From overnight trail rides, to camps and birthday parties, visit Southernmost Illinois and experience the joy of horseback riding throughout the Shawnee National Forest! We have something for everyone! No matter if you’re a beginner or experienced rider, some of these ranches even have horses that understand different languages!
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Ferne Clyffe State Park has been known as an outstanding natural scenic spot for a century. An abundance of ferns, unique geological features and unusual plant communities create an atmosphere that enhances the many recreational facilities offered at the park. Trails wind through picturesque woods, allowing visitors to view fascinating rock formations and inspiring vistas.
Garden of the gods Recreation Area
The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. Interpretive signs explain the geological history. The 1/4-mile trail is made of natural sandstone and takes about an hour to walk. It contains short, steep grades and steps; benches are located along the trail and as a whole the trail is not tiring. Caution should be used due to the high cliffs in the area.
Giant City Stables
The Stables is open Mid March through Mid November for guided horseback trail rides and open year round for all other activities. Giant City Stables offers guided horseback trail rides, as well as a variety of summer horse camps and horseback riding lessons for groups and individuals. For our younger horse lovers, we offer pony rides. WE also offer therapeutic riding for individuals with disabilities from out PATH Intl Certified Riding Instructor.
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Surrounded by tall pine trees and mixed hardwood forests, Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing and bicycling. The picnic area has a large picnic shelter near the lake with party grills for group gatherings.
River To River Trail
Spanning from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River, this 160-mile trail passes through some of the most scenic areas of southern Illinois, including upland forests, wetlands, grasslands and bluffs. River to River Trail is marked by a blue letter “i”.
- (618) 253-7114
- Website
- Shawnee National Forest
Rose O'Sharon Equine Farm
We have a wonderful facility offering pasture board with run-ins, 24hr. monitoring, free choice on hay and minerals, large indoor riding arena (80×180), lots of trail riding opportunities, horse training, lessons and by the hour trail rides. All of which can be tailored for the beginner through to the advanced rider.
Touch of Nature Environmental Center
Touch of Nature Environmental Center serves Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the region, and the nation as an outdoor laboratory for experiential learning, a field site for research, and a provider of therapeutic recreation, environmental education, outdoor adventure, personal and interpersonal growth experiences and conference service facilities.
Trail Of Tears State Forest
Trail of Tears State Forest is situated in western Union County, five miles northwest of Jonesboro and 20 miles south of Murphysboro. Just over 5,000 acres are within the state forest. The state forest system in Illinois was established to set aside lands for the growing of timber needed in production of forest products, for watershed protection, and to provide outdoor recreation.
Camp Ondessonk Stables
With over 65 horses onsite, Camp Ondessonk has one of the Midwest’s largest Certified Horsemanship Association certified programs. Camp Ondessonk Equestrian Programs include trail rides, overnight horseback riding trips, and horsemanship classes. Custom group and meal packages are available for all skill levels.
- (877) 659-2267
- Website
- Ozark