Horseback Riding and Farm Visits in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is not usually the first place people think of for horses, but the state has a long agricultural history and a network of trails where riders are welcome. Add a handful of Lakes Region farms that open their barns and fields to visitors, and you have the makings of a different kind of summer trip: slower, closer to the land, and good for families.

This guide covers horseback riding in NH state parks, what riders bringing their own horses should know, and a set of farms in and around the Lakes Region where you can meet animals, learn how New Hampshire farms worked, and eat something that came out of the field that morning.

Horseback Riding in New Hampshire State Parks

New Hampshire State Parks keeps an equestrian page that is the best starting point for anyone planning to ride. It explains that, with the help of volunteer organizations around the state, more and more trails have been built to sustain horseback riding in state parks, state forests and recreational rail trails.

The same page is clear about limits. Not all trails and areas are open and suitable for horseback riding, and many parking areas cannot accommodate large trailers. The state asks riders to check with NH State Parks or the New Hampshire Horse Council before heading out, to look for the horseback riding symbol on individual park and rail trail pages, and to review the Division of Parks and Recreation's rules for equines and its trail etiquette guidance.

The parks the state lists for equestrian use include Bear Brook State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park, Pisgah State Park, Jericho Mountain State Park, the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest, and Hampton Beach State Park in the off season.

Bear Brook State Park

Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown is a big one. The state's trail information sheet describes it as nearly 10,000 acres and the largest developed state park in New Hampshire, with more than 40 miles of trails. Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians are welcome on all park trails unless otherwise posted.

The One Mile Trail is a good example of a riding-friendly route. The state describes it as a relatively easy former fire road that leads toward the Bear Brook and Catamount trails, and notes that it is often used by mountain bikers, hikers and equestrian riders. All trails in the park are multi-use, so expect company and share with care. The state also notes that all trail use requires payment of the day-use fee.

Pawtuckaway State Park

Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham covers about 5,500 acres around Pawtuckaway Lake and the Pawtuckaway Mountains. The state's park summary lists horseback riding among its activities, alongside hiking, paddling, rock climbing and wildlife viewing. The park is known for its boulder field of glacial erratics and a fire tower on South Mountain. Because the park's trail map does not mark which trails suit horses, check with the park before you ride.

Farther afield

Riders willing to travel can look to Pisgah State Park, Jericho Mountain State Park and the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest. Some of these are long drives from the Lakes Region, so treat them as separate trips.

Tips for Riding Your Own Horse on Public Trails

If you are trailering in, a little preparation saves a lot of frustration.

• Confirm trailer parking first. The state warns that many parking areas will not fit large trailers. Call ahead or check the park page.
• Read the equine rules. The state points riders to its rules for equines and its trail etiquette guidance. Read them before your first visit.
• Expect mixed traffic. Most state park trails are multi-use. Approach bikers and hikers calmly, communicate early, and give everyone room.
• Respect neighbors. Bear Brook's trail sheet asks visitors to respect the rights of owners of private roads and property next to the park.
• Pack it out. New Hampshire state parks are carry in, carry out.
• Ride the season. Spring trails can be soft and muddy after snowmelt. Riding on saturated trails damages them, so wait for drier conditions.

If you do not own a horse, the New Hampshire Horse Council is a good place to start looking for riding programs and stables. We do not yet list a riding stable in the Lakes Region in our directory, so contact any stable directly about lessons, trail rides and age or weight limits before you book.

Farm Visits in the Lakes Region

For many families, a farm visit is the more practical way to spend time around animals. The Lakes Region has several farms that welcome visitors, from a museum that preserves three centuries of rural life to working farm stands with fields and barnyards.

New Hampshire Farm Museum, Milton

The New Hampshire Farm Museum on White Mountain Highway in Milton presents three centuries of New Hampshire rural life in a historic farmhouse. The museum occupies the former Plumer-Jones Farm, a traditional set of connected buildings with a farmhouse dating to the late 1700s and barns dating to the mid 1800s, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Its great barn is 104 feet long and three stories high, and it holds a collection of agricultural machinery, farm tools, sleighs and wagons. The museum also has live farm animals, a nature trail and a museum shop.

The museum's website lists programs for school groups and homeschoolers, including animal encounters, colonial cooking and colonial craftsman workshops. It is a natural first stop for anyone who wants to understand how New Hampshire farms worked before tractors.

Heritage Farm Pancake House and Fiddlefern Petting Farm, Sanbornton

Heritage Farm on Parker Hill Road in Sanbornton combines two family favorites. The Heritage Farm Pancake House serves pancake breakfasts with maple syrup made on a wood fire, surrounded by a small New Hampshire family farm. Next door, the Fiddlefern Petting Farm gives kids a chance to meet the animals.

A few house rules from the farm's website are worth knowing: visiting pets are not allowed, reservations are not accepted, and all members of your party must be present to be seated. Check the website for the current season's hours before you go, because they are limited.

Moulton Farm, Meredith

Moulton Farm sits at the north end of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith and says it has been providing locally grown food since the 1890s. The farm practices sustainable agriculture and runs a farm market, a farm kitchen, a bakery and a garden center. In fall it adds a corn maze, pumpkin picking, cider doughnuts, a sunflower field and free wagon rides.

Moulton Farm is an easy stop on a Lakes Region drive. Even on a short visit you can pick up produce and baked goods for a picnic at the lake.

Beans and Greens Farm, Gilford

Beans and Greens Farm on Intervale Road in Gilford has been part of the Lakes Region for more than 30 years. It runs a farmstand, bakery and cafe, and its website lists family activities including a fun park, barnyard animals and a corn maze. The farm closes for the winter, so check its announcements for the current season.

Planning a Farm and Trail Day

A simple Lakes Region day might start with breakfast at Heritage Farm in Sanbornton, continue with produce shopping at Moulton Farm in Meredith or Beans and Greens in Gilford, and end with an afternoon at the New Hampshire Farm Museum in Milton. Riders with their own horses could build a separate day around Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown.

A few practical notes for farm visits:

• Wear closed-toe shoes. Barnyards are muddy, and animals step on feet.
• Wash hands after touching animals, especially before eating.
• Follow posted rules about feeding animals. Some farms sell appropriate feed, others ask visitors not to feed at all.
• Leave pets at home unless the farm says otherwise.
• Check hours. Many farm attractions are seasonal and keep limited schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you go horseback riding in New Hampshire state parks?

NH State Parks lists Bear Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pisgah and Jericho Mountain state parks, the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest, and Hampton Beach State Park in the off season. Not every trail is open to horses, so check before you ride.

Can I ride my own horse at Bear Brook State Park?

Yes. The state says equestrians are welcome on all Bear Brook trails unless otherwise posted, and trail use requires the day-use fee.

What farms can families visit in the Lakes Region?

Good options include the New Hampshire Farm Museum in Milton, Heritage Farm and its Fiddlefern Petting Farm in Sanbornton, Moulton Farm in Meredith, and Beans and Greens Farm in Gilford.

Can I bring my dog to Heritage Farm?

No. The farm's website asks visitors not to bring pets.

Sources

• NH State Parks, Equestrian (trail access, trailer parking, rules, list of parks): https://www.nhstateparks.org/things-to-do/equestrian
• NH State Parks, Bear Brook State Park trail information (acreage, trails, equestrian use, day-use fee): https://www.nhstateparks.org/getmedia/ab1b3506-de37-4575-b73a-60b382161e7c/Bear-Brook_Trail-Info.pdf
• NH State Parks, Pawtuckaway State Park summary (activities including horseback riding): https://www.nhstateparks.org/NHStateParks/media/NHStateParks/PDFs/State%20Park%20Improvements/C3-Pawtuckaway_Final-Summary_1.pdf
• NH State Parks, Pawtuckaway State Park trail map (boulder field, South Mountain fire tower, carry in carry out): https://www.nhstateparks.org/NHStateParks/media/NHStateParks/PDFs/Activities/hiking%20trail-maps/Pawtuckaway-Hiking-Map-2023.pdf
• New Hampshire Farm Museum, Wikipedia (location, great barn, Plumer-Jones Farm, National Register): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_Farm_Museum
• New Hampshire Farm Museum official site (programs): https://www.nhfarmmuseum.org
• Heritage Farm Pancake House official site: https://www.heritagefarmpancakehouse.com/
• Moulton Farm official site: https://www.moultonfarm.com/
• Beans and Greens Farm official site: https://www.beansandgreensfarm.com