Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana, offers a variety of trails for horseback riding, catering to different skill levels and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the park has something to offer for everyone who loves exploring the great outdoors on horseback.
Top Trails for Horseback Riding
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Trail 8: This moderate trail is a popular choice, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 695 reviews. The trail winds through scenic wooded areas and offers a mix of gentle slopes and more challenging terrain.
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Ogle Lake Trail 7: This easy trail is well-reviewed, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 945 reviews. The trail offers a peaceful and relaxing ride, with beautiful views of the Ogle Lake.
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Ogle Lake Trail 7 and 4 Loop: This easy loop trail is also highly rated, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 645 reviews. The loop provides a scenic and enjoyable ride, with the opportunity to explore both the Ogle Lake and the surrounding forest.
Guided Trail Rides
The Saddle Barn at Brown County State Park offers guided trail rides of varying lengths, catering to riders of different skill levels and preferences:
| Ride Length | Difficulty | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2 miles | Easy | 7 years old |
| 3.3 miles | Moderate | 7 years old |
These guided rides are a great option for those who want to explore the park’s trails without the hassle of planning and navigating the routes themselves.
Pony Rides and Hayrides
In addition to the guided trail rides, the Saddle Barn also offers pony rides for younger children and hayrides for all ages. These activities provide a fun and family-friendly way to experience the park’s natural beauty.
Bringing Your Own Horse
Visitors are welcome to bring their own horses to explore the park’s roughly 70 miles of bridle trails. A Horse Tag is required, which can be purchased daily for $5 or annually for $20. The tag allows access to DNR properties where horse use is allowed, but does not include vehicle admission to the park.
Rules and Regulations
When planning your horseback riding adventure at Brown County State Park, it’s important to be aware of the following rules and regulations:
- Horse Tag Requirement: Each horse requires a Horse Tag, which can be purchased daily or annually.
- Vehicle Admission: Daily entrance into the park is additional and not included with the Horse Tag.
- Entrance Restrictions: RVs and vehicles towing trailers must use the West Gate Entrance, and the North Gate Covered Bridge has height and weight limits.
Additional Resources
For more information on horseback riding in Brown County State Park, be sure to check out the following resources:
- Saddle Barn Website: For full details, prices, and more information on guided trail rides, pony rides, and hayrides.
- Hoosier National Forest and Indiana State Parks: For information on other horseback riding locations in Indiana.
- Brown County State Park Horse Trails Map: A detailed map of the park’s horse trails, prepared by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Trail Riders Association.
By exploring the best trails, taking advantage of the guided rides, and familiarizing yourself with the rules and regulations, you can have an unforgettable horseback riding experience at Brown County State Park.
References
- https://www.browncountystatepark.net/saddle_barn_horseback_riding.htm
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g37361-d3974892-r232646131-Brown_County_State_Park-Nashville_Indiana.html
- https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=horsebackriding&find_loc=Brown+County%2C+IN
- https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/sp-brown_horse_trail.pdf
- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/indiana/horse-trails-g-c-d–2