Horseback Riding

Yes, you can ride horses at Maudslay State Park: DCR lists horseback riding among the park's activities and says Maudslay has over 5 miles of maintained bridle paths. DCR's suggested ride is a 5-mile moderate loop that starts at the main parking area on Curzon Mill Road in Newburyport, heads north on the Pasture Trail and Mile Circle, and continues into multi-use trails to the east, where horses are welcome on most paths. Riders bring their own horses; DCR does not list a rental stable at the park.

DCR's Suggested Ride: Ride the Bridle Paths

DCR's Suggested Hikes, Rides and Paddles guide for Maudslay rates its introductory equestrian ride moderate at 5 miles. Start at the main parking area on Curzon Mill Road (DCR's coordinates: 42.821848, -70.925964), try the Pasture Trail and Mile Circle north from the lot, then ride the multi-use trails to the east. DCR describes rolling meadow trails, pine-needle paths, stone bridges and large stands of mountain laurel and rhododendron along the way.

Which Trails Allow Horses

On DCR's trail map, trails open to horses are drawn as hatched lines and labeled hiking, skiing, bicycle and bridle trails. Dotted lines are hiking and skiing trails only; stay off them on horseback. DCR's brochure is explicit: ride bicycles and horses on designated trails only.

Plan around the Laurels area on the north side of the park, which DCR's map closes to the public from November 1 to March 31.

Sharing the Trails

The bridle paths are multi-use, so you will meet walkers, dogs on leash, bikes and, in winter, cross-country skiers. DCR's general trail guidance asks every group to keep together, move at the pace of its slowest member, and keep group size to 12 or fewer.

The Local Riders' Group

DCR's ride description names the Maudslay Equestrians, a separate local riding group, as a source of more information, but the group's website no longer loads (checked October 2026). DCR's own rules and map govern where you can ride.

Trailers and Parking

DCR's suggested ride starts at the main parking area on Curzon Mill Road. DCR doesn't publish trailer-specific parking for Maudslay; call the park office at (978) 465-7223 before bringing a large rig. Daily parking is $5 for Massachusetts plates and $20 for others, charged year-round.

More Horseback Riding Trails in Massachusetts

DCR lists 42 state parks and forests with horseback riding trails. Nearby, Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield, which DCR describes as a 721-acre former estate of pine-needled paths and sunny rolling meadows for hiking, biking and horseback riding. DCR also lists horseback riding at Salisbury Beach State Reservation across the river.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

• Good for a moderate 5-mile ride on maintained bridle paths through meadows and pines.
• Good for riders who like history: the Moseley family built the estate's carriage roads and trails (history).
• Maybe skip if you need a guided trail ride or a rental horse: DCR lists no stable at Maudslay.
• Maybe skip if you want long-distance riding: DCR's suggested ride is 5 miles in a 480-acre park.

Rules for Riders

• Ride only on designated (hatched) trails.
• No motorized vehicles, except by DCR special use permit.
• Don't remove plants or any park resource, and don't pick flowers.
• The park is open sunrise to sunset. Full list on rules and regulations.