Some friends and I are thinking of a weekend getaway. We are thinking about Luray. We want to ride part of the weekend and sight see the rest so we are planning on leaving the horses home. Has anyone here ridden at Fort Valley ranch? They seem to have several nice packages available, so we were thinking of staying there. Any thoughts or suggestions?
We camped there last year over Memorial Day weekend. The campground is pretty nice. They have decent sites…a bit tight for a bit long rig but I made it, a bunkhouse and washhouse which I did not use since we showered in our camper. Just saying if that is something you need.
The pens for the horses were very simple but seemed safe. The staff gave shavings to some folks for free when it was very muddy which was a nice touch. I thought the owners were very responsive to the camper’s and horses’ needs and did a good job.
The trails were fairly good. You do have to do a short road ride as well as some gravel roads to get to the trails. The trails are all fairly long except for some short loops on their own land. Expect a lot of rocks and some pretty steep places. One area is shared with ATV’s and the gravel roads have cars of course. You will need four shoes or four hoof boots. I tried to ride my good footed mare with only front boots but she was uncomfortable so I stopped and put on her back boots. Four boots and they were quite happy and stomped along down the gravel roads too. 
These pics were taken at Ft. Valley.
Me on my Spanish Mustang mare Promise.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Trail%20Riding/IMG_0279.jpg
Mr DDB on his Spanish Mustang gelding Blaine. Note the footing/rocks.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Trail%20Riding/IMG_1646.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Trail%20Riding/IMG_1639.jpg
The campground area:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Trail%20Riding/IMG_1634.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Trail%20Riding/IMG_1633.jpg
I would go back…we are thinking of doing that this Fall actually. There was one loop over Massanutten that we didn’t finish due to the extreme heat and we both wanted to do it pretty bad.
I’m also thinking of doing this LD ride this Fall at Ft. Valley. I know what to expect at least now and my main concern is my flat lander horse being fit enough. This would be our first ride…so I’m not sure if I’ll do it yet or not.
Thanks for the info. Ours plans are to use their horses. Love to use ours, but they aren’t used to that type of terrain, and if they should see a bear, they would probably be home before we could say whoa. You have lovely horses and thanks for posting the pictures
Oh Ok…we didn’t see any bears! I hope you have a wonderful time if you go!
A couple of friends and I went to Fort Valley for 4 days at the beginning of June. It was a very nice facility and the all of the staff was very helpful. I don’t know much about the rental horses as we brought our own horses.
The trails were awesome! Some super rugged and some fairly easy and everything in between. Out of all of our horses, mine had shoes up front and boots behind, one had shoes up front only and two were barefoot and they all did fine (even on an 11 hour ride the first day with wicked rocks and climbs). One side of the park you have to ride out on a road to get to, but the other side you do not- you can use the trails that are part of the camp to access it.
And we didn’t see any bears either but definitely rattle snakes!
I can’t wait to get to go back again- although I’ve got to find someone who wants to go with me and do the trails marked super difficult, not for the faint of heart 
I went there several times, years ago when they let you head on on their horses without a guide. It was something like $75 for a 1/2 day rental, and they supplied insulated saddlebags with sub sandwiches, chips, and a drink. Oh, and a trail map. It was a lot of fun, and the horses (at least back then) were nice rides and well cared for. Pretty sure they only do guided rides now.
Just joking about the bear. TR, how long did it take you to get there from Rising Sun? We are in the Fallston area of Harford County. We thought we would leave the horses home this time. My horse is a real greenie and my friends horse is a roarer and has trouble with big climbs. How is the scenary? We love to putz and to take pictures and smell the roses.
It took about 3 1/2 hours maybe a tad more to get there. We went out 70 to 340 to 81 and avoided having to go around DC.
Scenery is great- when we were there the mountain laurel was in bloom so it was extra pretty.
We are going. Have a nice group of riders from the farm where I keep my horses. We have our reservations for Oct. Sure fills up fast. Looking forward to a weekend of fun. Thanks everyone for your info.
