Wear long pants
Protect your legs from brush and saddle rub—denim or hiking pants work well.
An Hour in the Canopy: A Horseback Ride Through Memphis’s Urban Forest
$69 • Riders must be 8 and older, at least 50" tall and under 240 lbs
Continue ReadingYou start by smelling wood smoke and wet earth before you even mount — the forest takes a breath and holds it as your horse steps off, hooves thudding in a slow, deliberate rhythm. The canopy drips light; leaves move with a soft impatience, like a crowd parting to let you through. For one hour, the city’s noise thins to a distant hum and the woods around Shelby Farms assert themselves: a living, moving place that nudges you forward.
Duration1 hour
Group SizeSmall Groups
LanguagesEnglish
Rating5.0 (18 reviews)
Trail Wisdom
Trail Wisdom
Closed-toe shoes only
Sturdy sneakers or boots give better stability when mounting and riding.
Bring a small water bottle
Hydrate before and after — most rides don’t provide water mid-ride.
Arrive 20 minutes early
Plan for check-in, safety briefing, and to meet your horse without rushing.
Local Knowledge
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- Horseshoe Lake overlook inside Shelby Farms — a quiet spot for reflections and birdwatching
- Shelby Farms Greenline segments that connect to nearby neighborhoods for easy post-ride walks
Wildlife
White-tailed deer, Various songbirds and raptors
Conservation Note
Ride only on designated trails, avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation, and remove boots and gear of soil to limit spread of invasive species.
Shelby Farms is a reclaimed agricultural landscape and, at roughly 4,500 acres, stands among the largest urban parks in the U.S., blending public recreation with restored natural areas.
Seasonal Guide
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for:Wildflowers, Birdwatching, Comfortable temperatures
Challenges:Mud after rain, Allergy season
Spring brings fresh growth and active birdlife; trails can be soft after showers, so expect mud.
summer
Best for:Lush greenery, Longer daylight hours
Challenges:Heat and humidity, More insects
Summer is green and full of life but can be hot—early morning or late evening slots are best.
fall
Best for:Crisp air, Photogenic light, Milder temperatures
Challenges:Shorter daylight, Occasional storms
Fall offers mild temps and great light for photos; pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.
winter
Best for:Quiet trails, Clear visibility, Winter birding
Challenges:Cold temps, Possibly muddy or frozen patches
Winter rides are peaceful and spare; dress in warm layers and check the operator’s schedule for availability.
Photographer's Notes
Photographer's Notes
Use a short telephoto (70–200mm or smartphone zoom) to capture wildlife from a respectful distance; shoot during the first or last hour of daylight for warmer light; stabilize your camera on your horse’s withers when stopped; avoid flash around animals.
What to Bring
What to Bring
Closed-toe shoes
EssentialProtects feet and provides stability when mounting and riding.
Long pants
EssentialPrevents chafing from the saddle and protects legs from brush.
Light rain shell
Useful for sudden showers and wind during cooler months.
Small refillable water bottle
EssentialKeeps you hydrated before and after the ride; fits easily in a small pack.
Common Questions
Common Questions
What to Pack
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes for stability, long pants to prevent chafing, refillable water bottle for hydration, light rain shell for sudden showers
Did You Know
Did You Know
Shelby Farms Park encompasses roughly 4,500 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
Quick Travel Tips
Quick Travel Tips
Book online in advance; Arrive 20 minutes early for check-in; Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; Expect limited cell signal on deeper trails
Local Flavor
Local Flavor
After your ride, head toward Overton Square or Midtown for barbecue at Central BBQ or a local brew at Wiseacre Brewing Co.; these spots pair Memphis’s culinary personality with the calm of the park.
Logistics Snapshot
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airportMemphis International Airport (MEM); Driving distance from downtown Memphis: ~10–15 minutes (about 9 miles); Cell service: intermittent on trails; Permits: No public trail permit required, but reservations with the operator are required.
Sustainability Note
Sustainability Note
Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and avoid feeding wildlife—horses and humans can both spread invasive seeds, so clean gear before and after your visit.
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