Columbey horse riding trails
Columbey National Park
Overview
Horse ride, mountain bike, or bushwalk along Columbey horse riding trails, near Clarence Town in the northern Hunter region. There’s something for all riders on this 8km network of shared forest trails.
- Where
- Columbey National Park in North Coast
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 8km
- Time suggested
- 3-4 hr
- Grade
- Medium
- What to
bring - Drinking water, suitable clothing, first aid kit, sunscreen
- Please note
- Most trails in Columbey National Park are shared-use. Horse trail, in the north of the park, is a dedicated trail for horse riders only.
- Drivers please watch out for horse riders, cyclists, and bushwalkers.
- Cyclists please give way to horse riders and bushwalkers.
- Please read the code of practice for horse riding in parks before you set out.
Columbey horse riding trails are a network of shared fire trails that loop through peaceful spotted gum and iron bark forest in Columbey National Park.
Perfect for beginner and intermediate horse riders, be aware that many trails in the park are shared with cyclists, bushwalkers and 4WD vehicles. If you prefer to have the place to yourself, head for the horse riding-only Horse trail, between Pathfinder trail and Wallaroo Creek trail.
It’s generally easy riding, as you meander through open woodland and along creeks. There’s a fun creek crossing at the Cemetery Road end of Pathfinder trail. For more of a challenging ride, climb the short but steep Tower Hill.
Stop for a picnic lunch while your horses quench their thirst with the fresh creek water. There’s plenty of wildlife here, so keep an eye out for koalas, swamp wallabies and birds flitting amongst the trees. Colourful wildflowers are an added drawcard in spring, but Columbey National Park is great to visit all year round.
You can learn more about the park’s animals and plants at the information shelter on Eagleton Road.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/horse-riding-trails/columbey-horse-riding-trails/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Columbey National Park in the North Coast region
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Columbey horse riding trails.
Getting there and parking
Columbey horse riding trails are in Columbey National Park.
To get there from Clarence Town:
- Head southwest on Queen Street and Clarence Town Road around 4.5km
- Turn right on Eagleton Road
- After 500m turn left into the carpark.
Local horse riders can also access the park via Cemetery Road. You’ll need to ride your horse along Cemetery Road as there’s no horse float parking. Horse floats can’t be taken through the creek crossing on Pathfinder trail.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available within the park at the carpark off Eagleton Road. You can also park horse floats at this carpark.
Facilities
- Creeks along Columbey horse riding trails have fresh water for horses to drink.
- You’ll need to bring your own drinking water.
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
- 4WD vehicles are permitted on some trails in the park including Pathfinder trail, Shortcut trail and Tower trail.
- Bushwalking is permitted on all trails in the park except for Horse trail.
Cycling
Mountain biking is permitted on all named management trails in the park except for Horse trail.
Horses
Horse riding is permitted on many marked trails within the park, but is not permitted on Creek trail or Connection trail. Horse trail is a dedicated trail for horse riders only. You can also ride your horse along Cemetery Road to enter the park.
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Fishing
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.