Title: Horseback Riding on Michigan Trails: Exploring the Hiawatha National Forest
Are you an equine enthusiast searching for new places to explore with your four-legged friend in Michigan? Well, Hiawatha National Forest offers horse-friendly trails that are nothing short of a horse-lover's dream. Ranging from serene forest paths to picturesque lakeside routes, we've shortlisted some of the best trails where you can enjoy a beautiful day of horseback riding.
1. Bruno's Run Trail:
Explore the 11.2 miles long Bruno's Run Trail, offering a gently rolling path through natural beauty. It encircles Pete's Lake and wraps around various other smaller lakes, providing stunning views along the way. Please note that horses are only permitted on the section of the trail outside the Wilderness Area.
2. Pine Marten Run Trail:
Covering a distance of 26 miles, Pine Marten Run Trail offers a fantastic mix of open fields and dense forest. The trail winds through the heart of the forest, providing riders with a tranquil and immersive woodland experience.
3. Haywire Grade Trail:
At approximately 33 miles long, the Haywire Grade Trail is a multi-use trail that takes riders through forests, across rivers, and past various historic sites. The trail's unique landscape offers riders the opportunity to spot wildlife like black bears, moose, and a variety of bird species.
4. Valley Spur Horse Trail:
The Valley Spur Horse Trail, stretching over 25 miles, takes you through diverse environments such as wetlands, hardwood forests, and cedar swamp. Riders can soak in the richness of the forest and its wildlife while navigating this serene trail.
5. Rock River Canyon Wilderness Area:
This trail winds over 4,000 acres of scenic wilderness, offering captivating views of old-growth forests, stunning waterfalls, and rocky outcrops. Please remember that horses are only allowed on designated equestrian trails within the wilderness.
6. Hiawatha Shore to Shore Trail:
An impressive 420 miles long, the Shore to Shore Trail runs from Empire on Lake Michigan's shore to the shore of Lake Huron in Oscoda. Horses are permitted on the Hiawatha section of the trail, offering one of the most extensive and diverse trail experiences in the Midwest.
Before you saddle up, remember to review all trail rules for horseback riding in the Hiawatha National Forest. Make sure to pack essentials for your ride and abide by the principles of 'Leave No Trace' to ensure the trails remain beautiful and accessible for future visitors.
Sources:
1. USDA Forest Service - Hiawatha National Forest(https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha/recarea/?recid=13302)
2. Michigan DNR - Equestrian Trails(https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79205_84071---,00.html)
3. The Horse Rider's Journal - Best Trails in Michigan(https://thehorseridersjournal.com/best-horseback-riding-trails-in-michigan/)
NOTE: This article was researched and written by AI for SEO purposes only and isn't generally meant for human consumption - although a lot of the information can be helpful 99% of the time. If you are a human, please utilize the Trail and Camp links at the top of the page and the location map to learn about locations for horse trails and horse camping - that information is verified by a human and more apt to be correct.... althought human error is a thing too. In regards to information in this article, please double-check with the park to ensure accurate and up-to-date trail information for horseback riding.