horseback riding in the Lakes Region

[Echo Farm]

Its that time of year again and our horses are coming back for the summer. We are always looking for new trails around the lake to ride and enjoy.
Please share any thoughts you have on great equestrian trails around the lake, or places to go off the lake.........thanks........

[Heaven]

Hemingway State Forest in Tamworth is nice. Also Sandwich notch road -- get dropped at one end and picked up at the other (12 mi+/-, there can be some car traffic).
If you can share the trail with possible ATV's, off of Drew Hill Rd in Alton has trails. The Tumbledown Dick area from Wolfeboro or Brookfield has many trails. I don't think you'll find a trail map of either of these areas, but I might be wrong.

[Echo Farm]

Thanks Heaven........the horses come up next week and your ideas for great trail riding are welcome. Do you know if there are places to park a horse trailer at any of these locaations...........?

[Heaven]

Hemingway -- yes, to parking at some access points -- off of the road that goes from 113A in North Sandwich to the back of Tamworth Village.

Sandwich Notch -- I think so, there is parking for hikers etc at Bedee falls and other spots -- you will not want to haul too far in as it gets steep and not good.

Alton -- You need to drive in and see if you can get your trailer in far enough to have a clearing -- you may be able to get permission from the equine business with the indoor across the street to park in thier lot.

End of New Garden road (Wolfeboro) -- into Tumbledown Dick area, no place for a trailer unless you get permission from the horse owner on New Garden to park there (that might be difficult). I don't know about the New Durham side.

[Commodore]

Looking to go on a rental horseback ride. Anything within a 3/4 hour drive from the Weirs area. The Castle no longer rents horses :( .

Any ideas or experiences?

TIA

[Heaven]

Sorry -- I don't know of a place that I'd willingly send someone, which isn't to say there might not be a decent place. I just don't know of one.

[Lin]

Looking to go on a rental horseback ride. Anything within a 3/4 hour drive from the Weirs area. The Castle no longer rents horses :( .

Any ideas or experiences?

TIA

Hi Tia,
Check out some of these websites for info, rates, times and directions for trailriding. I hear the trailriding at Loon MTN is not available this year due to construction. I have not personally trail rode at any of these places but have checked out the rates online for a possiblity this year of a ride. I have my own horses at home but do not take them to the lake as of yet, so we miss the riding when up north.
Cobble Mtn is at Gunstock Ski area.
Rocky Ridge is in Campton
Happiness Farm is in Freedom
Pemi Valley Excursions is in Lincoln NH
Franconia Notch stables is in Franconia
Mountainside stables is in Center Ossippee

http://www.cobblemountainstables.com/index.html

http://www.rockyridgeranch.org

http://www.happinessfarm.com

http://www.i93.com/pvsr/rides.htm (pemi valleyexcursions)

http://www.franconianotchstables.com/Rates.htm

http://www.mountainsidetrails.homestead.com

[Echo Farm]

Thanks Lin for all those links to great equestrian destinations. The best of all spots would be the Castle in the Clouds if they ever decide to let horses back. The Castle has a long history of horseback riding on those miles of carriage trail..................We should all keep working on it.......

If you ever bring your horses up to the lakes region, trail rides together is great fun........Dana

[SteveA]

We had the pleasure of a very nice ride yesterday at Gunstock.

Great guide, nice easy horses.. We did the 1 hour ride and plan to go back for the 2 & 1/2 hour ride.

http://www.cobblemountainstables.com/