Alum Creek State Park, near Columbus, OH
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The campgrounds seem well maintained, there is a place to wash your horse (although we didn't know that until the last day) & a place to fill water tanks/get horse water. The port-a-pot was recently cleaned. It is right next to a road & there's a boat ramp just down the road that we heard partying from into the night. We pulled in Friday noon & the best campsites where mostly taken (the west & north edges have the best shade), if you're coming Saturday the middle sites w/o shade may be all that's left. I liked the cable highlines as they don't sage like rope although like previousely mentioned many are in a line so your horse may end up next to a stranger. The trails on the other hand were something we had to get used to - up & down countless ravines, deep mud and/or a creek at the bottom of nearly every one (my horse lost a shoe & a bell boot, we saw more of both throughout the weedend). The ascents & decents can be very steep - not for the faint of heart! You're horse needs to be in good shape & you need to be a confident rider. The outlooks were very pretty, pretty much everything is through woods & there's plenty of water along the way for your horse (creeks). We'll go again but will watch the weather to hopefully avoid some of the mud... |
| Reviewed by Decker on 2/17/2011 1:00:19 PM |
Experience: Intermediate |
Ride Date: 7/16/2010 |
Hometown: Fremont, OH |
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Malabar Farm State Park, near Mansfield, OH
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Overall very nice place to visit! Though there are only several hours of trails they are scenic & mostly well maintained & marked. Minimal mud despite the recent rains, there is a single creek crossing on the white trail. Only downside would be navigating near the farm - map wasn't much help & there are only a few signs, had to do some exploring to get back on track. One of the inner loops does go through a valley with lots of moss covered smooth rocks on the trail, just have to be careful when wet or with a anxious horse who might try to scramble over them instead of picking through. Campgrounds where nice, most have cable highlines (some just post where highline can be put up) in a long row behind the campsites. Bathroom didn't smell a bit. Horse water available (taste like city water). Campsites each have a gravel/asphalt pad for trailers & a loop to turn around. There is non-equestrian camping allowed at the horse campgrounds. Highlines are also available across the road from the restaurant & near the farm in case someone wanted to stop for a meal or tour. Great place to get your feet wet or first ride of the year! Trails connect to Pleasant Hill & Mohican. |
| Reviewed by Decker on 7/21/2015 3:10:18 PM |
Experience: Intermediate |
Ride Date: 7/11/2015 |
Hometown: Fremont, OH |
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