It’s hard to beat horseback riding in the Pa. Great Outdoors during the fall. With the temperatures cooling and leaves changing, the time is never better to take it all in from atop a trusty steed.
There are so many different outfitters and trails to explore in our region.
One of those trails is the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail in the Elk State Forest.
Developed in 1994, it covers 26 miles and loops through the 200,000-acre state forest.
The trail is easy to follow and has clear markings. The trailhead is located just off Hicks Run Road in Elk County.
Seeing an array of wildlife of a broad variety, including elk, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and others is a great possibility.
Camping is also allowed on the trail system; however, permits need to be acquired first by calling 814-486-3353.
Another good place for riders to camp is at the Big Elk Lick Horse Camp located on Route 555 near Benezette. The camp can be reached at 814-787-4656.
The horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides at the Elk Country Visitor Center is another popular option in the elk range. Call to make a reservation at 814-787-5167.
To the west, the Allegheny National Forest has the 40-mile Spring Creek Trail which begins at the Kelly Pines Campground off Route 66 in Marienville.
It covers some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The trail took more than two years to complete and was designed with sustainability in mind to help limit closures and provide the best experience possible. There is no fee to use the new Spring Creek Trail, however, groups larger than 75 members and groups that charge a fee for an event need to acquire a permit in advance from the Marienville Ranger Station by calling 814-927-5734.
Sharon’s Horse Heaven Cabin and Camping near Marienville is another great place to start an adventure into the Allegheny National Forest.
The operation has 60 acres of fields, trails, pine groves, and apple orchards.
The barn has eight box stalls and eight secure paddocks with strands of flexible horse-safe fencing. It also has many different options for camping. They can be reached at 724-355-4844.
The Flying W Ranch is an ideal place to take a horse ride through the Allegheny National Forest. It offers daily, weekend, or weeklong vacations. It is located on Route 666 in Kellettville, approximately 12 miles northeast of Tionesta.
The Cook Forest region has a number of great options for those wishing to try a variety of horseback rides. Pine Crest Cabins Camping, Horses, and Canoes offer one-hour and 30-minute rides for young and old alike. They are located off Route 36 in Cook Forest and can be reached at 814-752-2200.
The Cook Forest Area Scenic Trail Ride and Dude Ranch, located on Milo Road, has from one-hour up to five-hour trail rides. Additionally, a Clarion River all-day ride, week-long events, a campground, bunkhouses, meals, a swimming pool, and cabins are also available. Call 814-226-5985 or 814-856-2081 for more information, or visit their website.
In addition to the other ideal locations, there are aesthetic trails for horseback riding in the Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Parks.
Plan you next outdoor adventure at VisitPAGO.com or call 814-849-5197 for more information.
“The Great Outdoors,” sponsored by the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors, is a weekly blog by exploreClarion.com’s Scott Shindledecker.
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