The Best Places for Horseback Riding in Roanoke, VA and Southwest Virginia

By Kelly Giarla

I have always had a love for horses. 

Growing up I was the typical horse-infatuated girl you read about. Drawing horses, looking at horse books and daydreaming about riding. The problem was my family lived in a neighborhood and I never had the opportunity to ride as a child. 

As soon as I became an adult and was able, I began riding lessons at a local barn. I was 30 years old at the time and yet was placed into a beginner class with 8- to 10-year-olds. My teacher was 16 (and amazing)!  I understood that when starting something new you must begin with the basics, and I was humbled by these tiny equestrians. These kids taught me so much about riding, caring for, and loving horses. I was reliving my childhood dreams through their eyes. 

Eventually I became confident enough to buy my first horse. I fell in love with a large 17HH Belgian draft named Woody. He was way too much horse for me considering I was such a green rider, but together we learned and grew in the sport. I was nervous and afraid to leave the safety of my schooling barn with my young teachers, but knew it was the next step in building my confidence as a rider. So … I began my search for local trails that my "big boy" and I could explore. 

Fast forward 15 years. 

Woodrow (Woody) and I have developed a bond and closeness that only comes from years of shared miles and shared secrets on the trail. With that in mind, I would like to share a few of my favorite local trail rides with you, so that you too can experience that freedom that comes with the time spent in the saddle. 

• Green Hill Park Equestrian Center

Green Hill Park Equestrian Center in Salem, VA is where I spent many hours of my beginner riding time with my new companion. The park is open year-round and includes 3 riding rings, open fields and a cross country course. Numerous horse shows are held throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Shows are open and welcome for anyone (usually a fee for each class entry is required along with a negative coggins certificate). 

- Horse Show events can be found easily on Facebook. 

- Membership is required to ride at the park on days shows are not scheduled ($50/yr)

- Application can be found on their website.

• Carvins Cove Reservoir

Over time I found that I felt more connected to my horse (and nature) when we were out on the trails and in the woods as opposed to in the show ring. One of my favorite horseback riding trails in Roanoke is Carvins Cove Reservoir, which is located on Reservoir Rd. 

With 12,000 acres of beautiful hardwoods and pines, this trail has miles and miles of exploration opportunities. As the trails tuck in and out of the woods, you continue to catch glimpses of the 630 acre reservoir. Between the trees and the wildlife, you truly will feel like a princess in the forest! My most loved trail is actually labeled "The Enchanted Forest". 

- Riding here is free, you just pay for parking. 

• Mill Mountain Trail Network

In the heart of Roanoke is the Mill Mountain trail network with over 600 acres and approximately 10 miles of trails. Plenty of views and quiet nature to bond with your horse friend! These trails have multiple access points to make your ride as short or long as you desire. A map of trails and parking are located on the Roanoke Valley Greenways website.

• Franklin County Trails

Being a Franklin County girl at heart, some of my most frequented riding spots have been discovered in the hills of this more rural county. Waid Recreation Park in Rocky Mount, VA has large parking areas for horse trailers to maneuver and trail riding is free. These trails include plenty of wooded areas, a few open fields, and a very scenic river crossing. Trails are shared with bike enthusiasts and are labeled nicely to differentiate bike vs equestrian routes. Again, you can make the trail ride as short or long as you please. I typically find 2 to 3 hours completes most of the trail. 

Heading towards the southern end of Franklin County you can find Fairy Stone State Park. This is definitely a top destination as this park has 10 miles of trails, but also offers the opportunity to camp with your trail friend or group. With a separate campground just for horse owners, you can reserve a spot for you and a stall for your horse in the quiet state park setting. I have ridden these trails numerous times and enjoy lake views with overhanging rhododendron trails. Several creek crossings and a small waterfall trail add to the beauty of this ride. 

• Dogwood Glen Trail

Lastly, saving my personal favorite for last, the Dogwood Glen Trail at Philpott Lake. With wide cleared trails you can easily ride side by side with your friends. This out and back trail of 8.7 miles has scenery that keeps you stimulated and surrounded by nature. Large, mature hardwoods and pines surround you as you climb the hills. Once reaching the top you can descend down the trail to the lake itself. Riding in the summer gives me the excuse to tether my horse and go for a swim. Or if you have a horse like mine … he wants to swim with you! The small quiet beach is the perfect afternoon picnic spot. 

In the end, no matter where you choose to ride, just spending time in the saddle is what is important!

I will leave you with a few of my favorite quotes from Winston Churchill …

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man" 

"No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle"

Happy trails my friends!