Last updated: August 1, 2025
Thing to Do
Horseback Riding at Saratoga
NPS Photo/K. Vinduska
Ride on the historic grounds of the Saratoga Battlefield where in 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, the entire British force surrendered. While there are no horse rentals at the park, visitors with their own horses may bring them to Saratoga Battlefield unit and make use of our Horse Trail. It traverses 7+ miles of the battlefield round-trip through fields and forest. It also crosses the Battlefield Tour Road in three places and the Wilkinson Hiking Trail in two places.
The only place horseback riding allowed in the park is on the horse trail and on the paved Battlefield Tour Road. If horses are on the Battlefield Tour Road, the rider must follow New York State traffic laws. Horses are not allowed on pedestrian hiking trails unless the Horse Trail and the pedestrian hiking trail overlaps for a short distance.
The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Check our operating hours page for updates.
Stop by the visitor center to grab a trail map or print off your own map of the Horse Trail.
The Horse Trail has regular seasonal closures, typically in the spring, where portions of the trail becomes flooded. The trail reopens once the route dries out.
Regulations
The only place horseback riding allowed in the park is on the horse trail and on the paved Battlefield Tour Road. If horses are on the Battlefield Tour Road, the rider must follow New York State traffic laws. Horses are not allowed on pedestrian hiking trails unless the Horse Trail and the pedestrian hiking trail overlaps for a short distance.
The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Check our operating hours page for updates.
Stop by the visitor center to grab a trail map or print off your own map of the Horse Trail.
The Horse Trail has regular seasonal closures, typically in the spring, where portions of the trail becomes flooded. The trail reopens once the route dries out.
Regulations
CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:
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Horses
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Burros
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Mules
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Lamas
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:
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The unimproved/designated horse trail which begins at the south gate. The superintendent may impose closure to the trail when weather conditions warrant.
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Shoulders of the park tour road pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York. (Article 34-B section 1261. “Traffic laws apply to persons riding or leading horses” adopted under 36 CFR 4.2 state law applicable.
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Free-trailing or loose-herding is allowed on the following trails/routes, subject to the conditions noted:
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Free-trailing or loose-herding is not permitted in any area of the Park
(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
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Stock must provide certificates of immunizations and Coggins test results.
The superintendent may require users to acquire a special use permit for horse related activities. Please refer to Section 1.5 regarding permits required.
Details
Activity
Horseback Riding
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on the Horse Trail on a six-foot leash.
Activity Fee
No
There is no fee.
Location
Start Horse Trail at Route 32 Parking Lot
The parking lot just off New York State Route 32 has several spots for parking horse trailers. From this parking lot, the out-and-back trail begins. It traverses 7+ miles of the battlefield round-trip through fields and forest. It also crosses the Battlefield Tour Road in three places and the Wilkinson Hiking Trail in two places. Horses are allowed on the paved Battlefield Tour Road, but not on hiking trails, unless the trails overlap for a short distance.
Reservations
No
Time of Day
The Horse Trail and Battlefield Tour Road at Saratoga National Historical Park are open to horseback riders from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility Information
The Horse Trail is NOT accessible.
The trail consists of various terrain including grass, gravel, and wooded pathways.Visitor Center
Parking: two spaces available in main parking lot at bottom of ramp. Ramp has a steep incline to visitor center; additional parking is available on Roosevelt Rd.
Restrooms: partially accessible indoor restrooms are available in the visitor center - a handicap stall is available, but there is no automatic door. A partially accessible outdoor portable toilet is available in the lower level of the visitor center parking area near the tour road entrance.
Water: water fountains located inside visitor center between restrooms and one located outside off ramp from main parking lot. Water contains sodium in excess of 20 mg/L