Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a unique way to explore the beauty of Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

NPS Photo

Horseback riding offers an excellent opportunity to experience the Ozark landscape: open fields where one may encounter feral horses; forested riparian bottomland where one can hear song birds, raptors, or water fowl; and upland oak-pine ridges with panoramic views of the river below. The hills and forests of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways area abound in trail riding opportunities.

Horseback riding in the riverways is limited to state and county unpaved roads, along with the four NPS designated horse trails. For information on park horse trails, scroll down this page.

A few common sense rules will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience. These guidelines are also to help keep the area beautiful for you and for generations of riders to come.

1. Stay on designated trails and county roads open to horse use. Horse trail maps are available at the Shawnee and Broadfoot staging areas, and park headquarters.
2. Cross rivers and streams only at designated fords. Do not linger in the water. Cross quickly to minimize erosion.
3. Horse are prohibited from entering springs and spring branches and from bathing in rivers.
4. Horse camping is not permitted.
5. Please leave your dog at home.
6. Tying horses to trees is prohibited. To avoid damaging vegetation, cross tie horses or use hitching rails.
7. Horses are not allowed in developed areas such as campgrounds or river access points. Respect other visitors' rights to have a quality park experience.
8. Restrooms are limited and are available at the Shawnee and Broadfoot staging areas.
9. Do not litter. Pack it in, pack it out. Bury human waste in "catholes" 6" to 8" deep and at least 100 feet from rivers, streams or water sources.
10. Do not disturb historical or cultural structures or artifacts. leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them.
11. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not feed, harass or approach any animals, including free ranging horses.
12. Be considerate of others on trails and roads. Hikers, cyclists and cars should yield right of way to horses. Move off the trail if need be.
13. Please report emergencies or violations to park dispatch at 844-460-3604

Designated Horse Trails

Ozark National Scenic Riverways offers equestrians four designated horse trail loops totaling 25.5 miles of trail. The trails are marked with color coded blazes. The park provides two staging areas (Broadfoot and Shawnee), each with a restroom and hitching rails, where riders may park their trailers.

All of the designated trails are in the Two Rivers area. A good topographical map will help you navigate the region. For a printed horse trail map, visit one of our ranger stations or contact Big Spring Entrance Station at [phone].

Additional horseback riding opportunities exist west of the park within the Angeline Conservation Area managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). MDC maintains approximately 9 miles of horse trails and a trailhead staging area north of Eminence off County Road 205. The MDC staging area provides restrooms, hitching rails, and parking for horse trailers.

SAFETY NOTE: River fords are signed---and riders are to cross only at these designated fords. For the safety of both rider and mount---always release tie-downs before crossing a river ford. Never attempt to cross any stream or river during periods of high water.

 

Jerktail Loop Trail

This 5.2 mile loop trail is classified as moderate to difficult. There are two designated fords where the trail crosses the Current River. Several scenic overlooks offer expansive views of the Current River from atop high bluffs.

Broadfoot Loop Trail

This 5.9 mile loop trail is classified as moderate.The Broadfoot loop offers excellent opportunities to view a herd of wild horses which are protected within the park.There are two designated fords where the Broadfoot trail crosses the Current River. The majority of this loop trail travels through Oak-Pine forest. The Broadfoot Staging area provides hitching posts, a restroom, and designated day-use parking for horse trailers.

Two Rivers Loop Trail

This 5.4 mile loop trail is classified as easy to moderate. Extended segments of this loop trail follow riparian corridors and afford views of both the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. There are two designated fords that cross the Current River and a third designated ford that crosses the Jacks Fork River.

Shawnee Loop Trail

This 7 mile loop trail is classified as easy to moderate. The Shawnee Staging area provides hitching posts, a restroom, and designated day-use parking for horse trailers. The trail passes through riparian areas along the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers. A rocky climb along this route also takes riders to a bluff top with a spectacular view of the Jacks Fork River. There are two designated fords crossing the Current River and two fords crossing the Jacks Fork River.

Angeline Conservation Area Horse Trails

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) supports a system of eleven interconnected short loop trails and connecting trails within the Angeline, totaling 8.7 miles, just north of Eminence and to the west of the park. All trails are marked with color coded blazes.

The trailhead parking area provided by MDC has designated parking for 30 horse trailers. It can be found on County Road 19-205, north of Eminence. Brochures describing the trails will be available at the trailhead. Riders may also contact the MDC Eminence Office at [phone] to obtain more information.

 

Outfitters / Tours

To learn about authorized service providers in the park, visit our guided tours page!