Important Information
To reserve rides with Mountain Trail, call or write for availability - rides can be booked with a 50% deposit. Our expeditions go as scheduled, rain or shine. We reserve the right to postpone, or adjust our route, if weather forbids safe riding.
Please be sure to dress for the weather, wearing layers of lightweight clothing. Bring a rain poncho or equivalent. Mountain Trail horses are working trail mounts: sure-footed, well trained, and very strong. We do have a weight limitation of 260 lbs., and require riders to be healthy and free of physical disabilities that would prohibit safe riding. Our string of horses suits a variety of riding abilities. Children must be at least 12 years old for all regular full-day and multi-day rides.
About our Rates
If you're not experienced with horse care and horseback riding, you may wonder how we arrive at our prices. Our costs encompass a whole list of "behind the scene" expenses. Feed, vet care, hoof care, worming, etc is thousands of dollars per year for just one horse – and we keep and maintain over 70 year round. When you factor in high quality guides and wagon drivers, insurance, taxes, large equipment purchases and repairs, quality tack, supplies, etc., one can clearly understand the outfitter's profit is not what you presume. With this in mind, when shopping around please be aware of the price that sounds too good to be true: it probably is.
Horseback Rides FAQ
- Where are you located?
Wellsboro is in North Central Pennsylvania in the heart of the Tioga State Forest. Our main starting point is in Ansonia where Pine Creek turns south to flow through the PA Grand Canyon. We are on Route 6 about 12 miles west of Wellsboro. Early in the season and late in the season, we leave from our farm, which is north of Wellsboro. When rides are booked we send out a confirmation letter that includes directions to our starting point. - When is the best time to ride?
Every season has its advantage. The springtime is sometimes cool, but it's great to be in the woods before the leaves are out — it is easier to see spring birds migrating, and there is always a chance to see young wildlife. Summer is nice because the weather is more dependable. Since we are riding in the mountains under a large foliage cover, the transpiration from the leaves keeps temperatures cooler and riding is generally very comfortable. Early fall has great riding temperatures, and fall foliage is a beautiful season that begins late September and goes through the middle of October. - Do you ride in the winter?
We generally do not ride in the winter because of the ice. We will ride if we have enough interest and the weather is conducive to riding safely. - Do you ride in the PA Grand Canyon?
The horseback rides do not go into the Canyon. Since the horseback rides are more of an adventure trip, we choose not to ride down the flat rail trail in the canyon where we would have to turn around and ride back the same route. - What is the terrain like?
This is a wilderness adventure trip. The terrain is mountainous. We do a lot of ascending and descending. Sometimes we are on trails or logging roads and sometimes just going through the woods. Many areas are not groomed and the rider needs to be attentive and direct the horse.
Overnight Rides FAQ
- What are the camps like?
If you choose the economy service, you bring all the gear and food for your trip. If you choose basic or deluxe service, we supply the food and camp gear. We use canvas wall tents and have four tents per camp. They comfortably sleep 3-4 people. We have a sky tarp that we set over the kitchen area, so we can be out of the weather. On deluxe trips, we bring in chairs for comfort. The sites are remote and there are no bathroom facilities. - What is the difference between economy, basic, and deluxe?
Economy service is for those groups who have all their own camping equipment and don't desire service. We will get your equipment to our campsite, and you will put your camp together and take care of all your needs. We will take care of the horses and our equipment. The Basic and Deluxe service means that we will provide food and the necessities of camp. You need to bring your own sleeping gear, i.e., sleeping bag and ground pad. Deluxe service provides a higher level of service, a few extra comforts at camp, and a more elaborate menu, including appetizers, homemade desserts, and legal beverages. - How should I pack and how does my gear get to camp?
We do not use packhorses on the trail. We truck and/or pack in your gear, so when you arrive at camp via horse, your belongings will be there. You should pack your belongings in a sturdy duffel bag, preferably waterproof. If you don't have a waterproof duffel, put a garbage bag inside your regular duffel, and pack your clothing inside the bag to keep things dry. Sleeping bags and ground pads should also be inside a duffel. - What do I bring?
If you are out for a two day trip, you only need one change of clothing. If you will be here for more than two days, plan to wear clothing more than once. You will want to have spares in case of rain (be sure to include an extra pair of socks), but remember, we aren't out there to look good. Plan on layering up, and if it is cooler weather, bring or wear long underwear--there's a variety of weights these days. Remember that it may be cooler in the mountains where we will be riding and camping. Good, sensible footwear is also important. Smooth soles with a heel work best for riding, but if those old boots don't fit anymore, try to wear something comparable. Please avoid sneakers or thick, heavy treaded boots that can get stuck in stirrups. You can also bring a comfortable change of footwear for camp, maybe something that you could ride in if necessary. Feel free to bring chaps and hats if you have them-they are practical. You'll be happiest with a hat that stays on when you break into a gallop or brush through low leaves. A chin string really helps. Always be prepared for rain-we can't influence the weather, and being prepared often determines your level of enjoyment. Two piece rain suits work well, or good quality ponchos--they help hold in body heat. Raingear can also act as an extra layer even without rain. Cheap ponchos that will tear on even the smallest branch might be ok in the middle of summer, but are not desirable other times. Additional personal items you may want: wash cloth, toiletries, medications for allergies or pain, flashlight, hat, and gloves. You need to bring a sleeping bag and ground pad. Our preferred pad is a self-inflating type, but other varieties will work. Just make it something that is compact and packable. Feel free to stick in a small pillow too, we won't tell. The tents will either have platform floors, or tarps on the ground. Some folks choose to bring their own tents if they want privacy. You'll be able to pack a few small necessities in your saddle bags; in addition to your lunch and water bottle or soda. You can tie your raingear/jacket in a roll behind your saddle. Don't bring firearms. There's no place for them on the trail or in camp.
General Information
- How long are you actually riding?
On half-day rides, we ride about three hours and that includes a short break…about eight miles. On day rides and overnights, our average riding time is about 4-5 hours. We average 16-18 miles a day plus time for a relaxing lunch and several breaks to stretch, take photos, etc. - Do I need a reservation?
Yes, all horseback rides require a reservation and deposit. Once a deposit is received we will send you a confirmation. We operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and add riders until we reach capacity. Sometimes dates book up months in advance, and sometimes trips don't fill, so calling on short notice is always worth a try. - How much riding experience do I need?
This is a difficult question. Riding experience is valuable, but we find that a positive mental attitude, average physical fitness, appreciation of the outdoors, an adventurous spirit, and the ability to relax, go a long way. We attempt to match riders' abilities with the proper mount, and also provide information and instruction. This is a physical activity, so a certain degree of soreness should be expected. We do have places where we canter and gallop on our daylong and overnight trips (except family rides). - What is your weight limit for riders?
The horses are climbing fairly steep terrain and work hard for us. Maximum weight should be no more than 260 lbs. Riding is a physical activity and isn't only about weight. A heavy person who is athletic is easier for a horse to carry than a lighter person who flops around and does not work with the horse. Expecting a horse to carry a big, non-athletic person creates safety issues for the horse, the rider, and others. - Is weather a factor?
We ride rain or shine, so having rain gear is always recommended. With rain gear and waterproof boots you can have a happy and comfortable trip. The weather does change often here. The sun may be out at the start of your ride, but it may be raining before you return, so being prepared is always advised. Temperatures also fluctuate, and it is often 10-20 degrees cooler at the tops of the mountains, or in the hollows, so dress in layers to be able to add to or take off as needed. - What kind of horses do you have?
We have great horses that are fit and responsive. We also have a variety of spirit in our string so we can suit varying levels of riding experience. What breed? We have mostly quarterhorses and crosses, but we do have a few gaited horses and draft crosses, as well. We choose horses with sound minds, good work ethics, and solid structures. - What is a "family ride"?
In an effort to service families, we have dropped our age minimum to eight years for family rides. We will not make an exception for this age minimum. Because of the rugged terrain, combined with the already inherent risks of riding, we have chosen to err on the safe side, but still allow youngsters to ride. These trips are a bit shorter than their respective regular rides, and they are all at a walking pace. For instance, a family one-day ride would be about 12 miles, or 3-4 hours of riding. - Can I bring my own saddle?
Yes, you can as long it is in good condition. With any saddle, you will need a back cinch and breast collar. We will attempt to find the horse that is suitable for both you and your saddle. If the mount that will work best for you will not fit your saddle, you will have to use ours. English tack is acceptable as long as you are capable of going up and down steep grades. Also if you have English tack, keep in mind that we carry our lunches with us, so you will need the means to bring necessities on the trail. - Can I bring my own horse?
Our horses are our livelihood, and in order to protect them from disease we vaccinate annually and keep our herd "closed". We have no facilities to board, pasture or stall outside horses. Liability issues further restrict us.
Wagon Rides
- Do you ride in the canyon?
Yes, the wagon goes along Pine Creek in the bottom of the canyon. - How far does the wagon go?
We go about 6 miles on our regularly scheduled rides. This takes about 2 hours. - What age group is this suitable for?
This ride is suitable for all age groups. The wagon is comfortable, similar to riding on a dirt road in a vehicle. There are steps to get into the wagon, with a railing or bars to assist. When we reach our turn-around point, we do have everyone disembark while we turn the wagon around. This allows the chance for everyone to stretch and is a good opportunity to take photos. - Do I need a reservation?
We do suggest reservations, but walk-ins are welcome on the wagon. Without reservations, we recommend arriving about 30 minutes prior to departure to check on availability. Reservations with a paid deposit are necessary for groups of 6 or more. Phone reservations without a deposit are acceptable for small groups or couples, but if there is no deposit, you must arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure to secure seating. A deposit IS required during the fall foliage season to hold any number of seats (late Sept. thru mid October). - How many can fit in the wagon?
We have two wagons that each seat about 30 adults. We can take more than one wagon at a time and often do. Our third wagon seats about 16. These rides are suitable for motorcoach groups. - Is weather a factor?
The wagon goes rain or shine. It is covered so inclement weather is not a problem unless it is severe. High winds or heavy thunder and lightning may detain us. If a storm is blowing through, we may delay our start time, as long as we can still stay on schedule. If it is rainy, we recommend being prepared to be off the wagon for a short time while it is turning around.
