Guided horseback ride with river crossing and sweeping Blue Ridge views
1 hour
Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains on a guided, one-hour horseback ride. Ford the North Fork of the Tye River and take in sweeping views along Fork Mountain up to 3,245 feet.
Minimum age is 7; enclosed shoes are required and helmets are mandatory. Bathroom available. Arrive 15 minutes early; rides operate rain or shine. Cell service is limited and GPS may be unreliable; bring printed directions and signed waivers for all participants.
Ride runs rain or shine. Operator may cancel for unsafe conditions; rides will be rescheduled or refunded if no reschedule is possible. Reschedule or cancel at least 72 hours before your ride for a refund; booking fees are nonrefundable if you cancel. No refunds for no-shows, late arrivals, or going to the wrong location. Unpaid bookings may be canceled if not paid in full 72 hours before your ride.
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled ride time.
Wear completely enclosed shoes or boots (no sandals or flip-flops). Long pants are recommended. You may bring snacks and water, and consider a raincoat so you can dress appropriately for the weather and temperature.
Yes. You must wear a riding helmet. You may bring your own (bike helmets are fine), or one will be provided.
396 Fork Mountain Road, Montebello, VA 24464
Janette (and fellow guides Kenton and Kim) have built a strong reputation for making riders of all skill levels feel genuinely comfortable in the saddle. First-timers and seasoned riders alike consistently mention how thorough the pre-ride instruction is, with guides taking time to match riders with the right horses and explain the nuances of working with each animal's personality. The horses themselves get plenty of praise too, described as well-mannered, sure-footed, and forgiving on varied terrain. The trails offer real mountain riding, with stream crossings, rocky inclines, and scenery that reviewers repeatedly struggle to find words for. Rides range from one to four hours, and guides stay engaged throughout, offering tips, sharing local knowledge, and snapping photos along the way. For families especially, the patience and attentiveness of the guides seems to make a big difference in how much everyone enjoys the experience. With a near-perfect rating across a large number of reviews, this one is hard to pass on.
My husband and I took a 3.5hr trail ride at Douthat state park with Kenton and we had the best time!! We loved that the ride was private and was tailored to our skill level. We have some experience in riding and Kenton worked with us to understand what we were comfortable with, and gave us tips and instruction along the way. Through this we had plenty of opportunities for trotting and cantering during the ride, making this the best trail ride we’ve been on!
Kelsey Jorge
June 15, 2026
My husband and I took a 3.5hr trail ride at Douthat state park with Kenton and we had the best time!! We loved that the ride was private and was tailored to our skill level. We have some experience in riding and Kenton worked with us to understand what we were comfortable with, and gave us tips and instruction along the way. Through this we had plenty of opportunities for trotting and cantering during the ride, making this the best trail ride we’ve been on!
Kelsey Jorge
June 15, 2026
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