Horse Crazy in Cortland County: Hitting the Trails
Do you fanaticize riding off into the sunset, cantering over rolling hills, splashing through streams? Or maybe you daydream of driving a perfectly matched pair of horses down a country road. Perhaps you own a horse of your own and are simply looking for new trails to roam.
Cortland County is home to stables and trails of every sort, each offering its own unique equine adventure. If you're looking to cowboy up, look no further.
HIT THE TRAILS
TULLER HILL HORSE TRAILS
Clute Road, Virgil NY
(42.530705°N, 76.133125°W)
Load up your horse and come ride the serene Tuller Hill mountainside, with peekaboo views and winding forest trails just minutes from downtown Cortland. Tuller Hill State Forest is home to 19 miles of multiple-use trails, available for all responsible equestrians to enjoy. These trails have circular, color-coded markers and are maintained by New York State Horse Council and NYS Plantation Walking Horse Club volunteers. There are two parking areas on Clute Road (see map). The U-shaped parking is packed gravel and will accommodate several small rigs. The DEC has provided trail maps on site, located in the mailbox nearest the trailhead. Trails are open May through October. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses, and out-of-state horse owners must produce a 30-day health certificate. You will need to bring in your water—no facilities on site.
MAYBURY BROOK STABLES
3048 Rt. 41, Cincinnatus NY
(607) 836-9969
Pack up the whole horse-crazy family, for an afternoon of fun at Maybury Brook Stables. Located on 200 acres, in Cincinnatus NY, this place is a trail rider's dream. Mosey through meadows, streams, and forest on one of their trusty trail horses. When you've had your fill of cowboy adventures, make your way down to the petting zoo and snuggle the barnyard menagerie. Trail rides and farm visits are by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead (closed through hunting season).
DOG HOLLOW CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
5932 Dog Hollow Road Cuyler, NY
(607) 842-6890
Trail ride in style at Dog Hollow Christmas Tree farm. Book a relaxing trail ride through the rolling hillside, dotted with pine trees. Make it a day to remember by booking a private, catered picnic in the dappled sun of the forest floor. Riding astride not your style? They also offer wagon and sleigh rides and will soon offer miniature horse carriage rides! If you're looking for the ultimate romantic date, this is it. Trail rides and farm visits are by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.
GATE CARRIAGE SERVICES
3044 Zelsnack Rd, Marathon NY
(607)
Have you ever dreamt of driving a team of horses from a buckboard wagon? Make your fantasies a reality! Gate Carriage Services are offering private driving lessons. Try your hand at harnessing up his Halflinger team, Stan and Pam. Learn the meaning of gee, haw, steady, and whoa. Impress your friends with your newfound knowledge at your next dinner party as you regal them with stories of teamster triumphs. Dirt under your nails, not your style? Book a private foliage tour, and let Gate's Carriage Crew do all the heavy lifting while you sit back and relax, cozy in your carriage. Driving lessons and carriage rides are by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.
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