Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-timer, these scenic trails and parks are some of the best for horseback riding in the country.
Rimrock Cove Ranch
PONCA, ARKANSAS
Rimrock Cove is 180 secluded acres located in the upper Buffalo National River area in the Arkansas Ozark mountains. So close to everything, yet tucked away just enough to be your quiet, peaceful little haven in the woods. It offers log cabin lodging and guided horseback riding.
Take in the quiet wooded trails flanked by boulders, cross a meandering stream and venture out into an open meadow where you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of the mountains.
This secluded ranch is kid-friendly and fun for the whole family!
Guided horseback riding $35 per hour per person plus 10% AR sales tax. (Minimum charge per trip $70 plus tax)
Image Courtesy of Toni Albers Photography
Explore the scenic river bluffs along Buffalo National River.
Website: http://www.rimrockcoveranch.com/
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
WALNUT SHADE, MISSOURI
Dogwood Canyon Nature Preserve is a one-of-a-kind experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages. Covering 10,000 acres of pristine Ozark Mountain landscape, the park has miles of crystal-clear trout streams, dozens of cascading waterfalls, ancient burial caves, unique hand-built bridges, and bottomless, blue-green pools.
Image Courtesy of Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Horseback riding at Dogwood Canyon Nature Preserve allows you to explore the Ozarks through the eyes of early settlers, discovering areas of the park not seen by the tram or from walking and biking trails. Located right along Little Indian Creek, the new Little Indian Stables has 24 stalls and gives guests the chance to meet the horses before setting out on their horseback adventure.
Image Courtesy of Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
The walls of the jagged ravines frame a dramatic valley bursting with hardwoods, evergreens and of course, the park’s namesake – Dogwoods, which are especially spectacular in the spring. The streams hold record trout, and the high meadows that reach into Arkansas provide pasture for small resident herds of long-horned cattle, American bison and elk.
PARK HOURS
8:30am – 5:00pm Daily
Park Admission
Access to Dogwood Canyon Mill, Canyon Grill, Artifact Displays, Treehouse, and Nature & Conservation Center
Adult: $10
Children: $5
Reservations are required
Website: http://www.dogwoodcanyon.org/
Cross Country Trail Ride
EMINENCE, MISSOURI
The best equine vacation in the United States at the most affordable price!
Set on the banks of the beautiful Jack’s Fork River, Cross Country Trail Ride is an experience to remember. Explore 500 miles of trails and a 63,000 sq. ft. indoor riding arena open 24 hours! You provide your horse and camp gear, Cross Country Trail provides meals and entertainment!
Horse shows, dancing, swimming, horse sales, tack sales, and Nashville entertainers are provided throughout the year!
Catch a glimpse of Missouri’s Wild Horses while trekking the scenic wooded trails along the Jack’s Fork River.
Website: https://crosscountrytrailrides.com/
Big Ceder Lodge
RIDGEDALE, MISSOURI
Embrace the rustic elegance of a by-gone era at Big Cedar Lodge, a remote haven of natural beauty and contemporary luxury in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Steeped in history, the area has provided shelter to native Indian tribes, solace to wealthy business tycoons, and pleasure to outdoor adventure seekers.
Big Cedar Lodge overlooks the sparkling 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake and features a collection of lodges, cottages and cabins rooted in rustic elegance that come with all the modern comforts. The resort also offers four restaurants, a world-class spa measuring 18,000 square feet, five swimming pools, more than 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and dynamic land and water adventures, ranging from bass fishing, water skiing to campfire wagon tours and horseback riding.
Whether you are a first time rider or you are looking for a day-long trip on the trails, this 10,000 acre nature paradise provides the perfect backdrop for any trail ride. Join us for a scenic ride and experience the breathtaking views that the Ozarks have to offer.
Photo Courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge
Constructed of rough-hewn logs, these private cabins offer the ultimate in personal space and seclusion after a long day of adventure.
Website: http://www.bigcedar.com/
StoneCreek Ranch & Resort
MOUNTAIN HOME, ARKANSAS
Located in the beautiful rolling foothills of the Ozark Mountains, you will find yourself surrounded in natural beauty, embraced in rustic luxury.
StoneCreek Ranch is a great place to stay with your own horse and brush up on your riding skills. You will have access to a 100’x70′ heated indoor arena, a 160′ outdoor lighted arena, indoor wash bay, and 80 acres of private land.
Image Courtesy of StoneCreek Ranch
Secluded in the Ozark Mountains, the ranch features beautiful architecture perfect for weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, holiday parties, and more!
Website: http://www.stonecreekranchresort.com/
Bear Creek Trail
WALNUT SHADE, MISSOURI
All horses are provided for customers and equipped with western tack. We suggest closed toed shoes and jeans when riding. Every horse is gentle and easily ridden by the inexperienced rider.
The age limit and weight restricts are strictly enforced for safety of both our guests and our horses.
We are by reservation ONLY so please call or TEXT us at 417-337-7708.
The guides all work for tips and love to interact on the trails so please ask questions and get engaged with your guide and the beautiful Missouri countryside.
All guests are required to sign a release paper that states the Missouri Equine Law and the rules of the Ranch.
Trails & Pricing
1 hour – $30 per person (every age is the same price)
2 hour – $60 per person (experienced riders ONLY please) Offered in fall and winter months only
The trails are up and down the Missouri hill sides, over rocks, logs, and water crossings. We are a walking only trail ride due to the nature of the trail, it doesn’t allow for trotting or loping. Please call for more questions or contact us through Facebook!
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
KAISER, MISSOURI
Lake of the Ozarks State Park has a little bit of something for everyone.
Crave water adventure? Lake of the Ozarks has a full complement of boating options. Want a quiet place to hike or mountain bike? The park’s thousands of wooded acres have lots of places to get away from it all, with 12 trails that wind through the park.
BEST TRAILS FOR HORSEBACK RIDING
Hidden Springs Trail goes through native Missouri woodlands to bluff tops above the lake.
The longest trail in the park, Trail of Four Winds travels through almost every type of natural community in Lake of the Ozarks State Park. This diversity provides stunning views of the lake, rock outcrops, breathtaking overlooks, seasonal streams, ponds and woodlands.
White Oak Trail is a quiet, shaded trail that follows along a ridge top where various woodland animals such as northern fence lizards, three-toed box turtles or eastern chipmunks may be seen.
Image Courtesy of https://mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park
Cozy cabins and yurts make the park a welcome place for families looking to enjoy the lake but escape the hustle and bustle of some of the nearby towns.
Website: https://mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park
Mount Magazine – Huckleberry Mountain Trail
LOGAN COUNTY, ARKANSAS
Mount Magazine State Park is on the state’s tallest mountain, the 2,753-foot Mount Magazine.
The park is a place to enjoy hiking, sightseeing, exploring the mountain and nature study. It’s also a destination for outdoor sports and extreme adventure enthusiasts that offers rock climbing, rappelling, hand gliding, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, and ATV adventure.
The highest peak in Arkansas is the site of Huckleberry Mountain Trail, one of several multi-use Arkansas horse trails spanning 34 miles used for ATV riding, mountain biking, backpacking, and horseback riding in Arkansas. The trail can be accessed at the northeast rock quarry. There are three loops that cross creeks and connect Mount Magazine with Huckleberry Mountain. Camping on Mount Magazine is allowed on the portions of these Arkansas horse trails that are within the Ozark National Forest.
PARK HOURS
6:00am – 10:00pm
Park Location
Ozark National Forest, 577 Lodge Dr, Paris, AR 72855