Ninety Six National Historic SiteInterim Horseback Riding Rules
Trail Head Parking
Horse trailers are only allowed at the Trailhead Parking located off Kinard Road.There are no identified spaces.
Use caution when manuevering in this area so that others may enter and exit safely.
Parking is available during park operating hours, 8:30 to 5, Wednesday –Sunday, except Federal Holidays.The gate will lock at 5 pm;do not block gate.
Please be considerate of others and remove droppings before leaving.
Interim Trails
Authorized interim trails are marked with either orange or red and signage at junctions.
Gravel Service Road –use the road edge or shoulder.
East/North/West Boundary
Fire Roads 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (junctions marked with the number)
Riding Rules
Horses must be under control of the rider at all times.
Pets must be on a leash with max length of 6 feet and under control of owner at all times.
Trail bridges must be used for creek crossings.
Horses must stay on the designated trails and may not enter historic road traces such as the Gouedy Trail, Cherokee Path, and Charleston Road. The core battlefield and southern boundary trails are also restricted.
The service road and fire roads are accessed by park personnel vehicles only;horses must yield to vehicles.
Riders are responsible for handling and disposing of excrement. Excrement must be removed at least 20' from trails and deposited in adjacent woods or bushes.
Owners are responsible for the behavior and actions of their horses while in the park.
Skittish or untrained horses are not permitted because of the danger they pose to visitors.
All horses must have negative Equine Infectious Anemia / Coggins test result.
All riding in the park is at your own risk. The park is not liable for any damage incurred to trailers or equipment
There is no expectation that all areas are safe for horses and riders.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages within park and on trails is prohibited. Refer to state law regarding firearms.
Closure Policy
When there are rain events, the trails will be closed using the following policy. Please check park website / Facebook page, or call the park to check on trail status after weather events.
Precipitation of 1" trails will be closed for 24 hours
Precipitation of 1 - 2" trails will be closed for 48 hours
Precipitation of 2"+ trails will be closed for approximately 72 hours.
Reporting Unauthorized Activity / Incidents
Contact park personnel to report unauthorized behavior or incidents as soon as possible with details. . In the event of an emergency, call 911 AND the park so emergency personnel has immediate access.
In June 2017, the park released an Equestrian Management Plan Newsletter, which highlights our efforts to seek the public's input for the park's Equestrian Management Plan. This plan will help us determine how best to provide quality riding opportunities at Ninety Six National Historic Site while protecting and preserving the park’s cultural and natural resources.
