Horseback Riding Tours

Our tours are designed for 4-6 riders and are restricted to riders with at least a minimum of experience on horseback. Our seven-hour and overnight trips, in particular, require that riders be confident riding through difficult terrain. We do not adhere to any set schedule. We'll take our time.

Photos from our  horseback riding tours

Three-Hour Excursion

Within fifteen minutes to a half an hour, depending upon your interests, we'll descend along a mountain stream from the broad pastures of the Mount Lookout tablelands into the forests of the Meadow River Gorge. We'll pass through evergreen groves of hemlock and among towering cliffs to the main trail that follows the north side of the Meadow River. Near the mouth of the stream, we'll water our horses at an old camp on one of the river's quiet pools. We'll follow the river upstream to Ship Rock, which rises more than 60 feet out of the river -- among the largest of boulders and cliffs we'll pass along the way. In spring, we'll likely see kayakers running the rapids along the way. After a rest and watering at the rock, we'll return to the stables. Though we'll backtrack on the return, you'll see many new sites you missed on the way down.

$45 per person
Departure: Time Adjustable
Lunch: $10 additional per person or bring-your-own

Seven-Hour Excursion

Our seven-hour trip descends to the Meadow River along the route described for the three-hour excursion above. However, once we reach the river, we'll turn downstream, following the main trail in sight of the cliffs that follow the rim of the gorge. You'll likely see rock-climbers scaling the cliffs, and we can also arrange a guided climb with one the area's many  outfitters. Beyond the cliffs, we'll pass beneath the awesome U.S. 19 Bridge and on into the national parklands to the Gauley River and Old Carnifex Ferry, scene of one of the important local engagements during the Civil War. There, we'll enjoy a hearty lunch. Depending on the water level, we can ford the Meadow River and follow an old railroad grade through tunnels and past some of the Gauley River's spectacular rapids. Or we can turn upstream along the Gauley. In any case, we're likely to see rafters and kayakers along the way, especially in autumn when thousands dare high water levels during "Gauley Season." At the ferry, we can decide whether to follow the trail back to the stables or extend your trip. There's much more to do than seven-hours allows.

$80 per person
Departure: 9 a.m.
Lunch: $10 additional per person or bring-your-own


Overnight Adventure

Deep in the gorge of the Meadow River, you'll be a world away from the roar of traffic and the glare of manmade light sources. In fact, central West Virginia is among the darkest places in the East: the nearest small towns are more than 15 miles away. You'll never forget your night in the wilderness after a full day of go-at-your-own-pace exploration on horseback. Overnight adventures can be arranged to extend deep into the gorge or concentrate in certain areas. In autumn, for instance, some guests will be more interested in lingering near the Gauley River to watch rafters and kayakers. In spring, wildflower fans may want a leisurely trip during which you can spot some of our rare Appalachian species. Of course, overnight trips also allow you plenty of time for a combination trip with climbing or kayaking lessons.

$180 per person
Departure: 9 a.m.
Meals: $10 additional per person per meal