licensed guide can ride with you and your group.
Charges For The Rides
2-hour guided horseback ride with a licensed guide – $100
Ride from the confederate line to the union line. Listen to a licensed battle guide describing the three days of battle.
You get to be treated to sights of the Virginia Monument, the Spangler Farm, Picketts’ charge, the Pennsylvania monument, Little Round Top, and Big Round Top, then head back to the campgrounds.
1.5-hour scenic trail ride – $80
Ride from the confederate line to Emmitsburg Road with a licensed guide. You will see the Virginia Monument, the Spangler Farm, Pickett’s charge, and then return to the campgrounds.
1-hour scenic horseback trail ride -$55
This ride is an excellent way for families with small children to enjoy the beauty of Gettysburg National Military Park. You will see the Virginia monument and cannons.
Additionally, this ride provides numerous photo opportunities for you and your family.
Website: https://www.hickoryhollowfarm.com/
Address: 219 Crooked Creek Rd #7418, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
Phone: +1 717-253-630
Gettysburg National Military Park
The Gettysburg National Military Park is a must-visit for any history buff or horse lover. This park offers over 25 miles of exploring trails and various educational programs about the famous Battle of Gettysburg.
You’ll be able to explore the battlefields and learn about the history of the civil war while riding on the trails. The park features a Visitor Center with exhibits on the battle, a museum, and a film about the struggle.
Guided horseback tours are available from March to November, and self-guided tours are available year-round. There is also a horse-drawn carriage tour of the battlefield that departs from the Visitor Center.
Helpful Information
- There is limited horse-trailer parking. Make sure you get there early.
- No trail riding after sunset.
- You require a horse permit for groups of more than 15 riders.
- Pedestrians also use the trails. It expected riders and horses to yield to the pedestrians.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-334-1124
Website: https://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/horseback-riding-trails.htm
Keystone Trail Ride
A horseback riding adventure is waiting for you at Keystone Trail Rides. With its location in the beautiful Gettysburg area, they offer a unique way to explore and discover all that Gettysburg has to offer.
You can expect a fun and safe ride with various horses suitable for all riders, from beginners to experienced equestrians.
A professional and experienced guide leads all the rides and takes you on a tour of the picturesque Gettysburg area, sharing stories and history along the way.
Several options are available, from 4-hour scenic rides to 3-hour and 1.5-hour scenic sunset tours, to choose the perfect ride.
Pricing
- 4-hour ride -$190 per person
- 3 hour ride-$150 per person
- 1.5-hour ride $100 per person
Helpful Information
- Their age limit is ten years old. Double riding isn’t allowed.
- Their weight limit is 220 lbs.
- If you need to cancel your ride because of inclement weather (48 hours prior), you will get the chance to reschedule or get a refund.
- Closed-toe shoes are a must.
- Any rider under 18 years must wear a helmet
Website: https://keystonetrailrides.com/
Address: 551 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325, United States
Phone: (717) 817-9836
Conclusion
Gettysburg is the perfect place if you want a fantastic horseback riding experience. In addition, Gettysburg is a historic town with many things to do, and a great way to see the city and learn about its history is by taking a horseback tour.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, there’s sure to be a trail ride that’s perfect for you.
Not only are they fun and unique experiences that everyone can enjoy, but you get to see some fantastic sites from the same vantage point as the cavalry did. So be sure to do your research to find the perfect one.
