Thursday, September 28, 2017

Horseback Riding Hoosier National Forest Trails Is A Great Way To Step Back In Time

By Stephanie Phillips


All throughout this country there are places that have been preserved, and dedicated individuals who protect and keep them in pristine condition. It is a true privilege to be able to spend time where generations of wildlife and indigenous species have called home. One great way to see the incredibly beautiful mid-western landscape is by horseback riding Hoosier National Forest trails and pathways.

This area does not the same name recognition as some of its more famous cousins, but if you live in the Midwest, you probably already know about these public lands. They cover more than two hundred thousand acres in the south central region of Indiana. Portions of the woodlands are located in nine counties. Although the majority of the land mass is public, there are areas privately owned and operated.

You can decide you only want to ride and camp in the woods and forests, or you can take some side tours in order to experience more of what this natural preserve has to offer. You could, for example, spend your time in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. This thirteen thousand acre tract has special legal status under the Wilderness Act of 1964. Wheeled vehicles are not allowed, and horse and mules riders must have permits.

The only natural research area in the forest is an eighty-eight acre tract known as Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest. This where the people, dubbed the Oliver Phase by archaeologists, settled around 1380 A. D. Some artifacts and the remains of the double walled stockade are still there for visitors to marvel at. At the time, the walls encircled a central plaza where the inhabitants lived and worked. The Lick Creek site was excavated around the mid nineteen nineties.

Hemlock Cliffs is an interesting box shaped canyon with sandstone formations, waterfalls, and rock shelters. It is named after the evergreen that thrives in the cool climate created by the canyon's unique shape. You will find lush vegetation, caves, springs, and rare plants throughout the area. This area was inhabited by Native Americans at least ten thousand years ago.

There is interesting natural geological phenomena in the Wesley Chapel Gulf. Visitors to this area of these public lands are treated to fascinating views of sinkholes, caves, and swallow holes. Small portions of the Lost River can be seen here. The vast majority of this river meanders through caves and caverns completely underground.

There are a number of possible touring spots for wildlife lovers and those interested in endangered species. The forest is home to two species of endangered bats and two species of endangered mussels. If you have patience, you will probably spot deer, fox, opossum, squirrels, and a huge range of birds and waterfowl.

Although some people complain that Americans have no respect for their history, others marvel at the dedication it takes to preserve vast areas of public land. It takes a lot of time, money, and manpower to keep these areas safe and in pristine condition. Visitors always appreciate the effort made to maintain the integrity of these national treasures.




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