Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Preparation Tips For Trail Riding Hoosier National Forest

By Gregory Russell


Taking some time to engage in an outdoor activity can be a good way to relieve stress. For many, a simple afternoon swim at a nearby beach is enough to make a day perfect. If you have always thought about getting close to nature and seeing what is on offer, you should go trail riding Hoosier National Forest.

The forest covers nine counties in the state of Indiana. Its authorities are headquartered in Bedford. There is a satellite office in Tell City as well. Its total area is 200000 acres. It is famed for its nature trails that welcome thousands of hikers and riders year in year out.

The most comfortable method of exploring its trails is on horseback. A slow casual daylong ride will undoubtedly give you some renewed respect for nature. The views to be seen are among the most stunning in America.

Before you set out, ensure you familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that all visitors must abide by. To start off, remember there is no stable or horse available for rent once one enters the forest. Every rider is supposed to come with a horse or look for a nearby stable that has them for hire.

When added up, the trail distance totals 266 miles. On a typical day, you may come across other horse riders, hikers and bike riders. There are many campgrounds scattered within its vicinity too. Majority of them are aptly located next to the big lakes dotting the landscape. There are 5 total designated horse camps.

The inroads in the woods are filled with wildlife. It is therefore important to remain alert at all times when on site. If your horse gets spooked and the incident catches you off guard, you may sustain an injury. Some of the common animals you are most likely to encounter include foxes, white tailed deer, gray squirrel, opossum and woodchuck.

Certain parts of the woods, more so those that overlook ridges, are great for bird watching. Many riders love carrying cameras so as to film rare species. Birds that are commonly spotted in the area include migrant songbirds, turkey, waterfowls and the pileated woodpecker. The caves present also harbor some rare birds and bat species.

Safety should be your primary concern when in the area. For starters, ensure you pack your vehicle away from the road once you arrive. Remember that most of the roads in the woods are narrow and have sharp bends. It would be dangerous and unfair for other users to block the road.

Be extra cautious when riding during windy days. Trees and branches tend to fall a lot during such periods. The authorities regularly perform cleanup exercises but certain areas may be inadvertently overlooked. Also exercise caution as you ride when hunting season begins. Hunters may have difficulty differentiating you from prey if you do not wear reflective clothing.

Hikers and bikers are also required to give the right of way to horse riders. Nevertheless, indicate that you are approaching early. Do not pull off any surprises on others.




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