Hocking Hills Horseback Riding: Rides and Trails

Hocking Hills horseback riding comes in two kinds: guided rides at local stables, and public bridle trails if you bring your own horse. Hocking Hills Horse Rides near South Bloomingville runs guided rides from 1 to 6 hours for ages 10 and up, starting at $50 a person. Riders with their own horses get 5 miles of trail in the park and dozens more in Hocking State Forest.

Every price and rule below comes from the stable's or Ohio DNR's own site, checked on October 26, 2026.

Hocking Hills horseback riding at a glance

Hocking Hills Horse Rides lists these rides:

The 1-hour ride is built for beginners. The longer rides head to named spots in the hills, and the 6-hour Wander About mixes several, including Airplane Rock and 21 Horse Cave.

Rules before you book

• Riders must be 10 or older. Kids under 10 can take a handheld ride on the property, about 10 to 15 minutes for $15.
• The weight limit is 250 pounds, and two people can't share a horse.
• Riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and bike helmets don't count. Helmet rental is free for everyone.
• Reservations are required, with no walk-ins. Rides run Thursday through Sunday, one in the morning and one at 1:30 p.m.
• Arrive 30 minutes early for paperwork and a horse introduction.
• Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead for a refund. Rides go in the rain unless there's thunder or lightning.

Wear long pants and closed shoes or boots with a heel, and leave loose items in the car.

Another stable nearby

Spotted Horse Ranch in Laurelville also offers guided horseback riding, by reservation. Its rates weren't posted in a form we could check, so call before you plan around it.

Bring your own horse

Hocking Hills State Park has 5 miles of bridle trail, and Ohio DNR calls the system one of the most popular riding destinations in the state. Next door, Hocking State Forest lists 40 miles of bridle trail on its own page, while the park's page says 33. Either way, there's plenty for a long weekend.

For Hocking Hills horse camping, one of the more unusual Hocking Hills places to stay, the forest has a 23-site horse camp for riders only, by reservation only, through the state's forestry camping reservation system. A few rules worth knowing:

• Ride only on forest roads and designated bridle trails, and not after dark.
• Quiet hours run from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., and open alcohol isn't allowed.
• The camp's well water is off from December 1 through March 15.
• Groups need a special use permit for the group horse camp.

Ride, hike or both?

A trail ride is a different way to see the hills, at a horse's pace. The longer rides head to named spots like Crystal Falls and Airplane Rock.

Pair a morning ride with an afternoon at Ash Cave or Cedar Falls. Our ranking of the best Hocking Hills hikes has the walking side, and our Hocking Hills zip line guide covers the other big outdoor half-day.

Our pick

For first-timers, the best Hocking Hills horseback riding plan is the 2-hour ride, long enough to settle in and short enough for sore legs. Experienced riders should book the 3-hour Crystal Falls ride. Rides run only Thursday through Sunday, so book early for fall weekends.

Then come back to the porch. Our secluded cabins in Hocking Hills page shows the 97 acres you'll have to yourselves, and our guide to things to do in Hocking Hills covers the rest of the trip.

Hocking Hills horseback riding FAQs

How much does horseback riding in Hocking Hills cost?

Horseback riding in Hocking Hills costs $50 a person for a 1-hour trail ride at Hocking Hills Horse Rides, as of October 2026. A 2-hour ride is $80, and longer destination rides run $120 for 3 hours, $160 for 4 hours and $210 for the 6-hour Wander About. Handheld rides for kids under 10 are $15.

How old do you have to be for Hocking Hills horseback rides?

For Hocking Hills horseback trail rides at Hocking Hills Horse Rides, you have to be at least 10 years old. Kids under 10 can take a short handheld ride on the property instead, about 10 to 15 minutes. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and the stable lends them free.

Can you bring your own horse to Hocking Hills?

Yes, you can bring your own horse to Hocking Hills. The state park has 5 miles of bridle trail, and Hocking State Forest next door lists 40 miles more, plus a 23-site horse camp that's reservation only. Riding is allowed on forest roads and designated bridle trails, but not after dark.

Is there a weight limit for Hocking Hills horseback riding?

Hocking Hills horseback riding at Hocking Hills Horse Rides has a weight limit of 250 pounds per rider, and two people can't ride one horse. If you're close to the limit, call ahead before you book. Helmets are required for riders under 18, and the stable lends them free to everyone.

Do Hocking Hills trail rides run in the rain?

Hocking Hills trail rides at Hocking Hills Horse Rides run in the rain unless there's thunder or lightning. Dress for the weather, with a rain layer and boots. To cancel or reschedule for a refund, the stable needs at least 48 hours' notice, so watch the forecast a few days out.