Our ride on Oct. 12 gave us stunning views of fall colors and John D. Rockeller's stone bridges…read moreduring a two-hour narrated ride. (A one-hour ride also is available.) Here's what happens: You reserve your ride and pay in advance. (Limited availability for late-comers, but try if you forgot to get your reservation in.)
We chose the 1:30 ride over the 9:30 for additional fall warmth, but in summer, the a.m. ride would be best. Bring your own blanket, gloves, hat, and coat - they aren't provided. Also bring a CASH TIP for your driver. We had no cash and were a little sad and embarrassed we hadn't thought of it. James earned it.
Although I didn't do my research and had visions of a two-person carriage a la New York's Central Park, it's actually a more wagon-like experience: 10-12 people seated in padded benches in a large carriage pulled by two draft horses.
You park at the stables, check in at the office, and wait outside with the other guests for your name to be called. Then you watch as the harnessed teams are brought out of the stable, pair after pair, and hitched to their carriages. It's a great photo op from 50-75 feet away, across the fence.
One by one, the carriages are driven up to the gate where you're waiting and loaded as names are called. This is important because you get on as you're called, so seating is first-come, first served. PRO TIP: If you're with another person, sit across from them! That way all your pics of foliage and scenic bridges will have your person in them instead of a stranger. You'll still be close enough to talk (our knees had about 2' between them), and really, there isn't a lot to talk about during the ride. You'll be busy listening to the driver's narration (some drivers have another person doing the narration).
Note on the narration: If you are hard of hearing, like my spouse, then the narration might be difficult to hear. James spoke at a moderate tone, and the only competing sound was the clip-clop of the horses' hooves. I heard everything; I found out later that my husband had some trouble catching it all. It would be great if they had a mic connected by Bluetooth to a speaker in the back, especially since at least 3/4 of the riders in our carriage appeared over 65.
Our driver, James, is the concession's owner and also owns the horses. If we were to go again, we would specifically ask for him, although I don't know how successful that would be. If he has taught all his drivers his patter, then they're all personable, friendly, funny, and entertaining! James welcomed questions, and his knowledge of the park's history was incredible.
Be aware that the trip is SLOW. This isn't a trot-through-the-park excursion. Depending on which team you have and whether you're the first wagon to load or the last, your trip might come back at 3 (1.5 hrs) or 4 (ours was the last carriage and Rex & Frog were plodders). The horses walk along the gravel path, giving you plenty of time and opportunities to shoot that great fall colors photo or capture one of Rockefeller's stone bridges. There is a break at about the halfway point, where you can get out, stretch your legs, examine a bridge close up, and even pet the horses with the driver's permission.
If your tolerance for minimal padding on a bench seat is low, bring your own seat cushion for added comfort. Bring bug spray for summer and sunglasses or a hat any time of year (we were facing the sun quite often), but most of the ride is shaded by trees so I wasn't concerned about sunscreen. You'll be quite cozy with your neighbor on the bench, likely touching elbows.
Knowing now what I didn't know before, would I spend the money to do it again? YES. As others have said, you get to see the park from a unique perspective without the crowds. And you may get to pet a friendly work horse.
