Horseback riding is another favored summer activity. There are so many different outfitters and places to go in our region.
One of those equestrian 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 a wide variety of wildlife of a wide 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, but 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. They can be reached at 814-787-4656.
The horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides at the Elk Country Visitor Center are another popular option in the elk range. Call to make a reservation at 814-787-5167.
To the west, the Allegheny National Forest has a new 40-mile equestrian trail. The Spring Creek Trail begins at the Kelly Pines Campground off Route 66 in Marienville. It covers nearly 40 miles 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. 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.
The Flying W Ranch is also a great 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. They will host the 37th Annual Allegheny Mountain Championship Rodeo July 28-30.
Sharon’s Horse Heaven Cabin and Camping near Marienville is another great place to start an adventure into the Allegheny National Forest. Sharon’s Horse Heaven 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 Cook Forest region also 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 one-hour up to five-hour trail rides and a Clarion River all-day ride, week-long events, campground, bunkhouses, meals, swimming pool, and cabins. Call 814-226-5985 or 814-856-2081 for more information, or visit their website.
Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Parks also feature trails for horse riding.
For more information, go to VisitPAGO.com.
“The Great Outdoors,” sponsored by the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors, is a weekly blog by exploreClarion.com’s Scott Shindledecker. Plan you next outdoor adventure at VisitPAGO.com or call (814) 849-5197 for more information.
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