Honey Creek Horse Camp, Big South Fork River Recreation Area

By: Jody Weldy

It's not often we go back to same place twice to camp and ride but Honey Creek Horse Camp is one of them.

In October of 2004, on the advice of some good trail riding freinds from Kentucky, I made reservations for 5 days at Honey Creek Horse Camp. We arrived on a Monday, had no trouble finding the place, they give good directions of their website. The campground has 40 sites, all have 50 amp electric service, and a frost free water hydrant. Most, if not all the sites have a hitch rail to make saddling up easier. When we were there, we ran a picket line but I understand now, since they have built more barns, they require you to rent a stall. They have a nice showerhouse in the middle of camp, and a big chest freezer filled with bagged ice and you pay on the honor system.

They give you an excellent trail map which is easy to follow. Although there is a trail out of camp through the woods for a ways, it lets you out on a rocky road which is used to check on the oil wells and I do mean rocky so we opted to just ride down the dirt road for a quarter of a mile to the trail heads. This is a dead end road so no need to worry a bout vehicle traffic.

Just a short ride from camp,( in fact you can hike it if you'd like) is the Double Arches. It's really a neat thing to see and the nice thing about it is, you first ride on the arch and then down to underneath it. This is just a short down and back trail but you got to see it at least once.

Not far from the turn off for the Double Arches is the trail that leads to the Zenith Horse Camp which is a good 5 miles away and the long way down to the White Oak River. This trail has you road ride a mile or so and as much as I hate to road ride, this one is worth it. First of all, no traffic to speak of and second the views of high rocky bluffs is worth it. This road dead ends at the bottom at a creek and since you're on a horse, you simply cross the creek and pick up the old O&W railbed and ride back to one of the three trails that takes you back up the mountain and to camp.

Riding the old railbed has incredible views of the White Oak River which it follows. This river is crystal clear, some areas deep enough to dive in but most of the river is shallow with white ripples everywhere. You cross the river several times on this trail and most crossings are defintely Kodak moments.

There are several trails and lookouts on the other side of the river. One lookout is Leatherwood. At the river crossing the trail sign says it's a mile and a half and according to our GPS it's exactly right. What it doesn't tell you is, it's a mile and a half UP! Now this is not a really steep climb and out horses never once wanted to stop for a breather and they never really pulled hard the whole way. The trail is very wide. On one side the ground keeps getting smaller and smaller and on the other side are beautiful rock formations to look at if you don't care for heights. At the Leatherwood Overlook there are a few hitch rails to tie to and it's a nice place to have lunch.

Another overlook on that side of the river is the Laurel Fork Overlook. This one is by far our favorite one. The best place to have lunch. There is a huge rock outcropping that is in tiers and the view is spectactualar.

On the Honey Creek Horse Camp side of the White Oak River is probably the best view of the gorge which is called the O&W Overlook. The first time I viewed this is nearly took my breath away. Also, a short ride from that is the Devils Den, which is a huge cave that you can ride right into. There is also the Needle's Eye which you have to tie your horse up and take a short hike to get to it but it's worth the effort. The one trail that takes to these is real rocky and so much fun to ride.

Also, while you're riding the railbed, ride to the bridge that cross the Eask Fork of the Cumberland River. They have redecked the bridge so it's safe to ride over and this is a must at least once. The bridge is probably a good 80 feet or so over the water and the view from your horse is great.

I would also reccommend driving to see the Honey Creek Overlook. You can ride there but it's road riding the whole way and I wouldn't suggest it. Just hop in your truck and drive, it's well worth the time.

There are plenty of horse camps in this area. Bandy Creek and some others are on the other side of the White Oak River. Most of those trails are wide and flat and are preferred by the gaited horse people. The trails at Honey Creek, especially the ones leading down to the railbed and pretty tough and are only navigated at a walk.

I'd also suggest that you have your horse in pretty good condition. We had friends go with us in 2005 and their horses only lasted 3 days and they had to head back home. We rode for 10 days and never had a problem but then, I have the luxury of being able to ride daily to get them toughened up.

You can reach Honey Creek Horse Camp at 423-569-2289
www.honeycreekhorsecamp.com

You may contact me at jmweldy@verizon.net

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