Donkeyback trails are a unique type of trail, typically found in mountainous or remote regions. They are typically longer than other types of trails and require some navigation skills to ride.
Donkeyback trails are decentralized, which makes them more challenging. Because each rider has a different level of experience, no two donkeybacks ride the same way. This is a fun part about donkeybacks is that you can learn new things about your horse as you go.
To Ride a Donkeyback is an informative website that explains the basics of riding a donkeys.
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Tennessee
The state of Tennessee is home to a number of donkeyback trail riding destinations. These locations offer riders a unique and challenging experience.
Notable donkeyback trail riding destinations in Tennessee include the Blue Ridge Mountain Park, Big Falls State Park, and Gatlinburg National Monument. All three of these parks offer rides on varying sized donkeys.
Big Falls State Park is one of the best places to ride at in Tennessee. It sits just above the Great Smoky Mountains National park, so you will still get some majestic views while you ride. This park also has some nice facilities such as a stable, food service, and drop-in facility.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Park is another awesome place to ride at on a weekend.
Virginia
Virginia is home to many riding destinations, including two donkeyback trails. The two Virginia donkeyback trails are in the cities of Blacksburg and Harrisonburg.
Blacksburg’s Donkeyback trail is located just a short drive east of the city. It extends for about one mile along Hanover Street between Willow Street and Oak Hill Drive.
Harrisonburg’s much longer donkeyback trail extends for about a half-mile along Middle River Road between Willow Street and Oak Hill Drive.
North Carolina
The state of North Carolina is home to many incredible trails. There are multiple challenging trails in the Asheville and Greensboro areas, as well as the Pigeon Forge and Sevierville areas.
Many of these trails are designated National and State Trails. The Little River watershed is a designated National Wild Horse Reunion Trail, while the Pisgah National Forest makes up several popular hiking destinations including Table Mountain, McGills Gap, and Foothills.
While not known for its donkeyback trail riding, North Carolina does have a couple of locations where you can ride on an American donkey. These donkeys are usually used for scientific studies or film production due to their precise movements.
Little River Preserve is one such location where you can ride an American donkey.
New York
New York is full of adventure, with over a hundred Donkeyback trails located throughout the city. While many are more intimate and designed for footfall, there are also specialized courses for horses!
The trails range in difficulty from easy strolls to grueling endurance challenges. Each one is unique in look and style, making it a fun place to visit. Plus, you can ride your horse at your own pace!
Visiting a trail? You can do so at the course! They will set you up with a horse and give you some basics on how to get on and off. Once you do that, you can ride!
Some of the more popular trails in New York include Central Park’s Rockaway Beach, Greenwalls in Queens, and Central Park’s Flushing Meadows-Dodger Stadium.Regardless of which one you choose, they all offer beautiful terrain for riders to take advantage of their horses.
Colorado
The high country of Colorado offers some amazing places to ride donkeyback. There are many trails that wind through canyons and mountains, making it a diverse network of donkeyback trails.
Some of these trails are longer than others, making it a little more rugged. However, all offer a chance to cool off in the summer and toasty in the winter when snow is present.
To find these places, you will need to look into mountain bike apps or websites. Many have free apps available that can help you locate these hidden jewels!
If you are looking for some scenic terrain to test your horse’s abilities on, check out some of the park-like trails.
Wyoming
America’s first trail riding destination is in Wyoming. The Absaroka-Beaver-Falls National Park makes a beautiful backdrop for this park-hopped trail ride.
With over a hundred miles of trails, you can find what you are looking for. Some of these trails are half a mile long!
Start your journey at the main entrance to the park and work your way out through the different parks until you get to the river. There, try an old fashioned river ride or take some scenic route riding.
Either way, keep your eyes open for antelope and if you’re lucky, you may even get shot at! These beautiful animals roam throughout the park so try not to rush into anything.
Missouri
The top riding destination in the USA is Missouri, which has an abundance of trails and a wide range of rider preferences. There are blind, parlor, and reining mounts as horse sports!
Missouri has over a dozen trails located in six different national forests. These trails include the Flagg Mountain Preserve Horseback Trail, the Deepwater National Wildlife Refuge Horseback Trail, the Sioux Falls Rodeo & Track Championships Horseback Trail, the Bayseebuf National Recreation Area Horseback Trail, and the Chain of Lakes National Recreation Area Horseback Trail.
All of these trails are gorgeous and unique with their terrain and uses.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a powerful stronghold for trail riders. There are many fun and challenging trails throughout the state, making it a great place to discover a new favorite path.
Many of these trails are located in scenic rural areas, making them even more special. Some have access restrictions, making them only available to riders with horses.
There are so many wonderful places to ride in Pennsylvania that it is hard to choose your favorite! If you are looking for a challenge, look into some of the moretechnical terrain that requires higher levels of horsemanship.
If you want a relaxing ride, try one of the easier paths that do not require super high levels of horsemanship. Many barrel builders have fantastic venues that you do not need very high levels of horsemanship for.
And if you want something more fun and creative, try finding a trail that meets your exact needs.