Winter Sleigh Rides at Circle B Ranch in Chestertown
Group sleigh rides in winter. All photos courtesy Circle B Ranch.
Few experiences feel more quintessentially Adirondack than gliding through fresh snow behind a team of draft horses, wrapped in blankets as frosted evergreens slide quietly past.
A winter sleigh ride isn’t just a seasonal novelty here—it’s a living postcard, a throwback to a slower rhythm that still defines life in the North Country. At Circle B Ranch in Chestertown, that feeling is the main event.
Set on more than 3,000 acres of protected wilderness in Warren County, Circle B Ranch offers horse-drawn sleigh rides that capture the romance, history, and natural beauty of an Adirondack winter.
Whether you’re visiting Lake George, staying near Gore Mountain, or looking for a memorable outing close to Warrensburg or Bolton Landing, this is one winter experience that earns its place on any cold-weather itinerary.
Why a winter sleigh ride feels so magical in the Adirondacks.
There’s something about winter in the Adirondacks that heightens every sense. Snow muffles sound. Cold air sharpens the landscape. Forests feel both vast and intimate.
A horse-drawn sleigh ride is an exceptional winter experience in the Adirondacks.
A horse-drawn sleigh ride lets you experience all of that at a human pace—slow enough to notice animal tracks in the snow, steam rising from the horses’ breath, and the way the land opens from dense woods to vast, rolling fields.
Unlike motorized winter activities, sleigh rides invite you to be present. No engines. No rushing. Just the rhythmic crunch of snow beneath runners and the gentle creak of leather harnesses. It’s a perspective on the Adirondacks that hasn’t changed much since the 1800s—and that’s precisely the point.
A ranch rooted in Adirondack history.
Circle B Ranch sits on land that has been continuously used since the 19th century, first as a working farm and later as a ranch. Remarkably, the surrounding acreage has remained largely undeveloped, preserving a landscape that feels timeless. Improvements over the years have been thoughtful and minimal, allowing the land itself to remain the star.
Today, the ranch is known as one of the best places for horseback riding near Lake George, but winter brings a special kind of magic. When snow blankets the trails and fields, Circle B transitions seamlessly into sleigh-ride season, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the Adirondacks as earlier generations once did.
Meet the horses—and the sleighs.
The stars of the show are the draft horses, whose calm strength and steady pace make them ideal partners for winter travel. Circle B’s sleigh rides are powered by a mix of Belgian and Percheron draft horses, each team matched to a specific sleigh and experience.
Circle B Ranch’s horses.
Group sleigh rides feature Belgian Draft Horses Jack and Daniels, who pull a traditional sleigh with cushioned bench seating for up to 12 passengers. This option is perfect for families, multi-generational groups, or anyone looking to share the experience with others while taking in sweeping views of fields and forests.
For smaller groups, the ranch offers private and semi-private options.
Group, semi-private, or private—how to choose.
Circle B Ranch offers several formats depending on your group size and the experience you’re after:
Group sleigh rides. Open to anyone and accommodating up to 12 guests, these rides are family-friendly and social, making them a great option during busy winter weekends.
Semi-private sleigh rides. Available during peak times, these adult-only rides host up to three couples, each with their own seating area.
Private sleigh rides. Ideal for families, friends, or couples who want exclusive use of a sleigh and a quieter, more personal experience. This ride accommodates four to seven people.
All rides travel through a mix of wooded trails and open fields, showcasing the varied winter landscape that defines this corner of the Adirondacks.
Enjoy a private sleigh ride at Circle B Ranch in Chestertown, NY.
What to wear and how to prepare.
A sleigh ride is an outdoor winter activity, so dressing properly makes all the difference. Think warmth and comfort first.
Layer your clothing, starting with thermal base layers and finishing with a windproof outer layer. Insulated boots, thick socks, gloves or mittens, and a warm hat are essential. Even on milder winter days, temperatures can feel colder once you’re sitting still.
Circle B encourages guests to bring blankets, which add both warmth and a classic sleigh-ride touch. Hand warmers are another smart addition, especially for kids.
Be mindful of footing when arriving and moving around the property. Snowy, icy conditions are part of the experience, and sturdy winter boots will help keep you safe and comfortable.
Best times to go and how to book.
Sleigh rides are weather-dependent, with snow conditions playing a key role. Mid-winter typically offers the most reliable coverage, but schedules can vary based on snowfall and temperature.
Weekends and holidays tend to book up quickly, especially for private and vis-à-vis sleighs. Booking in advance through Circle B Ranch’s website is strongly recommended. Online reservations make it easy to choose your date, time, and ride type.
If you’re visiting the area near Gore Mountain, Lake George Village, or North Creek, consider pairing a sleigh ride with other winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or a cozy dinner nearby.
Watch what a winter sleigh ride looks like at Circle B Ranch.
For a closer look at Adirondack sleigh rides at Circle B Ranch, this short video offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse showing the horses in action, the snowy trails, and the overall pace of the experience. It’s a great way to get a feel for what awaits before you bundle up and climb aboard.
A horse-drawn sleigh ride at Circle B Ranch in Chestertown captures the quiet beauty of winter in the Adirondacks.
More than sleigh rides.
While winter sleigh rides are a seasonal highlight, Circle B Ranch operates year-round. From May through September, visitors can enjoy guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and classic hayrides, making it a versatile destination for anyone exploring things to do in Warren County.
Located just north of Lake George Village and close to Warrensburg and Bolton Landing, the ranch is easy to add to a broader Adirondack itinerary.
For current schedules, booking information, and updates on conditions, visit the Circle B Ranch website and follow their Facebook page.
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