One Hour on Horseback: Scenic Trail Ride at Snowshoe Mountain
An hour in the saddle through mossy woods and ridgeline panoramas
You saddle up under a vaulted canopy of spruce and hemlock, the air cool and laced with pine resin. The horse beneath you shifts, a steady weight and calm breath, and the forest opens into a corridor of moss-draped trunks. At Snowshoe Mountain, a one-hour ride feels less like a condensed lesson and more like a concentrated encounter with the Appalachian highlands: stream crossings that glint like ribboned silver, tight switchbacks that test your balance, and that sudden—almost rude—moment when the trees fall away and a 360-degree view of ridgelines and valley floors unfurls.
Trail Wisdom
Arrive Early
Check in 30 minutes before departure to get fitted, briefed, and mounted without rushing.
Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Boots or shoes with a small heel improve stability in the stirrup and protect your toes.
Hydrate Beforehand
Bring a small water bottle; an hour on the trail in changing temperatures can dehydrate you.
Follow Guide Instructions
Keep reins light, listen to mounting/dismounting cues, and avoid sudden movements around wildlife.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A quiet overlook off the main trail that frames the Eastern Continental Divide
- •Lower forest corridors where moss and ferns are densest early in the morning
Wildlife
White-tailed deer, Black bear
Conservation Note
Stay on established trails to limit erosion and avoid stream banks during wet periods; the area supports sensitive headwater habitats that feed multiple watersheds.
Snowshoe Mountain evolved from a 1970s ski-area development into a four-season resort; the highlands themselves formed through ancient Appalachian uplift and long-term erosion.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers, Quiet trails
Challenges: Mud from snowmelt, Higher stream flows
Spring brings energetic runoff and abundant green growth—expect muddy sections and lively creeks.
summer
Best for: Lush forest shade, Birdwatching
Challenges: Bugs in lower elevations, Afternoon storms
Summer offers dense canopy shade and active wildlife, but bring layers for sudden rain and insect protection.
fall
Best for: Fall foliage, Crisp visibility
Challenges: Higher visitor numbers, Cooler mornings
Autumn is prime for color on the ridgelines—book early to secure prime time slots.
winter
Best for: Snow-draped scenery, Quiet trails
Challenges: Cold temps, Icy spots and limited services
Winter transforms trails into stark beauty—expect colder conditions and limited vehicle options in storms.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe riding bootsEssential
Protects feet, provides heel for the stirrup, and improves stability.
Light waterproof jacket
Mountain weather changes quickly—layering keeps you comfortable on ridgelines.
Small water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated before and after the ride prevents fatigue.
Secure camera or phone with strap
Capture panoramas and wildlife without risking drops from the saddle.
Common Questions
What is the minimum age and weight limit?
Minimum age is 10 years old and the weight limit is 220 pounds; height over six feet may affect saddle fit.
Do I need prior riding experience?
No—guides provide a pre-ride orientation covering mounting, rein control, and basic trail cues suitable for beginners.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes with a small heel, layered clothing for changing temperatures, and a light jacket are recommended.
Can I bring my own helmet?
Yes—riders are welcome to use their own properly fitting helmet; the stable also provides helmets.
Are the trails safe for children?
Children 10 and older can ride; guides match horses and pace to rider skill to maintain safety for younger participants.
How do weather cancellations work?
Rides may be modified or canceled for severe weather; operators will notify you and offer rebooking or refund options.
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes (stability), layered jacket (temperature swings), water bottle (hydration), camera with strap (capture views)
Did You Know
Snowshoe Mountain’s summit sits at roughly 4,848 feet—making it one of West Virginia’s higher resort peaks and part of the Eastern Continental Divide.
Quick Travel Tips
Book peak-season slots early; arrive 30 minutes before departure; expect spotty cell service on ridgelines; notify guides of any medical needs in advance
Local Flavor
Après-ride, head to Snowshoe Village for casual mountain fare and local brews at village lodges; nearby Pocahontas County offers small-town cafés and local artisans if you have a car and an afternoon to explore.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Greenbrier Valley (LWB) or Yeager (CRW) ~1.5–2.5 hours by car; meeting point: Autumn Breeze Stables at Snowshoe Mountain Resort; driving from Snowshoe Village: 10–20 minutes; cell service: intermittent; permits: none required for guided stable rides.
Sustainability Note
This highland watershed feeds multiple rivers—pack out trash, stay on designated trails to prevent erosion, and avoid feeding or approaching wildlife.