Horseback Riding at York River State Park
(757) 566-3036
5526 Riverview Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Latitude: 37.405520
Longitude: -76.714323
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Backbone Trail
The Backbone Trail is a wide 1.5 mile, moderate difficulty, multi-use trail that runs south from the Contact Station to the southern part of the park. The trail is open to hiking and biking for its entire length, however equestrians are permitted only south of Black Bear Run. The trail is accessible from the Contact Station, and from the Beaver, Woodstock Pond, Laurel Glen, Black Bear Run, Pumunkey, Powhatan Forks, Riverview, White-tail, and Me-Te-Kos trails. It passes through hardwood forest rich with wildlife and featuring numerous views of the park and surrounding areas.
Blaze Color: Gold
Usage:
- Length: 1.73
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Sandy Earth, Gravel
Dogwood Lane Trail
The Dogwood Lane Trail is a .8 mile, easy multi-use trail that is accessible in two places from the White Tail Trail. It makes a semi-circle as it passes through the woods, coming out at another point on the White Tail Trail. The path here is narrower than on the neighboring trail and is somewhat more scenic.
Blaze Color: Bronze
Usage:
- Length: 0.76
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Majestic Oak Trail
The Majestic Oak Trail is a .74 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that is accessible from the Spurr Trail and the Powhatan Fork Trail. The trail passes through the woodland environment that typifies the park. It is named because, near its end, the trail passes an ancient oak tree that is estimated to be between 200 and 400 years old and is believed to be the oldest oak in the park. Past this giant tree, and toward the river, the trail is no longer suitable for horses, riders will need to return to the Spur Trail. Near the York River the trail winds down a steep bank where a bridge crosses the marsh. From the bridge, the trail winds up the bank and becomes the north fork of the Powhatan Fork Trail.
Blaze Color: White
Usage:
- Length: 0.8
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Meh Te Kos Trail
The Meh Te Kos Trail is a moderate difficulty bridle trail that features rides of 2.6 to 5.1 miles in length. The trail is accessible from the horse trailer parking lot as well as two places where it crosses the main park road. This trail provides equestrian access to the many multi-use trails at the southern part of the park. On the eastern side of the main park road, the trail runs south near the Backbone Trail and takes riders through grassy areas near the wooded Marl Ravine Trail. The trail leads to a small garden of native Virginia plants tended by the friends group.
Blaze Color: Orange
Usage:
- Length: 4.2
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Powhatan Fork Trail
The Powhatan Fork Trail is a 1.6 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail, that is accessible from the Backbone, Majestic Oak, Spurr, and Riverside Trails. A wide, gently downhill sloping trail it passes mainly through wooded areas and has two forks. The east fork takes users towards the river where there is a bench at the top of the cliff with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The north fork takes users into the salt marshes. The portion of the trail that connects to the Majestic Oak Trail is not suitable for horses, as it winds down into the marsh and crosses a footbridge where it joins the other trail.
Blaze Color: Beige
Usage:
- Length: 1.6
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Pumunkey Trail
The Pumunkey Trail is a 0.9 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail, that is accessible from both the Backbone Trail and the Spur Trail. Named for another tribe of Indians who once inhabited the region, this trail takes users from the Backbone or Spurr Trails downhill to an observation tower that overlooks the York River. Bikers should use caution as portions of the trail are steep and sandy. The trail passes through the forested areas that are typical of this park.
Blaze Color: Yellow
Usage:
- Length: 0.9
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Riverview Trail
The Riverview Trail is a 1.44 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that leads from the Backbone Trail to the southernmost access to the York River. The trail is also accessible via a short connector to the Powhatan Forks Trail. It passes through a wooded area and, not far from the river, is blocked by a fence with a pass-thru for hikers only. Bicycle and horseback riders must proceed on foot from this point. The remote location of this trail makes it especially suited for observing wildlife. Near the beach the trail becomes sandy and observant hikers will often spot evidence of the abundant wildlife that inhabit this area. At the end of the trail there is a seating area where one can relax before returning to the trail head.
Blaze Color: Dark Blue
Usage:
- Length: 1.44
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Spurr Trail
The Spurr Trail is a short, easy, connecting trail between the Powhatan Forks, Majestic Oak, and Pumunkey Trails. Near its southern end a 1940s era house once stood. Before it was torn down some believed that the abandoned home was haunted. Check out the popular Ghost Hike program if you are dying to find out more about this story.
Blaze Color: Black
Usage:
- Length: 0.4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
White-tail Trail
The White-Tail Trail is a .76 mile, moderate difficulty multi-use trail that is accessible from the Backbone Trail and provides subsequent access in two places to the Dogwood Lane Trail. The trail passes through the woods bringing users to an area where the trail ends and users must turn around. When combined with the Dogwood Trail this trail makes an interesting loop through shaded forest. Near the end of the trail, seasonal views of the river may be had through he trees.
Blaze Color: Brown
Usage:
- Length: 0.8
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Other Activities At York River State Park: Biking, Boating and Water Sports, Educational Activities, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Hiking, Hunting, Picnicking and Canoeing And Kayaking
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