992krisn
My family was visiting Canaan Valley for the first time and I found Mountain Trail Rides online. I was impressed by their informative, organized website and their friendly and prompt reply to an email I sent them. My 9 year old niece and her family seemed to really enjoy the petting zoo. They were pleasantly surprised by how much food they could give to the animals. We asked about horseback riding, expecting a delay, and were able to ride that very afternoon. It ended up being just me, my niece, and her mother on our ride. Our guide was very friendly, patient, and good with my niece, just like all of the staff there.The ride was gentle and easy (thank goodness because I haven't ridden in over a decade.) The horses seemed to be happy and in good condition. They had personality. The staff seemed attentive to their needs. Overall, we enjoyed our riding experience. We all said it was one of our favorite things during our vacation and that we'll do it again if we ever come back.
Doeball
The horses and the people were very people friendly. It was a very relaxing ride and had a very nice tike with the guide they are very great people . Would definetly go back again.
SharonB528
I read about this place online and thought we need to try it out and we were very pleased. Milton was our trail guide. He was excellent. Neither my husband nor I had been on a horse in over ten years. The cost was reasonable....thirty dollars. The stable and so forth were clean. Horses were in good condition. The saddles were checked for safety both before and during the ride by Milton. We rode through beautiful meadows, woods and so forth. We saw a few deer. The staff was very nice. A pleasant experience. Will do again if we go back.
805kennyc
This mountain trail ride is the most outstanding trail ride that my wife, 10 year old grandson and I have taken in the eastern part of the United States. The horses are well groomed and cared for and superbly trained. The staff is most cordial, considerate and helpful and the guides are attentive and alert while on the trails. The horses are expertly paired with the rider's size and skills for safety. While riding, you are able not only to enjoy the horses, but some of the most breathtaking scenery in the high mountains of West Virginia. Additionally, we were able to see and ride very close to deer and other wild life which enriched the experience. These trail rides give meaning to the West Virginia phrase, "Almost Heaven!" My wife, grandson and I all enjoyed this trail riding experience so much that we took the hour and one half trail riding adventure three times in six days. While we live many hours from Mountain Trail Rides, we WIll enjoy this trail riding experience again!
JAltimore
Do not be fooled, there is no true cave that the kids explore gems in. The ladder you have to climb down is literally two steps. The older kids did not see this as a fun or interesting event, however, the younger kids 5 & 7 thought it was pretty cool.
ocshaffer
We went on a two hour guided tour. I was behind the main guide, a nice man who had his voice box removed, but he was very alert, smiled and kept an alert eye on things. My 12 year old daughter went with me, but she ended up at the last of the line with a family of about 14 in between us. Behind my daughter was a young female guide who only barked orders. Finally, a the last 15 minutes of the trip, she brought my daughter up with me where the first guide noted my daughter's horse was a bit wild and unruly. She was sneezing a lot and didn't seem comfortable, so he switched horses with her and he had problems with her, too. When we made it back to the ranch, the nasty horseman (older guy) made fun of my daughter saying" What, she couldn't handle the little mustang"? My daughter was very embarrassed and upset. The guy had a chip on his should from the get go, and made everyone feel like we were lucky to be in his presence and what idiots we all were. My daughter and I have ridden at least 4 times with other guides, and were never treated this way. Guides check for safety, check to make sure the horse is suitable for the rider, checks for safety equipment through the ride, but can have a personality. For the first time in my life, I did not tip the guides. The lady in the shop is very kind and welcoming, I should note, as was the younger blond cowboy.
633beckye
We have ridden horses all over the world - in South America, Europe, Colorado, Mexico - everywhere we visit we ride horses. During a weekend getaway to Canaan Valley in September, we took a mountain adventure ride at Mountain Trail Rides and it was the absolute BEST ride we've taken in any of our travels. The staff were pleasant, helpful, and the price was very reasonable. The views were breathtaking, the horses were well-mannered, and we highly recommend this stable to anyone. If you have any experience with horses, you can tell that these animals are well taken care of. Overall, it was just a great day which we'll remember always. And, if you get the opportunity to visit this place, be sure to ask for Milton for your guide. He was great! ******
EllieandNorman
Our family visited this establishment in the Summer of 2013, expecting a nice horseback ride upon recommendation of friends. Yes, the ride was great . . . but the genuine friendliness of the owners was amazing. They made us feel at home, like we were visiting long-lost relatives! They had the cutest little boy who made fast friends with our granddaughter and she still talks about him, wondering when we are going back. The horses were great, the people were great, and they had a cute petting zoo where you were actually allowed to pet the animals and even hold some of them. We would highly recommend this wonderful place to anyone visiting the Canaan Valley area.
SavantIII_11
We have been horse back riding fans for years.Rarely, will a stable turn one loose with a horse.Expect a slow guided tour, and expect to do a laundry upon departure from this experience.
Jbg27
This was our second ride here. The staff is always friendly and patient. You will not find a better ride. Views are breathtaking and the deer are everywhere.
991maggiec
Beautiful views - trail leads through dense woods and then out into open fields where you can see Canaan Valley state park and mountain ranges. Great combination of being adventurous in parts but also peaceful and relaxing. Sure-footed ponies each with personality and energy, obviously well-cared for. One of the best trail rides I have been on, super nice guides!
mhaze
Very friendly, interesting conversations and the horses were in excellent condition. My daughters had fun before riding, playing tug with their friendly dog. Gorgeous views of the mountains while on the on the well behaved horses (they like to graze). I would go again.
missykayg
I have never been on a horse before and was able to take this 90 minute trail ride up the mountain.We had 6 people from our group ranging from age 5 to 62. None of us had any horse riding experience. They give you a quick lesson and pick the right horse for you.It was great.there was about 20 people on the trail ride with a guide leading and one behind.There is also a small petting zoo and an adventure cave for the kids. They loved searching for treasures in the dark cave with a miners hat on. Great place for all ages.
Cashewfeni
This was a very nice experience. They even let my 5.5 year old son ride his own horse which he comfortably did for an hour! Every horse has his quirks - some were hungry and stopped to graze often, others liked to tail gate horses in front of them and yet others farted loudly and often. The horses had some interesting names. 25 riders went out together in a long single file. We saw 2 frolicking bears nearby that continued playing as the convoy passed by.
Maplebooster
From the cashier in the gift shop to the gentleman who helped us on the horses and our guide Kristen what a great place with fantastic people wonderful horses