Riding the Clark

By: Author Unknown

Rising at Clark State Forest near Henryville in the southern
part of Indiana can be a fun time. There are many trails and
some are classified as "easy"

However, many of the trails are pretty tough on horses that
are not in good shape so unless you feel like walking you
really need to have the horses in good shape. Fall riding is
the most impressive after some of the leaves start to fall,
you can see for miles from the ridgetops.

There are lots of hills at Clark. Seems either you are going
up or down. The Shaw Trail is a favorite. The Wilderness
Trail is also a great ride and the two together make for a
great afternoon

Here are the official descriptions of the trails.

Wildlife Loop (blue trail marker) - 3.5 miles
Easy. Area has wide trails enhanced by wildlife
openings and ponds.

Easy means "A wide trail, often short in length and free of
obstacles, located near day use areas, horse camp
facilities and recreation areas where heavy use is
expected."

Shaw Lake Loop (green trail marker) - 5.5 miles
Moderately Rugged. Very scenic trail bordering Shaw
Lake . High vistas with two steep areas.

Moderately Rugged means "For the more experienced horse and
rider. Trail width may vary from 4-6 feet and may
accommodate both double and single file riding.
Steeper grades, varying topography and changes in
trail surface will be encountered."

Horse Camp Loop (blue trail marker) - 5 miles
Moderate. Good scenery. Trail crosses one creek, goes
by several vistas, switches back and cuts around camel
backs.

Moderate means "A wide, longer trail of moderate grade,
traversing varying topography and free of obstacles."

Beginner Loop (orange trail marker) - 3 miles
Easy. Wider trails built for beginning horses and
riders.

Wilcox Valley Trail (yellow trail marker) - 0.5 mile
Moderately Rugged. Scenic with large trees and winding
creeks. Wet in spring.

Bowen Loop (blue & yellow trail marker) - 7 miles
Moderate. Upland trees include chestnut oak and pine;
several vistas.

Deam Trail (red trail marker) - 20 miles
Moderately Rugged. Day-long ride with all types of
scenery and wildlife. Ends at day ride area on Flower
Gap Trail.

Mountain Grove Trail(green trail marker) - 4.9 miles
Moderately Rugged. Trails are wider due to wildlife
habitat enhancement work, wildlife food plots and
ponds. Some creeks, hills and hardwood trees.

Dry Fork Loop (orange trail marker) - 12 miles
Rugged. Very primitive area with two ever-changing
creek crossings. Large trees and steep valleys, creeks
and knobs. This trail is one of the most scenic, and
has two crossover shortcuts (green & yellow).

Rugged means "trails are designed for single file
riding over extremely steep grades, dramatic
topography, native rock and frequently changing trail
surfaces. Obstacles such as rock ledges, fallen trees
and creek crossings may be encountered."

Trail maps are available, but regulars there say they are
not much use. Go by the colors.

The campground is very clean because they use department of
correction prisoners to do a lot of the work. There are new
hitching rails and there is water in the campground in
various locations. No electric.

Horseback Riding Article Source: http://www.smallbusinessadvertisingarticles.com/horsebackridingarticles

Directions Located on U.S. Highway 31, 10 miles south of Scottsburg or one mile north of Henryville just off I-65. Approximately 15 miles north of Louisville in Clark County. Coming from Louisville take I65 North to the Henryville Exit. Turn right and follow the signs through town to the Forest entrance.

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