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NatureMountains

This Horseback Riding Experience In New Hampshire Offers Something New And Exciting To Try This Summer

Explore Franconia Notch on a family-friendly horseback tour through the White Mountains, available year-round.

Published Apr 22, 2020

Written by 

Michelle Starin

The best time to explore Franconia Notch in New Hampshire is...all the time! This region is beautiful in the winter, but gets even better when the weather gets warmer in spring and summer. And, of course, it's beautiful in the fall. But, what's the best way to see it? On horseback, of course! Even if you've never ridden a horse, this tour will be a new (and easy!) adventure.

Located on the grounds of the Franconia Inn, Franconia Stables Notch Stables is nestled in the trees of the one of the most beautiful regions of the state.

A charming white inn with green shutters, surrounded by gardens and trees, set against a cloudy sky.
Google Maps

Since 2004, they've offered safe and family-friendly horseback fun through the White Mountains.

Sign for "Riding Stables" with a direction for "Horseback Rides" and contact number, set in a rural landscape.
Rick Muse / Google

The horses here are happy and healthy and it's clear that owners, Adam Stafford and his family, truly love what they do.

Four horses with saddles stand side by side in a paddock, with trees and mountains in the background.
Hagen / Google

From Tuesday through Saturday, horseback tours through the mountains are available for folks of all ages.

Two riders on horseback traverse a grassy field with trees and wildflowers under a sunny sky.
Donna L / TripAdvisor

Each tour is one-hour and includes views of Mt. Lafayette, Cannon Mountain and Kinsman Ridge among others.

Two people riding horses through a lush, green trail, wearing helmets and casual clothing.
Robin Gittrich / Google

The surroundings are absolutely beautiful. Your trip includes a crossing of the Hamm Branch River, too.

A serene riverbank scene with lush greenery, pebbles, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Laura Louder / Google

This is where your horse may stop for a drink or even try giving you a little splash!

A person on horseback rides along a lush green path beside a calm river, surrounded by trees and blue sky.
Laura Louder / Google

In addition to the beauty of the forests and mountains, there's plenty of wildlife to spot here too. In the morning you may even see a moose!

A person riding a white horse on a trail through lush greenery, with mountains in the background.
roadtripdad66 / TripAdvisor

Tours leave at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m. There's also a 2:30 p.m. ride on Saturday.

Close-up of a horse's head wearing a decorative bridle with silver studs and blue accents.
Mary-Ellen M / TripAdvisor

For kids 7 and younger, Franconia Notch Stables offers pony rides. Each ride is about 5 minutes and includes being led around a safe area by a guide with a lead.

This place is truly for everyone!

Franconia Notch Stables offers tours year-round. To learn more about what you can do in each season, check out their website. Or you can follow them on Facebook. They can be reached on 603-823-5058.

And as you plan for more things to do this season, don't forget about these 9 staggeringly beautiful places in New Hampshire that will always be waiting for you.

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