Horse drawn carriage trails at Ohio state parks are typically offered only during winter months or the Christmas season. While nearly all state parks offer bridle trails which are open throughout the year, most are too rugged for carriage use. Hocking Hills State Park in the southern region of the state offers themed activities and refreshments for passengers in December. Lake Hope State Park also offers rides during the fall and at the Holiday Trail of Lights events in Vinton County.
Soak up the beauty of southern Ohio during the annual Leaf Peep horse drawn carriage rides at Lake Hope State Park. You can climb aboard a classic style carriage and ride around Lake Hope and the Zaleski State Forest. Passengers gather at the Lake Hope State Park Nature Center and climb aboard for a complimentary ride through the densely forested area. Special events often occur at the nature center for both children and adults. The annual carriage ride begins in early October and concludes at the R.O.A.R. Day festivities. Rural Ohio Appalachia Revisited events include traditional food, crafts, music and special exhibits. Return to the park during December for an opportunity to take another ride and then walk through the Holiday Trail of Lights motion activated display.
Although Hocking Hills State Park may be more well known for the caves which comprise the area, bundle up and enjoy a winter event. Long after the final crisp and colorful leaf has fallen from the trees, icicles replace waterfalls at trail focal points. A host of winter hikes, events, romantic carriage rides and cultural attractions occur on-site at Ash Cave, Cedar Falls and Old Man's Cave. The annual winter hike attracts hundreds of hikers annually and includes hot cider at the end of the trail. Cabin and campground providers located adjacent to the park also offer carriage and wagon rides for the enjoyment of guests.
Malabar Farm State Park in the northern section of the state near Cleveland also offers seasonal horse drawn wagon and carriage rides. The park also serves as a working farm designed as a living history exhibit. Ride around the farm and discover how early Ohioans survived and spent their leisure time. You can also take a tour of the on-site mansion or attend a naturalist program. Typically, wagon or carriage tours are available from May to October.
Indian Lake State Park near the town of Lakeview hosts a Harvest Festival and Maple Syrup Festival annually. Special events and activities during the festivals often include horse drawn wagon and carriage rides. You can listen to banjo music, browse homemade quilts or pet a llama while at the state park. Visitors learn how early settlers lived and tap a maple tree to garner some sweet syrup while on the wagon or carriage ride.
