To see the fall foliage, you can always go for a hike or take a scenic drive. But have you ever thought about enjoying the colors of the season on the back of a horse? Located within the heart of Shawnee National Forest, Big Branch Horse Camp offers scenic horseback tours, and if you’ve been looking for a different way to explore the forest to see the fall foliage, taking a trail ride on the back of a horse can’t be beat.
Found within the 280,000-acre Shawnee National Forest in the village of Eddyville is Bear Branch Horse Camp, a campground that also offers trail rides.
Google Maps
Bear Branch Horse Camp has 80 campsites, primitive cabins, and an overnight barn with 37 horse stalls, if you bring your own horse.
Bear Branch Horse Campground/Facebook
However, you don’t have to spend the night or even have your own horse in order to take a trail ride here. Bear Branch Horse Camp has its own horses for rent and offers guided trail rides through sections of Shawnee National Forest.
Bear Branch Horse Campground/Facebook
Fall is the perfect time of year to take a horseback ride with Bear Branch Horse Camp. You’ll be taken out on trails through the forest where you can enjoy the colorful fall foliage from the saddle.
Bear Branch Horse Campground/Facebook
You can book a two-hour ride for $80, a half-day ride (3.5-4 hours) for $120, or a full-day ride, which will take 4-7 hours, at a cost of $150 per person. All guided trail rides must be booked in advance.
Lillian Williams/Google
There’s nothing quite like a horseback ride through Shawnee National Forest, especially in the fall when the leaves start turning beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Bear Branch Horse Campground/Facebook
Whether you’re a novice or an expert rider, all levels are welcome to take a guided tour with Bear Branch Horse Camp. It may end up being your favorite fall activity.
Bear Branch Horse Campground/Facebook
Google Maps
Bear Branch Horse Campground/Facebook
Lillian Williams/Google
Have you ever viewed fall foliage while on horseback? If so, where did you ride? Please share your experience with your fellow readers in the comments. For more information and to book your trail ride, visit the Bear Branch Horse Camp website and Facebook page.
Are you looking for other places to view fall foliage? If so, check out this Illinois fall foliage road trip.
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Address: 34 Bear Branch Rd, Eddyville, IL 62928, USA
