Posted 2009-03-26 7:25 AM (#102121) Subject: Help report ice storm damage/trail conditions
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Ryland Heights, KY
Many areas of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and surrounding states received extensive damage from an ice storm in January followed by times of high winds. I have heard of trail closures in many areas due to this damage and also need for help to clear trails. Can everyone please share any information on trails in your area for the rest of us who could be traveling in your area. I have ridden in Shawnee State Forest in Southeast Ohio the past couple of weekends and they had storm damage. The weekends that we rode the Ohio Horsemans Council were there working on clearing trails. They have done a great job and it appeared that they had the majority of the trails cleared. Report from Redhill Horse Camp in Livingston Kentucky says that they did not receive any storm damage and their trails are in good condition. Last report from O'Bannon State Park in Indiana says that they had storm damage and need help clearing trails.
Posted 2009-03-26 8:57 AM (#102136 - in reply to #102121) Subject: RE: Help report ice storm damage/trail conditions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 474 Location: White Mills, Ky.
Mammoth Cave, KY
We went to MC last week to help with clearing the trails. As of 3/18, the trails accessible from Lincoln Trailhead and Maple Springs Trailhead are clear.
The First Creek Trailhead was still a disaster, but the Park Ranger said he would get a crew over there in the next few weeks.
They do advise park users to be aware of overhead limbs which are still hanging loose. These will just have to be brought down by time and nature as there is no way to get large equipment on the back country trails.
We rode most of the way down Collie Ridge and about a mile down Blair Spring trail which goes to Wet Prong and it was well cleared.
On a side note: There is a brand new horse camp opening at MC. It is near the First Creek Trailhead and it looks REALLY nice. They will be opening the last week of April.
I believe the website is mammothcavehorsecamp.com Check it out!
Posted 2009-03-30 6:02 AM (#102412 - in reply to #102121) Subject: RE: Help report ice storm damage/trail conditions
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Ryland Heights, KY
Thanks Dwight, I guess folks haven't been riding yet to be reporting. Hoped that we'd get more response because there's nothing worse than packing, driving and not getting in a good ride because of impassable trails. Let's hope others start reporting. I did ride Red Hill yesterday and like reported the trails there are in good shape.
Posted 2009-03-30 10:06 AM (#102423 - in reply to #102121) Subject: RE: Help report ice storm damage/trail conditions
Veteran
Posts: 174 Location: Missouri
We've been up to Eminence and rode a couple of times and all the trails there are clear and in good condition. The Ozark trail from J highway east is clear also.
Posted 2009-04-12 7:50 PM (#103235 - in reply to #102395) Subject: RE: Help report ice storm damage/trail conditions
Member
Posts: 43 Location: Goodlettsville, TN
Just home from 4 days of riding at LBL -- all marked trails are open and from those you can see the damage to the trees. We tried one of our favorite unmarked trails and had to turn back, too many trees down. I doubt the unmarked trails will be clear this time next year - lots of damage.
Also, we were shocked the staff was allowing many, many kids to run their horses through camp. One group of about 25 were on horseback "chasing" a loose pony. These guys were running through picket lines and campsites with no concern for the safety of other campers or the horses tied to picket lines. The camp staff was notified and responded by saying they had no staff available but had radioed for help. This insane chase lasted more than 30 minutes from section to section through out the park. Loud music and vehicles with people hanging out truck windows after "quiet" time was also allowed to take place. If this wild atmosphere continues, LBL will not be the place we love!!
Posted 2009-04-13 7:52 AM (#103264 - in reply to #102121) Subject: RE: Help report ice storm damage/trail conditions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 474 Location: White Mills, Ky.
Long C Trails
We spent the weekend at Long C in Westmoreland, TN. The trails were clear, but the storm Friday night left the creeks deep and running fast. One rider took an accidental swim in some very cold water!
On a sad note, "Granny" (the owner's mother) passed away last week. She was a lovely lady with a ready smile and she always kept the bath house sparkling clean. Our condolences to Jack and his family.
Help report ice storm damage/trail conditions
