By 1812Blockhouse and our Friends at Destination Mansfield – Richland County
The Richland County Bridle Trails are a network of scenic horse trails that span over 60 miles connecting Malabar Farm, Pleasant Hill Lake Park, and Mohican State Forest.
The trail system is open all year round, offering riders of all experience levels a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Ohio countryside. These trails, however, do not offer horse rentals, so riders will need to bring their own horses to enjoy the expansive network.
Malabar Farm State Park
Located at 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, Ohio, Malabar Farm State Park is home to the Pleasant Valley Bridle Trail. This trail winds through scenic overlooks and old-growth forests, offering a moderately challenging path with its dirt tracks that cross winding streams and pass by stunning rock outcroppings and a waterfall.
The park also offers a 15-site primitive campground specifically designed for horse camping. There are no reservations required for these campsites, which are equipped with amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, hitching posts, and gravel parking pads. Water is pressurized, and there are handicapped-accessible, self-composting restrooms nearby.
For more information, Malabar Farm State Park can be reached at 419-892-2784.
Pleasant Hill Lake Park
Situated at 3431 State Route 95, Perrysville, Ohio, Pleasant Hill Lake Park offers a unique blend of trails for hiking and horse riding. The park features 8.5 miles of bridle trails and an additional 16.5 miles of trails in the Mohican Watershed Conservation District. The trails range in difficulty from easy to hard, and traverse varied terrains including lake views, woods, and both dirt and paved paths.
For equine camping, the park provides a 37-lot horse camp next to the lake. Each campsite is equipped with a campfire ring, picnic table, high lines, and is large enough to accommodate both truck and trailer. Water and restroom facilities are conveniently located nearby.
You can contact Pleasant Hill Lake Park at 419-938-7884 for more details.
Mohican State Forest
Mohican State Forest, located at 3116 State Route 3, Loudonville, Ohio, offers an expansive wilderness experience with over 1500 acres of beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, lakes, and trees. The park is home to the striking Clear Fork Gorge, a dense hemlock forest, and the scenic Mohican River.
With 22 miles of horse trails crisscrossing the area, horse riding enthusiasts can explore the diverse terrain at their leisure. While the resort lodge and cabins offer excellent accommodations, they do not provide horse boarding facilities.
For further information, Mohican State Forest can be contacted at 419-938-6222.
The Richland County Bridle Trails offer a unique equestrian experience in Ohio, with three distinct locations each providing its own set of attractions and amenities. Whether you’re a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, these trails offer a blend of serene landscapes, diverse terrains, and camping facilities, making them a must-visit for all horse riding enthusiasts.
For more information on a wide variety of Richland County attractions and events, visit the website of Destination Mansfield – Richland County.
Source, Photo: Destination Mansfield – Richland County
