The Complete Guide to Horseback Riding in Hocking Hills, Ohio

What | Places to Ride | Places to Stay | FAQs | Bottom Line

If you get the chance, see Hocking Hills by horseback: it’s unique, charming, adventurous, and something only a few people get to experience.

Horseback riding is always fun—but it’s made better in Hocking Hills, where you’ll be riding past through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest. Forests, waterfalls, and caves are all commonplace on the horse trails in the Hocking Hills region.

What you should know about horseback riding in Hocking Hills

There are plenty of places to book a guided trail ride in the Hocking Hills region. We’ll break down your main options below.

Each business will offer something different, but there are a few universal truths here.

  • Most rides are right around $100. You can find short rides for closer to $40 or $50 and longer rides for closer to $150.
  • For the safety of both the horses and the riders, kids under 7 and people over 240 pounds are generally not allowed on horses. The age and weight limit varies by place, but those are good rules of thumb.

Where to go horseback riding in Hocking Hills

Here’s our list of the best spots for horseback riding in Hocking Hills. We’re confident you’ll enjoy any of them.

Blue Moon Acres

Well-trained horses, guides with years of local knowledge, and some of the most beautiful trails in Ohio make Blue Moon Acres a popular spot for horseback riding. Here are the key details about Blue Moon Acres:

  • Who it’s good for: People 17 & up. Blue Moon Stables is a small operation. You’ll be with a group of, at most, 4 people. It’s fun and authentic, but not great for kids.
  • When you can go: Blue Moon Acres operates between May and October each year, Tuesday through Saturday. Blue Moon is closed during most of August.
  • Booking in advance: You need to book at least one day in advance.
  • Ride length: Rides range from 45 minutes to 4 hours.

The trail you’ll ride depends on your experience and preferences. You’re matched with a horse, a trail, a guide, and sent on your way. 

You can find the latest information, as well as booking details, on the Blue Moon Acres website.

Equestrian Ridge Farm

The experience at Equestrian Ridge Farm is a special one. You’ll get personalized instruction and trail options through beautiful terrain, for one. Plus, you can camp or stay overnight in a large, rustic cabin on the farm. Here’s what you should know about Equestrian Ridge:

  • Who it’s good for: All ages are welcome. Of course, rides for the little ones are gentle and sometimes guided by a walker. There are longer rides available for teens and adults.
  • When you can go: Rides are available year-round.
  • Booking in advance: It’s best to call ahead and plan your trip at least a few days in advance.
  • Ride length: Most rides are about 1.5 hours long.

There are a wide variety of booking and trail options. Some will take you up hillsides and into hidden caves, others through meadows and forest. The choice is, for the most part, yours.

Learn more and book your trip on the Equestrian Ridge website.

Happy Trails Horseback Rides

Most places to horseback ride near Hocking Hills are southeast, in the Zaleski State Forest. Not Happy Trails. It’s located to the north, just minutes from Conkle’s Hollow, Chapel Cave, Airplane Rock, and many of the most popular attractions in the region. Here are the details:

  • Who it’s good for: Everyone is welcome! For younger kids, hand-held pony rides are available.
  • When you can go: From late April through late October.
  • Booking in advance: Walk-ins are generally available on the weekends, but Happy Trails strongly encourages that you call in advance.
  • Ride length: This will depend entirely on the trail you and your guide decide on. Longer trails can take a few hours.

Happy Trails is in an excellent location and claims to offer the most scenic rides in Hocking Hills. You’ll ride past cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and rock formations on many of the nearby trails.

Check out the Happy Trails website here, for more details and information on reservations.

Spotted Horse Ranch

You can do just about anything at Spotted Horse Ranch. It’s a party and wedding venue, a spot to camp, a horse ranch, and an all-around fun experience near Hocking Hills. The key details:

  • Who it’s good for: Riders 8 & up. 
  • When you can go: TK-after I call them
  • Booking in advance: Yes, you should book in advance. Contact info is available on their site.
  • Ride length: Most rides are 2 hours or less.

Spotted Horse Ranch offers a unique riding experience: The Cowboy Cookout Ride. You’ll ride through gorgeous forest for a couple of hours before winding up at a tucked-away spot in the woods for some great food cooked over an open fire.

You can learn more details and book your ride on the Spotted Horse Ranch website.

Uncle Buck’s Riding Stable and Dance Barn

Set near Lake Hope in the Zaleski State Forest, Uncle Buck’s is a great place to go horseback riding. There are three guided trails available. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Who it’s good for: The whole family (almost)! Riders 9 & up are allowed.
  • When you can go: Uncle Buck’s offers rides from mid-March through the end of November.
  • Booking in advance: You can book up to months in advance from Uncle Buck’s. 
  • Ride length: The trail rides range from 1 hour to 2.5 hours.

Uncle Buck’s isn’t just a horseback riding spot. They host summer concerts, and there’s a saloon with drinks and food. 

Head to the Uncle Buck’s website to check current pricing and availability.

Questions about horseback riding in Hocking Hills

Does Hocking Hills have horseback riding?

Yes! While you can’t ride in the state park itself, there are dozens of trails in the Hocking Hills region with great horseback riding.

Where can I go horseback riding near Columbus?

If beautiful scenery is what you’re after, Hocking Hills is certainly the best place to go horseback riding near Columbus. It’s roughly one hour from downtown.

Where can I go horseback riding in Hocking Hills?

Blue Moon Acres, Equestrian Ridge, Happy Trails, Uncle Buck’s, and Spotted Horse Ranch are the best places to go horseback riding in Hocking Hills.

Places to stay in Hocking Hills

Wondering where to stay when you visit Hocking Hills? Clear Falls has 15 cabins situated on a private, 500-acre wildlife preserve. It’s paradise in the wilderness—and just a few minutes’ walk from most of Hocking Hills’ most beautiful attractions. Find your cabin below.

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There are plenty of great places to go horseback riding in and around Hocking Hills. The best spot for you will depend on who you’re bringing with you and the type of experience you want.