Horseback riding in Maine offers many opportunities to get out into the fresh air and enjoy locations that would otherwise be closed off.
Offering a mix of everything, Maine’s rugged coastline, all 3478 miles, and pine wood forests make it an adventurer’s paradise.
While certain parts of Maine offer incredible riding for more advanced riders, inexperienced riders can also find areas with stunning foliage during fall, one of the best times to visit Maine.
Whether you’re looking to trailer in your horse or stay at overnight camps riding to your heart’s desire with the morning sun, Maine is the perfect location.
Here are some great places to go horseback riding in Maine.
Deepwood Farm
Deepwood Farm is a family-owned and operated equestrian facility located outside of Bethel.
One of the oldest farms in the Maine area, Deepwood Farm offers horse training, boarding, and horseback riding for all levels of riders with a keen emphasis on horsemanship.
One of the things that set Deepwood Farm parts is its passion and dedication to horses and equestrians everywhere.
In addition, the owner, Dianne, teaches adults and youth how to ride in whatever discipline they desire despite her specializing in dressage.
Whether you’re an advanced rider looking for a leisurely ride or an inexperienced rider looking to get started, the staff matches each rider to a horse fitting their personality and level.
Spending an evening at the farm, you can expect to be surrounded by some of the most gentle and loving horses, exploring some of the most spectacular sights of the white mountains.
Rides take you over streams and through a working apple orchard, where there are numerous photo opportunities for memorabilia. Riding through the trail is done in a group of up to six people.
The charges for a one-hour ride are $50 per person.
Other Services Offered
Besides horseback riding, Deepwood farm runs a three-day and five-day summer camp in which young horse lovers find themselves surrounded by like-minded horse lovers. In addition to summer camps, wagon and sleigh rides are also available.
Need To Know
- All riders are required to wear helmets, long pants, and closed-toe shoes
- Reservations are via calling
- Trail rides year-round
- A call to the farm will get you all sorted for advanced riders looking for longer rides.
- You can either bring your horse or use one of the ones provided
Website: http://www.deepwoodfarm.com/
Address: 84 Parsonage Hill Road, Albany Township, Maine 04217
Phone: 207-824-2595
Horse Island Camp And Trail Rides
This incredible riding trail is perfect for everyone, with lovely horses and friendly and knowledgeable staff. As the name suggests, Horse Island Camp is a camp for kids aged three years and up, where kindness and love for animals reign.
Accessible via the Portland Ferry, this camp is not only the perfect getaway for kids to get in some horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, and fort games, but adults looking for a slow-paced trail ride are welcome.
Charges per Person:
- $65.00 for 1 hour
- $95.00 for 1.5 hours
Website: https://horseislandcamp.com/
Address: Casco Bay, Peaks Island, Portland, ME 04108-1121
Phone: (207) 838-7652
Email: [email protected]
Acadia National Park
Wildwood Stables
Wildwood Stables is inside Acadia National Park, one of Maine’s finest and most famous national parks.
Starting early on as a farm in 1911 by Ernest Dane and his wife Hellen, Wildwood Stables were donated to the national park and later turned into Wildwood Stables.
With a great trail system that offers views of the park, guests can enjoy carriage rides through the park thanks to Wildwood stables. Trail riding on rented horses isn’t available within the park.
However, visitors who visit the park from the end of May through mid-October can enjoy the daily carriage rides on carriage roads initially constructed by John D Rockefeller, take out their horses, and give them a whirl.
Horseback riders are encouraged to take a copy and use the carriage roads users map for better identification of trails, routes, and roads for horseback riding.
Note
- Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/places/wildwood-stables.htm
Address: 21 Dane Farm Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
Phone: 1-877-276-3622 or 1-207-276-5721
Camden Hills State Park
With over 30 miles of trails to explore, this state park is a hidden gem for horse lovers. Its location is 80 miles from Portland, with 5700 acres of rolling hills.
Camden Hills State Park offers unparalleled views atop Mt Battie of surrounding islands, Camden Harbor and Cadillac Mountain on clear days.
There are numerous ways to enjoy the park. However, none beats taking your horse out and enjoying miles of terrain. Just be sure to get a permit before hitting the trails!
Riding is on a few multi-use trails ranging from moderate to complex and is open year-round.
Popham State Park
One of Maine’s busiest state parks, Popham state park is a lovely place to go horseback riding.
While most people choose a riding location based on its trails and scenic views, many return to Popham thanks to its history, size, and the fact that it homes a seven-mile beach.
One of a few less-known beaches, riding your horse on Popham Beach provides a sense of calm and tranquillity that is usually hard to find.
Offering horseback on the beach from October 1st through March 31st, riding in Popham feels like an out-of-body experience.
Choosing whether to go for a swim after a ride, take advantage of their picnic tables, or hike all 529 acres of land becomes tough.
Need To Know
- Riding is recommended 3 hours before or after low tide; mornings and evenings.
- Be sure to get a permit before hitting the trails,
- A fee at the entry booth.
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/water_activities/popham_beach_conditions.shtml
Address: 10 Perkins Farm Ln, Phippsburg, Maine 04562
Phone: (207) 389-1335
Sable Oaks Equestrian Center
For a better time at Popham beach, saddling up with the folks down at Sable Oaks is a definite. Sable Oaks specializes in various disciplines.
In addition, Sable oaks offer everything from horse training, showing camps, birthday parties, weddings, and horseback rides on the beach.
The center offers beach rides and trail rides exploring the expansive Maine area.
Beginning in the arena with an assessment rides led by Sherrye, follow through woods and a series of trails, all passing through the legendary Brunswick landscape. Guided trail rides are available from early spring to late fall and are great for any rider.
Rides take place on either a Quarter horse or a Gypsy Vanner, and riders choose to ride on a western or English saddle. Beach rides begin in October and run through to march 31st.
Charges
- Adventure Beach Rides: Charged at $250 per hour for one rider. However, for two riders, each pays $175 per hour. In addition, a 50% deposit is payable per rider.
- The charges for Adventure Rides are $75 for one hour and 30 minutes.
Note
Advanced registration and deposit are required, and the balance is due on arrival.
Website: https://www.sableoakec.com/index.php/adventure-rides/
Address: Sable Oak Equestrian Center, 38 Bridge Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
Barn Phone: 207-443-4006
Sherrye Trafton Phone: 207-650-4499
Androscoggin State Park
Covering 2675 acres and lying on the Androscoggin River is a great place for horseback riding.
The park offers 12 miles for horseback riding and is also home to a campground, so you can make a weekend of it and go camping after your ride. Just be sure to get a permit before hitting the trails!
Address: Center Bridge Rd, Turner, ME 04282, United States
Phone: +1 207-998-4104
Moosehorn National Refuge
Riding your horse in Moosehorn National Refuge is an adventure you will not easily forget. With its location on the outskirts of Maine, the Moosehorn is a sanctuary for endangered species such as the bald eagle and migrating birds.
Look no further than this for horseback riders looking for trailers filled with miles of hardwood forests and a place to view wildlife in their natural state.
In addition, Moosehorn is also excellent thanks to the low traffic, making for much less spooked horses and much more getting in tune with the changing leaves and riding.
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/moosehorn/visit-us
Address: 103 Headquarters Rd, Baring, ME 04694, United States
Managed by: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Tips
Now that you know where to go horseback riding in Maine, here are a couple of pointers to help you with your adventure.
Carry a manure bag
If you plan on riding on the beaches around Maine, many of them require that you pick after your horse. While it would be amicable not to have to worry about clean-up, most of these state beaches are in use by others, and no one wants to step in poo.
State permit or license
For most state parks we have mentioned on this list, it’s a requirement to purchase a permit before entering. The fee charged goes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the parks. You can download the licenses from the town hall or state parks website.
Operating hours and days
Riding at a park like Popham is only available during some months, be sure to check with the offices before heading out. No one likes disappointment. Riding in some state parks is offered after the tourists have left and the weather is cooler.
Conclusion
Horseback riding is a great outdoor activity in Maine. There are plenty of places and numerous state parks with miles of trails and scenic views, but it’s a fun way to explore the natural beauty of Maine. Grab your cowboy hat and boots and head out on the adventure.
