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There are plenty of areas to run, walk and bike in and around Philadelphia’s western suburbs, but horseback riding can sometimes feel less accessible. This summer, consider hitting the trails in a new way.
Horseshoe Trail at Valley Forge National Park
The Horseshoe Trail, named for its renowned popularity with equestrians, is a steep 140-mile woodland trail that begins in Valley Forge National Park and connects with the Appalachian Trail. It ends about 15 miles northeast of Harrisburg. Being the longest single equestrian trail in Pennsylvania, it’s primarily reserved for hikers and horseback riding.
1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1099
Marsh Creek State Park
This public park boasts 1,727 acres surrounding the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake. Located in north central Chester County, Marsh Creek State Park is a fantastic place to take the family for a myriad of family-fun activities. With 11.5 miles of horseback riding trails throughout, Marsh Creek has bridle trails and horse trailer parking on the west side. Hope Springs Farm, a family-run horse farm in the park, offers boarding, training, lessons and trail rides.
675 Park Road, Downingtown, (610) 458-5119
Red Buffalo Ranch at Evansburg State Park
Opened in 1998, Red Buffalo Ranch offers novice riders a chance to familiarize themselves with horse trails. The ranch is located on the edge of Evansburg State Park, which sits on 3,500 acres and has over 15 miles of horseback riding trails. Red Buffalo Ranch offers hourly guided trail rides by reservation, as well as “brunch and lunch rides” consisting of a brunch or lunch prepared by the staff.
1106 Anders Road, Collegeville, (610) 489-9707
Ridley Creek State Park
Ridley Creek State Park encompasses over 2,600 acres of Delaware County woodlands and meadows. The gently rolling terrain, bisected by Ridley Creek, is an oasis of open space. In addition to the running trails, picnic areas, fishing spots and hunting grounds, Ridley also offers 4.7 miles of horseback riding trails. Hidden Valley Farms operates a stable within the park that provides horse boarding, riding lessons and pony rides.
1023 Sycamore Mills Road, Media, (610) 892-3900
Wissahickon Valley Park
Over 1.1 million annual visitors enjoy the park’s abundant recreational opportunities. More than 50 miles of rugged trails offer hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians the opportunity to explore the park’s dense forests, open meadows and shaded creeks. Forbidden Drive, a 5.35-mile, flat, multi-use gravel path that parallels the Wissahickon Creek, allows for horseback riding. Roxborough’s Courtesy Stable and Chestnut Hill’s Northwestern Stables are among the nearby stables.
Valley Green Road, Philadelphia, (215) 247-0417
