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Weekend of August 8-10, 2008
Interesting ride Friday, after leaving Collins Cove on the Williams Family trail (the two mile connector from the back of Collins Cove to the VHHT) we started toward the New River Park Trail, on the VHHT. The VHHT to US 94 is about three miles, beginner to moderate riding. Crossing US 94 and continuing east, it’s a four-mile one-way to NRPT. Moderate to expert rider and horses needed. No water from Collins Cove to about a mile from the NRPT (seven miles).
After crossing US 94 we ran across a homeowner that was not very “horse friendly”. He claimed that he had two dogs shot by horse riders and another dog beaten. Then, as his rant continued, he said that he had a rider come down his driveway and use the side of his house for bathroom privileges.
Summarizing the ride from Collins cove to the NRPT, and back, about 20 miles; no water till you get close to the New River.
Saturday’s ride through Ravens Cliff, we crossed the creek twice, and took the right at the top of the hill. Passing through the hole in the fence and entering the blackberry field, we took a left at the fork. This took us to Rock Creek. We followed Rock Creek and rode along a fence line next to a big meadow (1000 acres meadow?). Came to a fork and the right fork takes you to Iron Mountain Horse Camp. We again stayed to the left, coming to a four-way intersection.
Taking a left would be an additional 5 (?) miles back to Collins Cove. Taking a right will take you to the VHHT. We rode straight and it was an easy mile to the security gate at the Collins Cove housing development. Turn right and it’s a gravel road back to camp (about two miles).
About a mile and a half down the gravel road, the stream is on the left and crosses the road to the right. This is a good place to water the horses. There is a good pool of water on the right. Turning right at this spot will take you to the caves. First cave is on the left. Second cave can be missed; you need to turn right at the fork to see it. Retracing your steps from the second cave, turn back right at the fork and you will end up on the Williams Family trail, about ½ mile from Collins Cove.
Enjoy the ride.
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