George Washington National Forest ?

[jawa]

I have a cabin to stay in near this area. Does anybody know about any trail riding there. I did a dry run visit this weekend (sans horses), but didn’t get much hiking in due to the short time I was able to actually be there and due to the threatening rainy conditions this morning.

I did drive on some of the national forest roads, but was hoping to be able to get on some of the trails to avoid the vehicular traffic.

Can anyone give me some ideas on what to expect here.

I’m from central VA and have done lots of trail riding locally, but all on private lands.

TIA

ETA:
If you search on Google maps for Cold Springs Rd and St Marys Rd you will get close to the area within the George Washington National Forest that I would be staying.

[Bacardi1]

Have you done a websearch using “horseback riding in George Washington National Forest”? Because you’ll get lots of hits & lots of information - including current reports on areas that have storm damage, which trails are accessible for horses, etc., etc.

I used to live just a mile away from one of the entrances. It’s a lovely, lovely & extremely rural area.

[jawa]

Bacardi1,

I have not tried that search yet. Thanks for the hint, and keep them coming.

Are there any apps for an iPhone that anyone would recommend for finding good trails in the national forest (and getting home)? I have Gaia (Everytrail.com) loaded on my phone. I used it while we were driving some of the roads today. It noted an abandoned tramway line, but doesn’t have the different trail heads that we passed located on it. Is there an app that hikers / bikers/ trail riders use that has the actual trails on the map? Is there a paper map of the different trails within the George Washington National Forest that is accurate?

[Guilherme]

Call Don Warlick at Secret Passage Ranch in Ft. Valley, VA. I was there last weekend. His land abuts the Forest (IIRC). If it does not he’s very close by.

G.

[Liberty]

Here are a couple of links that may prove useful:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/
http://www.horseandmuletrails.com/Va.htm

[QUOTE=Guilherme;6452268]
Call Don Warlick at Secret Passage Ranch in Ft. Valley, VA. I was there last weekend. His land abuts the Forest (IIRC). If it does not he’s very close by.

G.[/QUOTE]

Secret Passage Ranch is in the northern section of the GW Nat’l Forest, which looks like a long way from where the OP will be visiting.

[chicamux]

Sorry, but the link you provided in your first post did not really indicate to me what area you are talking about. How about the name of the closest town to the cabin you will be using.

I’m familiar with horse trails in the Lee area of GW NF. If I knew better where you’ll be I’ll know if I can give you some good suggestions.

Bonnie

[jawa]

Big level is the area. Near Sherando, Raphine, and Vesuvius Va. These are the small towns around the area.

Coal road and St Mary’s Rd are national forest roads in the general area. I’m about 6 miles from St Mary’s Falls.

I’ve only visited the one time. I was there from Sat pm until Sun pm. I didn’t get a chance to do much in that short time as it was rainy or threatening to rain until we packed to head home Sun.

[chicamux]

Nope, too far south for me. I use this site a lot: http://www.hikingupward.com/ to find hiking trail info which can often be used by trail riders. I don’t see much in that area you are talking about.

Bonnie