Marriott Ranch is located in northwestern Fauquier County and consists of approximately 4200 +/- acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are a working Cattle Ranch with 1500 +/- head of cattle at the height of our cattle season. Our Special Events Department can help to arrange events (Weddings, Business Meetings, Corporate Outings, Group Picnics, etc.) at any one of three event sites, the Marshall Manor House, the Pavilion or Marriott Forks Western Town. And our Guided Western Trail Rides are open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays year round.

Camping

Camping is available to Scout and Youth Groups for a fee of $5.00 per person per night during the months of March through October. Our campsite is a primitive one with picnic tables and outhouses. It is located along the banks of the Rappahannock River. Four wheel drive is necessary to access the site. If four wheel drive is not available, you may park at the designated parking site in front of our ranch office and hike the 1/2 +/- mile to the Camping site. A haywagon ride is also available to bring you from the parking area for a fee of $75.00 for the first hour ($50.00 per hour after the first hour). We also have a backup site at our Trail Ride Barn Pond available.

Guided Trail Rides

Marriott Ranch is open to the general public for guided trail rides on horseback. The ride is approximately one and a half hours long. We use western saddles and have a minimum age requirement of ten years - no exceptions.

Along the scenic trail you will see our longhorn cattle, and pass through our "Marriott Forks" Western Town and Paradise Valley. Your guide will point out many other points of interest along the way.

Riding helmets are not required, but we do have them available for all riders. The Girl Scout council does require all riders to wear helmets.

All minors participating in trail riding are required to have a release signed by their parent or guardian prior to the ride. Click here for a copy of the release: Trail Ride Release

Our riding schedule is as follows:

Closed Mondays
Tuesdays - Fridays
10am, 12noon, 2pm
$35.00/person

Saturdays - Sundays
10am, 12noon, 2pm
$39.00/person

New this year - Brown Bag Special! Include a brown bag lunch with your trail ride for a total cost of $45.00 + tax per person. Your lunch will include a sandwich, chips, fruit and a bottle of water. Contact Patti for more information.

We have up to 30 horses available for each ride. For groups of five or more we offer a discount of $2.00/person. You will also need to confirm your exact number of riders at least two days prior to your ride.

We have picnic tables available for those groups that would like to bring a picnic lunch or snack.

All riders should wear long pants, long sleeved shirts and a sturdy shoe (firm soled with heels or a good sneaker, i.e. Nike or Reebok).

Badge Work

Our trail ride staff can accomodate Scout Troops at 9:00am on Saturday or Sunday mornings for badge work. The following items will be reviewed with scouts: how to approach a horse; basic horse care and grooming skills; the parts of a bridle and saddle and their functions; the difference between English and Western saddles and riding; the proper way to saddle a horse; how to use the reins along with your arms and legs and safe riding skills.
Skills will be taught by an experienced Wrangler. Due to safety and insurance reasons, Scouts will not be able to saddle an animal themselves.

Ranch Contacts:

Administrative Assistant (to schedule camping and trail rides):
Patti Ridgeway
540-364-2627
toll-free: 877-324-7344 ext. 3

Trail Ride Manager (call with special requests):
Hubie Gilkey
540-364-3741
toll-free: 877-278-4574

Other Information:

The nearest hospital:

Warren Memorial Hospital
1000 N Shenandoah Avenue
Front Royal, VA 22630
540-636-0300

There is a phone at the Trail Ride Barn. All ranch personnel have two-way radios and maintain radio contact at all times.

In the event of an emergency, first alert the nearest Ranch employee. The Ranch has an emergency plan that must be implemented in order to direct emergency crews and equipment to the site of the emergency.

If you would like further information about Marriott Ranch, please feel free to call either Patti or Hubie. They will gladly answer your questions.

Directions

From Northern Virginia
nterstate 66 West to Exit 27 in Marshall (2nd Marshall exit). Take a left at the end of the ramp and then an immediate right on to Route 647. Go 4 miles and take a right on to Route 635. Follow Route 635 for approximately 9.5 miles (you will pass the main entrance - keep going). Take a right on to Route 726. The Trail Ride Barn is 1.5 miles up on the right.

From Front Royal
Follow Route 522 South of Front Royal for about 6 miles. Turn left on to Route 635. Follow Route 635 for about 2 miles and take a left on to Route 726. The Trail Ride Barn is about 1.5 miles up on the right.

For directions from other areas call Patti at the main office.