Complete Guide To A Gettysburg Horseback Tour 2023 From A Local

A Gettysburg horseback tour is a great way to see the battlefield. The slow pace, the smells, and the sounds of nature will transport you back in time and let you experience history in a way that isn’t possible from inside a car.

And take it from a local who loves to ride, there are some great stables in the area that can provide a wonderful Gettysburg horseback tour experience.

The Gettysburg Battlefield is vast and can be toured any number of ways, but seeing it by horseback lets you witness scenes from the past in a unique way.

By the way, 2023 is a great time to visit Gettysburg because it’s the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg!

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Don’t have time to read the whole post? This Gettysburg Horseback Tour comes highly recommended with great reviews.

What Are The Best Gettysburg Horseback Tours?

One of the most popular Gettysburg horse tours is a Licensed Battlefield Guide Tour that allows you to explore the grounds of the iconic Gettysburg Battlefield on horseback.

Guided by a Civil War expert, you’ll learn the intricacies of the greatest Civil War battle and its historical importance at a slow pace so you can soak it all in.

Nothing compares to riding horseback through the Gettysburg National Military Park and seeing the iconic Virginia Monument where General Robert E. Lee waited for his returning troops after Pickett’s Charge.

All of the best Gettysburg horseback tours also take riders by the historic Spangler Farm on a ride that provides panoramic views of the Peach Orchard and Little Round Top.

One of things I love the most about Gettysburg battlefield tours on horseback is that you see things that can’t be seen from the car. For instance, you’ll ride by the historic barn of the Trostle Farm and see the massive cannonball stuck in the wall.

Another top Gettysburg horseback tour is a private scenic battlefield horseback tour. This tour also tells you about the important role that horses played in the advancement of human society throughout history.

Gettysburg Battlefield By Horseback

No matter which of the Gettysburg horse tours you choose, this mode of travel lets you see the battlefield and learn about its history in a way that really lets you experience history in a unique way.

Touring the Gettysburg battlefield by horseback is also a great way to enjoy nature and relax.

Other Gettysburg Horse Tours

Hickory Hollow Farm

Hickory Hollow Farm is a family-run horseback trail riding company that has been in business for more than 30 years and was voted the #1 Gettysburg outdoor activity on Trip Advisor.

If you’re looking for detailed information about the battle, they can provide a Licensed Battlefield Guide to ride along, describe the battle and answer questions.

Prices start at $55 for a one hour tour and go up to $100 for a two-hour tour.  On the rides, you will start at the Confederate line of Pickett’s Charge and ride to the Union Line. Among the landmarks you will see (depending on the ride) are: the Virginia Monument, cannons, the Spangler farm, The Pennsylvania Monument, Little Round Top, and Big Round Top and the Trostle farm.

Rides start from McMillan Woods. You can book a tour online or call (717) 253-6300.

Confederate Trails Of Gettysburg

Horse Tours of Gettysburg is the collective name for Confederate Trails of Gettysburg and The Victorian Carriage Company. This family operated business can provide Licensed Battlefield Guided Horseback rides as well as Horse drawn Carriage Tours on the Gettysburg Battlefield or downtown Gettysburg.

Founded in 2010 by Rachel Stephens and her husband Doug, this business started with five horses and borrowed saddles. They now have a herd of 80+ horses spread over 4 local Gettysburg pastures.

They offer:

• 2 hour horseback Tour or Carriage Tour through the Gettysburg battlefield
• Ride the Battlefield with a LIVE Licensed Battlefield Guide. You will receive a headset with single ear buds.
• When a Guide is not available, you can still listen to a narrative recorded in studio by their Guide.

A 2-hour Gettysburg horseback tour costs $99.50 or slightly less for group rates. You will see the the Virginia Monument, the Spangler Farm, the Peach Orchard and Little Round Top off in the distance, riding from the Confederate line to the Union line.

Through the Victorian Carriage Company, the business offers a variety of ways to see the history of the town and the battlefield by carriage. These include a 30-minute Gettysburg Town Carriage Tour, a 1-hour Gettysburg Guided Town Carriage Tour or a 2-hour Licensed Battlefield Guided Carriage Tour.

You can purchase the tickets on line or at the Gettysburg Heritage Museum, 297 Steinwher Avenue, Gettysburg. Phone: 717-334-6245

National Riding Stables

National Riding Stables is unique Gettysburg horseback tour company because it is also a 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue organization that saves distressed horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter, and places them in retirement homes as trail or companion horses.

Their guided horseback tours of Gettysburg National Military Park on their gentle, well-trained rescue horses are a principle means of raising funds for the care of the other horses.

Their most popular tour is the 2-hour historical tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide. All of their tours feature their rescued horses, who have been saved from abuse, neglect, and slaughter, and retrained for a second career as a trail horse.

Because they are located at Artillery Ridge Campground, there is plenty of parking, a campground store for drinks and snacks and real bathrooms, not porta-potties.

A two-hour guided tour is $110 and and because it is a non-profit, $75 is tax deductible.

National Riding Stables offers horse sponsorships and adoptions on their website. You can book your tour online or call 717-334-5100.

Note: Their weight limit is 210 pounds instead of 250.

Horse Carriage Ride Tours Near Gettysburg

Silvershire Farm Horse Carriage and Wagon Rides

You can take a carriage ride through the picturesque countryside and apple orchards of Adams County, just north of Gettysburg. Local farmers produce more apples than anywhere in Pennsylvania, as well as other fruits and vegetables.

The carriages are pulled by Shire draft horses – the largest of all the draft breeds. Along the way you will also see a variety of animals, including a herd of Elk. The journey is narrated with a history of the area during the Civil War Battle at Gettysburg, as well as that of the orchards and the history of the Shire horse.

Best Part? At the end of the ride at Silvershire Farm you can meet all of the horses on the farm and feed them if you want.

(717) 778-5275
214 Clearview Road, Aspers, PA

Can You Tour Gettysburg On Horseback?

The answer is yes you can tour the Gettysburg battlefield by horseback! There are a number of businesses that offer Gettysburg horse tours on the actual battlefield, and others that offer carriage rides through the historic downtown area as well as the battlefield.

There’s no better way to connect with history and stories of the past than going on a Gettysburg horseback tour.

Before you visit, you might want to find out more about the best time to visit Gettysburg.

What Do You Need For A Gettysburg Horseback Tour?

Many people wonder if they need to have riding experience before touring Gettysburg on horseback. The answer is, “no.” The horses used by local stables are calm and slow, and are accustomed to riders who have never been on a horse.

The stables also offer out-riders who are experienced on the trail and can lend a helping hand if you experience any problems.

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It is important to keep some things in mind when around horses:

• Don’t yell or make sudden movements when near horses or mounted.
• When approaching a horse, always speak and alert the horse to your presence.
• Always mount from the left-hand side of the horse.
• Avoid ducking under the tie rope; you might cause the horse to pull back, and you’d be extremely vulnerable to injury if he did.
• Be mindful of a horse’s feet while you’re near him. Horses don’t realize how big they are and can accidentally step on your toes.

Don’t visit Gettysburg without the Gettysburg Handbook & Insider’s Travel Guide!

How To Dress For A Gettysburg Horseback Tour

Wear comfortable clothes and don’t forget a hat to keep the sun off your face. You should also bring sunblock, and depending on the time of year, insect repellant can be a good idea too.

Shoes with heels (like cowboy boots) are best for riding, but any closed-toe shoe will do. (No open-toed shoes permitted).

Summers in Gettysburg are hot and humid, so make sure you are well hydrated before starting your ride, and have water available upon your return.

Are There Any Restrictions For A Gettysburg Horse Tour?

Each riding stable has its own rules, so check first. Here are some general rules and restrictions:

Age: Minimum age of a rider is 7 or 8 years old, depending on the stable.
Weight: Maximum rider weight is usually 250 lbs.
Helmets: Helmets are generally required for riders under 18 and are provided.
Health: Reasonable good health and the ability to mount a horse.
Attire: Opened-toed shoes are not allowed and long pants are recommended.

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How Do You Book A Gettysburg Horseback Tour?

First, check out the stables below that offer the opportunity to take a Gettysburg horseback tour. Then give them a call or book your ride through their website. Keep in mind that tours on horseback are popular and the number of horses are limited. Make your plans as early as possible so you don’t miss out.

Gettysburg horse tours depend somewhat on the weather. Though some rides depart rain or shine, they won’t go out if the trails are extremely wet or in bad condition or if there are dangerous thunderstorms or winds.

Due to Pennsylvania law, you will be required to sign a standard Liability Release Form acknowledging the risk of horseback riding.

Gratuity for your tour guide is not included, but is always appreciated.

Some Tips About Your Gettysburg Horseback Tour

Most of the tours (except for the National Riding Stables), depart from the McMillan Woods Youth Campground on the Gettysburg Battlefield. You should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. (See below for directions to McMillan Woods).

Parking is free, but leave enough time to find a parking space and to check in.

Remember that this is an outdoor activity so you will be exposed to the day’s weather conditions.

Can you ride your own horse On Gettysburg Battlefield?

Yes, you can ride your own horse in Gettysburg, the National Park Service has designated bridle trails that must be followed.

For visitors who bring their own horses to the park, limited trailer parking is available at McMillan Woods Youth Group Campground on West Confederate Avenue.

There is a designated section of the parking area in the campground for vehicles and trailers. On weekends during spring, summer and fall, the parking area for horse trailers can fill up quickly. Since parking is limited it is best to arrive early.

Once the lot is full, there are no other places for trailers to park on the battlefield.

Artillery Ridge Campground and Horse Park offers parking for horse trailers for a minimal fee. It is located upon the very grounds of the Union Artillery Reserve and is within walking distance to Gettysburg Battlefield trails, museums, & monuments. 

In addition to horseback tours, they off RV sites, tent camping and cabins. They are also the only campground in Gettysburg with overnight accommodations for horses.

The Horse Park offers:

• A warm-up riding arena and round pen
• 10’x12′ covered box stalls
• Single, double, triple and quad horse open gate corrals
• 24’x32′ two horse board corrals

 The Campground & Horse Park is located at 610 Taneytown Road Gettysburg. Phone: 717-334-1288

Directions to McMillan Woods:

Directions: McMillan Woods Youth campground is located in the park on West Confederate Avenue, which is accessible from West Middle Street (Rt. 116) in Gettysburg. West Confederate Avenue is a two-way road as far as the campground, but changes to one-way beyond (south of) it.

If you still have questions regarding directions NPS parking, call the park at (717) 334-1124.

If you don’t want to contact the stable directly, you can book a ride through Get Your Guide.

Other Questions About Gettysburg battlefield tours

How long does it take to tour the Gettysburg battlefield?

To see and experience everything about the three-day battle would take days, but there are many different driving tours, audio tours and Licensed Battlefield Guide tours that you can do in a few hours. There are also walking tours of downtown as well as an abundance of Ghost Tours.

Gettysburg Battlefield Horseback Trails: Nearby

Catoctin National Park, Thurmont, MD, (301) 663-9288
Large Parking area – 5 trails totaling 30 miles.

Codorus State Park, Hanover, PA (717) 637-2816
40 trailer parking- 8 miles of trails.

Gifford Pinchot State Park, Lewisberry, PA (717) 292-4112
6 miles of riding trails.

Michaux State Forest, Fayetteville, PA (717) 352-2211
Large Parking area; call for information on length of trails.

Other Things to Do in Gettysburg

In addition to seeing the battlefield and town by horseback or carriage, there are other tours and things to do in Gettysburg.

One of the most popular activities after exploring museums is a Gettysburg Foodie Downtown Tour. Speaking of museums, you can skip the line with a ticket to the Gettysburg Heritage Center museum bought online.

And lots of people come to Gettysburg to see if they can see a ghost. Gettysburg has everything from a Family Friendly History and Haunts Ghost Tour to complete high-tech investigations like this Small Group Evening Ghost Investigation.

Where To Stay During Your Visit To Gettysburg

If you want to stay in downtown Gettysburg, you have lots of options.

I highly recommend the Gettysburg Hotel because of its great location and history.

Just a few blocks away is the Federal Pointe Inn, which is also a historic building (an old schoolhouse) that is close to stores and restaurants.

The 1863 Inn at Gettysburg is a little more budget friendly, and is located next to the Jennie Wade House. Close to everything, including shops, restaurants and hotels.

If you prefer being out in the country in a cabin or a cottage, there are a number of Gettysburg campgrounds that provide both.

If you enjoy staying in historic Bed and Breakfasts, Gettysburg has plenty to choose from.