Happy Trails….
In the happy trails section of the Wisconsin Horseman,
trail riders located through out the state bring inside information and opinions about the
various trails they've recently ridden. I am always looking for rider's input on Wisconsin
trails. If you are a trail rider and would like to place an article in this section of the
Wisconsin Horseman, please e-mail me at horseads@athenet.net.
The
Kettle Moraine State Forest
Southern Unit
By Pat Williams
"I wonder what the rich people are doing while we are relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature from the back of a horse." Phrases such as this are repeated each time my husband Wayne and I ride the horse trails of the Midwest. And, since we live so very close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest's Southern Unit, it takes only the slightest hint of an oncoming good day to feel the overwhelming urge to enjoy what God has given us - great weather and good horses. The only decision to make is, "Should we camp overnight, or just day ride?"
Kettle Moraine is a 100-mile band of hills, ridges and depressions formed along the intersection of two gigantic lobes of ice during the last Ice Age. Moraine means hilly and the name refers to the belts of connected ridges and mounds that formed along the glacier’s edge. . The kettles are depressions where blocks of ice were buried under sand and gravel. When the ice melted, the soil on top caved in creating these depressions, some of which are now filled with as much as 100 ft of water.Overall the landscape is covered with a mixed forest of hardwoods and pines
For horseback riders, the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest contains miles of pleasurable trails suitable to any level of expertise. If you like the wide easy trails with a sandy base, there are plenty. If you are like me and prefer narrow more adventurous paths, these are also available. (I especially like the trails where ducking is required in order to keep your hat on your head). There are trails where you can lope on an easy incline and other places where your horse has to carefully pick his way. The trails are well maintained and provide an easy two days riding for horse and rider.
Wayne and I have ridden both the east and west trails out of the park on numerous occasions and find that each side has something different to offer. The change of seasons creates visual changes in the forest making you feel as if you are riding different trails even though you have ridden the same ones many times before. We also enjoy introducing new riders to one of the forest's main tourist attractions - the "Stone Elephant". This amazing stone structure, which has attracted tourists since the 1900s, is located just off the trail on the west side of the campground (It does require a rather grueling 500 yd. uphill hike on foot to see it, however. Wayne and I hold the horses while the "newbies" make the trek!).
If you decide to spend the night in the Kettle Moraine, there is a campground available for horseback riders. Although it doesn't provide many amenities, it does have port-a-potties and two water hydrants, one at each end of the camping area. Picket posts are sturdy and of recent construction, and there is a nice pavilion for get-togethers. The campground holds about 64 rigs with additional day-rider parking near the entrance.
Trail riding is a way to be closer not only to nature but also your horse - and the Southern Kettle Moraine is a great place in which to do it. Hope to see you there! (We’ll be the ones with the big smiles!)
_____________________________________________
"If I have a half hour to spare, put me on a horse," says author Pat Williams who, together with husband,Wayne, and their four horses, lives just three miles from the southern tip of the Kettle Moraine. Avid trail enthusiasts, Pat and Wayne have ridden trails throughout the state of Wisconsin and have spent annual vacations riding in other areas of the country including the Black Hills, Shawnee, Land between the Lakes, Big Piney, Big Buffalo, and Hoosier National Forest. In addition to trail riding, Pat is involved in a number of equine activities including drill teams http://groups.yahoo.com/groupDrillTeamsUSA and Illinois Horse Fest www.illinoishorsefest.com . She is a volunteer at the SMILES Therapeutic Riding Center and is Chairman of the SMILES Ride-A-Thon, an annual fundraiser which is held in October at Horserider's Camp in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. (Check out the SMILES website for further information and to learn about this year's new feature, "Murder She Rode", a mystery theater on horseback in which horse enthusiasts can win prizes solving the mystery while enjoying the splendor of color on the trails!)
------------------------------------------------------------
The Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest is located southwest of Milwaukee in Waukesa, Jefferson and Walworth Counties near the towns of Eagle and Palmyra (off Hwy 59). Its 53.75 miles of horse trails are open year round; however, trails are used by snowmobilers in the winter and are NOT recommended for use by horses once they have been groomed for snowmobile use. ( If you would like to use the park in the winter, call the trail hotline at 262-594-6202 to see if the trails can still be used by horses) As Pat mentions in her article, the terrain is forested and hilly with some sandy areas. If you choose not to trailer your own horses or need extras, horse rentals are available nearby.
State park vehicle stickers and trail pass stickers are required to park and use the trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.: These can be purchased at the main office (located in Eagle off Hwy 59) or can be obtained at the entrance to any of the parking lots. State park vehicle stickers cost $5 per day or $20.00 per year for Wisconsin residents (Wisconsin license plate), and $10.00 per day or $30.00 per year for non-residents. Year-long stickers are good from January 1 to December 31. Trail passes can also be purchased in the main office or in the parking lots. Trail passes are required for anyone age 16 and older and must be carried with you on the trails. Cost is $3.00 per day or $10.00 per year. Trail maps can be obtained at any of the trail heads or in the main office, and are free.
If you wish to stay overnight, Horserider's' Camp is located east of Palmyra on Cty Rd NN. It is open from 1 April until 30 November. Camping sites cost $7.00 per night for Wisconsin residents and $9.00 per night for non-residents. Campsite use is restricted to 6 people or 1 wheeled vehicle - there is no limit on the number of horses you may bring. Reservations are not required except on holiday weekends, when the campground does tend to fill up.
For more information, contact Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters, S91 W39091 Hwy 59, Eagle, WI 53119, at 262-594-6200
Happy Trails!!
Return
to the Main Newsletter Page
Visit our Directory of Equine Businesses and Practitioners