TrailMeister's Trail Picks

Visit Idaho, Missouri, and Pennsylvania

 

Published in the July, 2011, issue of Trail Blazer.

Click Here for a PDF file (7MB) of the article

 

 It’s July. Summer is officially here and family vacations are in full swing. Since you’re reading this article you’re obviously quite progressive in the ways of horse riding and camping. But what about our family members who haven’t yet been afflicted with the equestrian bug? Rather than leaving them at home; this month we’re going to explore three great horse riding areas that are also conveniently located near non-horse attractions for our family members that haven’t yet embraced the view of the world as can only be appreciated from the back of a horse. Keep reading for three not to miss areas that offer great horse riding experiences as we travel west to east with a stops in Idaho, followed by a visit to the “Show Me” state, and then east to Pennsylvania.

 

Bruneau Dunes State Park, Mountain Home, Idaho

 

Trailhead Coordinates:  42.90662, -115.71818

 

Nearby attractions for the non-enlightened: Largest Sand Dunes in North America - 2.3 miles away.

There’s a lot more to Idaho than potatoes! How about sledding in July and August in the high desert portion of southern Idaho? That’s what will keep your non riding friends entertained while you and your horse enjoy the 16 plus miles of horse friendly trails here.  Don’t worry about winter-like weather because it’s the largest sand dunes in North America that you’ll be riding around, and your friends will be sledding down in this state park just an hour’s drive from Boise. Rising 470 feet above the surrounding terrain these towering mounds of sand are a magnet for “sand sledders” across the nation.

Prior to heading out onto the trails you’ll find that the equestrian camp is well appointed with 15 campsites, group shelter, centrally located potable water, corrals, and toilets.  This is a popular area so you may want to check with park staff prior to arriving as these camp sites are first come, first serve.

After setting up camp, while your non riding companions are sledding, rolling, and tumbling down the sandy slopes you’ll have your two trails to pick from for your own explorations of the park. 

Heading west from the horseman’s campground the first loop is about 6.9 miles and runs south of camp of the western edge of the park in a large oval pattern through desert sage brush and over a few high points in the terrain prior to meeting the eastern loop at the southern most main dune.  The eastern loop circle completely around the main dunes, the park center, and two popular lakes as it travels a slightly shorter 6.6 miles back to camp. While horses are not allowed in the main dunes area there are still plenty of smaller sand dunes to ride over and through should you so desire.

Of the two main loops my favorite is the first or western loop as it travels through a more remote section of the park and avoids the more popular areas while still allowing great views and very interesting terrain.

Now let’s shake the sand out of our boots and head 1,500 miles to Missouri and a more urban riding experience.

 

 

Greensfelder Park, St. Louis, Missouri

 

Trailhead Coordinates: 38.532155, -90.684983

 

Nearby attractions for the non-enlightened: Six Flags Amusement Park - 2.6 miles away.

The suburbs of western St. Louis are home to rustically beautiful Greensfelder Park, a county park conveniently located 20 miles from the heart of downtown St. Louis and only a few minutes from Six Flags, a world class amusement park. With over 20 miles of challenging horse accessible trails, equestrian camping facilities, Greensfelder is justifiably a regional hotspot for trail riders.

The terrain at Greensfelder is typical of the Missouri Ozark foothills with rolling hills, spectacular views, and trails of all types for riders to explore. Indeed, it wouldn’t be inappropriate to think of Greensfelder’s hills as a natural roller coaster but without the admission charge and $10 sandwiches of the better known amusement park directly to the south.

Trailhead facilities and amenities include potable water, a shower house, stalls for horses, some camp sites also offer electrical connections. As might be expected, reservations for camping are highly recommended. 

Ten main trails loop and wind over more than twenty miles through the deep woods, ridges, and valleys of Greensfelder. Many of the trails are rocky so some type of hoof protection is advised. Because of the rolling terrain some trails, mainly in the low laying areas can be slow to dry after a rain. Practice good Leave No Trace guidelines and prevent undo trail issues by using your best judgment when deciding where to ride after a recent rain.

Although every trail here has its own unique qualities, three of the most popular trails at Greensfelder are: 

Mustang Trail – A shorter loop trail that makes up for its relatively short 1.7 mile length with strenuous hills.

Eagle Valley – If you’re in the mood to try eventing this 3.5 mile loop trail is the ticket for jumps. If you prefer hoofs on the ground to airborne antics, there’s plenty of room to bypass the obstacles.

DeClue  - Parts of this 6.7 mile trail will provide a workout for you and your horse with steep climbs, switchbacks, and rocks to test your skills. This trail also runs very close to Six Flags’ “Screaming Eagle” roller coaster so don’t be alarmed if you hear the screams of the park goers.

As was mentioned earlier Greensfelder is a suburban park so expect hikers, and mountain bikers, on your ride, and if you plan on camping it’s prudent to make a reservation beforehand. With those caveats in mind this is a wonderful park to visit and ride especially if you’re going with someone who’s into non-horse thrill rides!

If, like me, thrill rides aren’t your thing our next riding area is nearby a more tranquil from of recreation; shopping in Amish country stores as we head further east to Pennsylvania.

 

Moraine State Park, Portersville, Pennsylvania

 

Trailhead Coordinates: 40.9257, -80.1012

 

Nearby attractions for the non-enlightened: Volant Amish Shops – 20 miles away.

While you’re enjoying a day of riding the twenty plus miles in this delightful park in western Pennsylvania, send your non-riding companions to tour the surrounding Amish countryside. Volant is 30 minutes away and offers over thirty Amish shops including a bakery; be sure to have your friends save a shoefly pie for an after ride treat.

Equestrian’s enjoy easy access to the trails winding across the southern and eastern sides of Lake Arthur, through several parking areas scattered around the park perimeter. Parking is all that you’ll find here so make sure to bring water for both your stock and yourself.

Regardless of where you ride at Moraine State Park you’ll be experiencing a success story of reclamation. Nearly the entire park area has been heavily mined at some point in the past. Prior to the park opening in 1970 over 400 oil and gas wells were capped, strip mines were filled in, and thousands of trees were replanted.  In spite of the extensive intervention the area is now remarkably tranquil. As you ride down the trail it’s hard to imagine the surrounding forest as an industrial zone only 50-60 years ago. Instead you’ll be treated to beautiful forest, chance sightings of osprey and bald eagles, and of course, peaks of Lake Arthur with it’s sailboats sparkling like gems on the water.

Trail conditions here vary a bit, but one certainty is rocks, you’ll find rocky areas scattered throughout the trail system so some type of hoof protection is advised. Other than that the trails here are marked and maintained so there shouldn’t be too much trouble.

 

I hope you enjoyed this month’s rides as we traveled over 2,200 miles and three states for a few great rides that also happen to be near other area attractions.

Have a wonderful month of riding adventures as we enjoy the long days and the warming weather. I’m looking forward to next month when we carry on with our quest for more great riding areas across the nation.  As always, for more information on these and other equestrian riding destinations throughout the U.S. please visit www.TrailMeister.com the largest source of free validated trail and trailhead information as well as trail maps to keep you on the right path.