George Washington and Jefferson

National Forests

Recreation

Horse Trails

Trail Tips

• Pond water is not recommended for human or horse consumption.
• Prevent erosion by using rocky areas to cross streams and wet areas.
• Avoid cutting switchbacks. Riding on the trails prevents damage to the area.
• Wear blaze orange and tie orange flagging to saddles and tails during hunting season.
• Use tree saver straps. Please don't tie horses directly to the trees.
• Organized rides of 25 animals or more require a special use permit, available at the applicable District Ranger's office.
• Be careful - watch for vehicles when crossing roads.
• Stay on trails to avoid stump holes in the woods.
• Pack it in - Pack it out. Carry your trash and someone else's to a refuse container.
• Camping is permitted along the trail, and is subject to general Forest regulations.
• Plan your trip carefully. Carry a compass and map.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Carry matches and flashlights in case of an emergency.

Your interest and level of experience will often determine which trails will be suitable for you to use. Some of the trails are steep or rocky making travel difficult. Pre-trip planning is essential to get the most from the forest experience.

Bringing Horses Across State Lines

Virginia state law requires that horses coming into this state must have a health certificate and a negative Coggins test. Virginia also requires other certificates depending on which state you are bringing your animals from. Call your local vet to find out what is needed or call the Regional Vet at (540) 434-3897.

Leave No Trace

The Leave No Trace land ethic is simple; make it hard for others to see or hear you and Leave No Trace of your visit.

Here are some Leave No Trace skills for conscientious campers:

• Purify ALL water before using from natural sources.
• Limit your group size. Travel and camp with fewer than 8-10 people.
• Set up camp at least 200 feet away from water and out of sight of trails if possible. Keep stock 200 feet or more from streams or lakes. Remove or scatter manure; remove excess hay or straw.
• Use hitch lines, hobbles and pickets to constrain animals.
• Move picket pins and temporary corrals several times a day to minimize trampling damage.
• A camp stove is preferred, but if you must have a campfire, check local ranger station for regulations, and then use an existing fire pit.
• Do not cut green trees. Use only small dead and down wood for fires and make sure the fire is dead out by running your bare hand through the ashes all the way to the bottom of the fire pit before you depart.
• Bury solid human waste using the "cat-hole" method. Cat holes should be dug at least 200ft (about 70 adult steps) from camp trails and water sources. Using a hand trowel dig holes 6-8 inches deep. When finished, fill the holes in completely with soil and naturalize the area with leaves.
• Pack It In Pack It Out! Never bury or burn trash. Trash and leftover food should be packed out.
• Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. Please refrain from taking rocks, wildflowers, antlers and artifacts.