Pea Ridge National Military Park

Highlights

Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the United States while…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 5-11 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, the park offers about 9 Miles of designated horse trails that wind through wooded hills, grassy meadows, and historic battlefield sites. These trails allow riders to experience the landscape in a way that closely mirrors how soldiers and travelers once moved across the terrain.

Rideable terrain

5-11 miles

Trailer parking

Equestrian Trailhead Location: Just past Tour Stop 2 along the park’s scenic tour road inside Pea Ridge National Military Park. Why riders use it Designated horse trailhead with parking space for approximately 10–15 horse trailers Direct access to both of the park’s equestrian loops, including the shorter battlefield loop and the longer northern loop Gravel staging area with room to maneuver trailers before entering the trail system Located within the park’s main driving route, making it easy to find and access from the entrance road.

Horse regulations

Horseback riding at Pea Ridge National Military Park is permitted on designated horse trails and is managed to protect the park’s historic Civil War battlefield landscape and natural resources. Equestrian use is limited to the park’s established horse trail system, and riders should review park guidelines before visiting since horse access is restricted to specific routes within the park. However, several core regulations and best practices apply for riders in the park. Riding Is Only Allowed on Designated Trails Horses are allowed only on the park’s designated equestrian trails and approved dirt road segments. Horses are not permitted on the paved Battlefield Trail, visitor center grounds, or areas around historic structures. Riders may cross the paved Battlefield Trail or park roads only where necessary to reach authorized riding routes. Restricted Historic Areas To protect sensitive historic sites, horses are not allowed in certain locations within the park, including areas such as Elkhorn Tavern and the Tanyard. These areas contain fragile battlefield resources and historic structures that require additional protection. Stock Control and Rider Responsibility Riders must maintain control of their horses at all times. Horse owners are responsible for the behavior and actions of their animals while in the park and must ensure that horses do not damage historic features, vegetation, or park infrastructure. Equine Health Requirements All horses entering the park must have proof of a negative Equine Infectious Anemia test (Coggins test) conducted within the previous 12 months. Riders should carry documentation and be prepared to present it if requested by park staff. Manure and Feed Management To help prevent the spread of invasive plants and protect the battlefield landscape, riders must remove any manure, hay, or straw left in the trailer parking or staging areas when they leave the park. Horse-Drawn Equipment Horse-drawn wagons, carriages, or other attachments are not permitted on the park’s trails because the trail system is not designed to accommodate their size or turning radius. Day Use Riding Equestrian trails at Pea Ridge are primarily intended for day riding. Riders should plan accordingly, as horse camping facilities are not available within the park.

Getting here

Use 15930 National Park Drive, Garfield, Arkansas as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Equestrian Trailhead Location: Just past Tour Stop 2 along the park’s scenic tour road inside Pea Ridge National Military Park. Why riders use it Designated horse trailhead with parking space for approximately 10–15 horse trailers Direct access to both of the park’s equestrian loops, including the shorter battlefield loop and the longer northern loop Gravel staging area with room to maneuver trailers before entering the trail system Located within the park’s main driving route, making it easy to find and access from the entrance road.

Planning your visit

Riding at Pea Ridge National Military Park offers a unique opportunity to explore a preserved Civil War battlefield on horseback. While the park provides a peaceful riding experience through forests and historic fields, there are several important things equestrians should know before visiting. Equestrian Trails Are Limited but Scenic The park offers about 9 Miles of designated horse trails that form two interconnected loop routes. Riders can choose shorter rides or combine sections for longer outings. Trails travel through wooded hills, open fields, and portions of the historic battlefield landscape. Trails May Become Muddy After Rain The Ozark terrain at Pea Ridge contains clay soils that can become very slick and muddy after rainfall. Riders should avoid using the trails during wet conditions to prevent trail damage and reduce the risk of injury to horses. Designated Equestrian Trailhead Horse trailer parking is available at the park’s designated equestrian trailhead along the tour road, which provides direct access to the horse trail system. This is the primary staging location for riders visiting the park. Historic Battlefield Landscape Many areas of the park contain preserved Civil War features such as artillery positions, historic fields, and the nearby Elkhorn Tavern area. Riders should remain on designated horse routes and avoid riding through sensitive historic locations. Wildlife and Quiet Riding Conditions The park’s forests and meadows support wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, and songbirds. Because the equestrian trail system is separate from the busiest visitor areas, riders often experience relatively quiet trails compared with other parts of the park. Day Riding Only Pea Ridge National Military Park does not provide horse camping facilities. Riders planning multi-day trips with horses should arrange overnight accommodations outside the park and return for day rides on the equestrian trail system. Moderate Terrain for Most Horses The equestrian trails feature gentle hills, forest paths, and open meadow sections. While generally considered moderate riding, horses should still be comfortable navigating uneven terrain, roots, and natural trail obstacles.

Where to stay

Pea Ridge National Military Park Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Garfield before heading deeper into federal-land access points.