Honey Creek Horse Campground is located in North Central Tennessee along the Southern border of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Allardt TN.
As you drive in, the roads are rural with a narrow gravel two lane leading into the entrance of the camp. Be sure to use the directions from the Honey Creek website rather than GPS to avoid Honey Creek Loop Rd. The campground is spacious enough for any size trailer with over 40 partially shaded pull through and back in sites, fully equipped with picnic tables, hitching rails, water, electric and sewer. They also provide 3 rustic cabins stocked with fresh linens and a kitchenette for those without living quarters and a centrally located shower house is available to all guests.
I’ve stayed at many campgrounds throughout Tennessee and what I found most impressive about Honey Creek is their hospitality. The hosts really take you in as part of the family and are readily available to assist you with any needs. They offer camping provisions on site such as ice, hay, shavings, firewood, and Wi-Fi and be sure to visit their camp store for tack, merchandise and snacks.
If you’d like to trailer out from your campsite to other local trailheads, honey creek has you covered with their stock trailer rental.
You’ll be camping close to your horses with three barns providing over 65 8x8 0r 12x12 stalls with lights and water. Three trailheads leave from the campground taking you on the Mt Helen trail and to some of the most popular trail destinations in the area.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area spans across Tennessee and Kentucky. The park was established in 1974, and it has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The area was formed by centuries of erosion from the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, which has created spectacular gorges, rock formations, and waterfalls. The region has a rich history of Native American settlements, as well as early pioneers and settlers who relied on the river for transportation and commerce. The area was designated as a national park to preserve its unique beauty and cultural heritage.
Visitors can also explore the region's rich history by visiting sites like the Blue Heron mining community, which offers a glimpse into the area's coal mining past. Another good stop is the Menonite Community in the nearby Muddy Pond, TN. There you’ll find tack shops, baked goods and more. Popular activities in the park include fishing, kayaking and of course, horseback riding.
The horse trails at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area are extremely popular among visitors. The park features over 212 miles of trails, including many that are specifically designated for horseback riding.
The horse trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, so riders of all skill levels can enjoy the experience. Along the way, riders will have the chance to explore the park's natural beauty, as well as its rich history with sites still housing old relics of days gone by.
As you prepare for your ride be sure to pack a halter and lead as well as tree savers and high lines as some of the best destinations will require you to tie your horse in the forest then take a short hike in. If you’re riding during hunting season wear a blaze orange vest and be sure to pick up a trail map at the campground. I also recommend buying a National Geographic map of the park and use a GPS or trail app in your travels. The trails are marked at most intersections but this is a big park with many miles of trails to get turned around on so its best to be prepared. Finally, all of Big South Fork is rocky and will require your horse to be shod or have boots.
Some of the most popular horse trails include the Ridge Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the park's sandstone bluffs, and the John Muir Trail, which winds through the heart of the park's wilderness. Whether you're an experienced equestrian or a beginner looking to try something new, the horse trails at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area are not to be missed.
Among my favorites are the Double arch, the overlook, needle’s eye, Jakes hole overlook and the O&W Bridge. Many of the trails are manageable for any experience level ranging from hilly trails, fields and gravel roads but there are certainly some paths that are for advanced horses and riders.
For more info please visit www.tnhorsetrails.com
6 май 2023
