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Reviews for Deer Creek State Park
(click on name for more information)
Mt. Sterling, OH

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Individual Reviews

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I visited Deer Creek for the first time today. My experience was very good, but my opinion varies as to the quality of the horse trails. First of all, the trails were in really great condition considering there had been substantial rain the day before I came. Evidently the local Ohio Horseman's Council has done a terrific job on keeping these trails in good overall condition. There were wet areas on the trail, but very few bad, muddy areas. The trails are really wide and you can literally ride side by side for large portions of time. These trails are maintained very well. Unfortunately I was able to ride every trail in the park within a total time of 3 1/2 hours. Now I did do a lot of loping and gaiting, but I wished there had been more trails. There are a lot of flat horse trails that wander through scrub brush and very young forests, and there are even a few minor hills. To be honest, an experienced trail rider might be disappointed in the lack of challenges available. Sadly, there really are not any great landmarks to ride to or go see. You do get to see the lake , but it is only for a very short period of riding time. I could understand advanced riders describing the place as boring. However, if you want a place to teach children and/or young horses the basics of horsemanship, these trails would be ideal. They are safe, wide, and great to travel at a faster pace on. If you are from out of state, there are simply better horse trail systems to visit; but if you live within a 60-90 minute drive from there, it is worth a visit. I would say that if you live within 20-30 minutes of the horse trails, it would probably be great for you. For me, there are simply more interesting places that I would rather spend my time driving to. I did not spend any time looking at the Horseman's camp because I really couldn't imagine spending the time camping with such a short horse trail system. I truly do not like sounding so negative, because there has obviously been a group of people dedicated to making this a nice place to ride. If nothing else, I respect people who take care of their local trails and keep them in good shape. Obviously these local people care about their place. Good for them!
Reviewed by: The Buckskin Man on 12/14/2009 4:48:49 PM
More reviews by The Buckskin Man 		Experience: Expert Ride Date: 12/14/2009 Hometown: Wilmington, OH

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I just thought I would add another great review for this place. I would say it is a great place to go on a nice day ride to get your horses in shape. There are wet areas but we didn't have any problems. The trails are wide and well cleared. The Madison County Chapter of The Ohio Horsemans Councel does a good job volunteering there time to keep this trail in great shape. The land is fairly flate with some wide open areas and wide wooded areas. I recommend to all.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 4/8/2009 3:06:07 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 3/21/2009 Hometown: Columbus, OH

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Deer creek State Park Riding Trails There are approximately 18 miles of trails. Laid out over varying terrains from, flat to gently rolling to small hills, with creek crossings and wooded areas. The trails are arranged in such a way as to allow from 1hour to several hours of riding, with loops and side spurs to extend your saddle time. Along the trails wild life is abundant, you will have a very good chance to see deer, and red tailed hawks to name a couple as some of the trails wind along the edge of a wild life sanctuary. Day Use Area Has space to accommodate Large and small rigs. There is a restroom, water, covered pick-nick area, and tie-outs. With more tie-outs to come. Over Night Camping There are 5 over night camping sites ( primitive: no Elect or water ). Each site is will shaded with a gravel pad for trailers, and or space for a tent, tie-outs, pick-nick tables. There is one restroom for all 5 sites. Fires are permitted. (Water is avable in the Day Use Area approximately 700 yards away)
Reviewed by: Keith Ventresca on 7/13/2007 8:12:19 AM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 7/7/2007 Hometown: South Vienna, OH

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Absolutely awesome place to ride! We will definitely return. Trails were wide and well cleared. Muddy and wet in many places - but HELLOOO! We've had a lot of rain! My own barn yard is that wet! Creeks to cross were great with the exception of the one where the old rickety bridge used to be the trail - that is extra scary. Might be fine when the water is down and not rushing so hard. Day camp had potty, water, grill, picnic tables and shelter over them. Excellent trip!!!!
Reviewed by: Jennifer on 6/5/2006 2:44:26 PM
More reviews by Jennifer 		Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 6/3/2006 Hometown: Pleasantville, OH

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Very muddy trails,over knee deep in spots.The trails are not trimmed,so you have alot of ducking and dodging branches.Plus we rode though swarms of cicadas.I have never seen anything like it.You had to keep your mouth shut.They were all over us and the horses! Had fun and laughs any way.Take water and your own toilet.
Reviewed by: Vivian on 6/6/2004 4:21:59 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/5/2004 Hometown: Johnsville, OH