Horse-Drawn Sleigh and Carriage Rides in Vermont
Bells sing to accompany the swoosh and glide of sleigh runners. Throughout the seasons, the rhythmic percussion of horses’ hooves can be hushed on snow in winter or clip-clopping along forest trails during summer or fall. Tour sugarbushes by sleigh or carriage, let draft horses pull you alongside a river as it rushes or lies quiescent under ice, or take in mountain views huddled under wool blankets. Horse-drawn sleigh and carriage rides in Vermont are idyllic for families, friends, and those planning a romantic getaway.
THE KINGDOM’S RIDES, BROWNINGTON
In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, take a sleigh or wagon ride through forests with mountain views. The Kingdom’s Rides can fit from 15-20 people in their sleigh in the winter or in a wagon to take in other seasonal views.
PAUL’S PERCHERONS, CABOT
Percherons are big and calm; a pair pulls a sleigh or carriage through the farm’s Cabot property, winding across snowy fields and through wintry woods. During non-winter months, enjoy a wagon or carriage ride on the same farm or at a private or public venue.
GENTLE GIANTS SLEIGH AND WAGON RIDES, STOWE
With trails behind Topnotch Resort on Mountain Road, Gentle Giants afford beautiful views of the Green Mountains and the rolling hills of Stowe on a wagon or sleigh pulled by Percheron draft horses. Guides share the area’s history with guests. Gentle Giants also offers rides at von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort, where guests can take in scenic pastures and woods at the historic Stowe property where the famous von Trapp family settled after fleeing Austria.
MOUNTAIN TOP INN AND RESORT, CHITTENDEN
A horse-drawn sleigh glides under snow-covered trees, through meadows, and by rivers, showcasing the beauty of Mountain Top’s setting.
RAINBOW’S EDGE FARM, SUTTON
In the winter, Rainbow’s Edge offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through the scenic woods and snowy fields of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, either during the day or by moonlight. Belgian draft horses pull the sleigh through the farm and surrounding acres of woods for about a 45-minute ride.
BASS BROOK FARM AND FOREST, BRAINTREE
Take in views of the White River Valley and Vermont’s working landscape on a sleigh ride at a working farm in Braintree. Rides last up to 45 minutes long and traverse up to two miles through open fields and forest.
KEDRON VALLEY STABLES, WOODSTOCK
This Woodstock farm offers sleigh and carriage rides throughout the year on their property. On-site, they also make their own maple syrup and offer four grades for purchase.
SHELBURNE FARMS, SHELBURNE
Seasonally, this working farm and education center near Burlington offers sleigh rides if there’s enough snow and wagon rides if not. Rides last about 20 minutes.
TAYLOR FARM, LONDONDERRY
A horse-drawn sleigh ride at Taylor Farm involves a halfway-point stop at a warming hut with a fire and hot cider at the ready. Wool blankets are provided, and rides last between 45 minutes to an hour.
STERLING MOUNTAIN FARM, JOHNSON
Ride on a sleigh or a carriage through a Vermont sugarbush and a forest with a diverse mix of Northern hardwoods and softwoods. Draft horses Champ and Charlotte lead the way on a 30-minute tour. Rides are offered year-round. All carriage rides offer a complimentary maple syrup tasting.
WHERE TO FIND A HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH OR CARRIAGE RIDE IN VERMONT
There are many options to go “over the river and through the woods” in Vermont. Each of the places listed above are shown on this map.