Horseback Riding

Horses and their riders are welcome at Cape Hatteras National Seashore!

Please read below for information about horseback riding on the Seashore, including rules and regulations designed for visitor safety and resource protection.

 

NPS Photo

 

Horses may be ridden or used only in the following designated areas:

• Designated ORV ramps and ORV routes open to vehicular travel
• Seaward of the existing dunes on beaches open to vehicular travel
• On village beaches September 16th - May 14th
• On road shoulders only if there is enough space as to not interfere with vehicular traffic
• Across paved routes where travel is necessary to cross to or from beach access routes
• Off Island Hunt Club Road
• Piney Ridge Trail, Sedge Trail, and Boundary Trail
• Open Ponds Trail
• Vehicle-Free Area Ramp 45 to Ramp 48 (October - March)
• On trails or in areas designated under Commercial use Authorizations (October - March)

Please note that horses are prohibited in the following areas:

• On Ramp 72 (also known as South Point Road)
• Buxton Multi-Use Path
• Within resource closures
• On lifeguarded beaches
• On pedestrian shoreline access areas in front of (i.e., seaward of) bird prenesting areas
• Any location not designated for horse use

Additionally, please be aware of the following rules and regulations:

• Horse excrement, hay, straw, and/or bedding materials must be immediately removed from all parking/staging areas and along the Open Ponds Trail from the pavement at Lighthouse Road to 50 feet past the British Cemetery.
• All equine users upon request must provide proof of a negative Coggins test or similar Equine Infectious Anemia test performed within the last 12 months.

 

Don't have a horse but want to ride?

Check out the approved guided horseback tours on our Commericial Services page!

 

Interested in Offering Guided Horseback Tours on the Seashore?

Please visit our Doing Business With Us page to learn more about how to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA).