Horse Riding and Camping
Horseback riding is allowed in most places across the Allegheny National Forest as long as riders do not mark, build, maintain, or tread-in a trail.
When riding cross-country, riders are expected to spread out and meander through the trees, so that no one rides behind anyone else. Riding single file cross-country will eventually create a trail if enough horses follow the same path.
The only campground available for horses is Kelly Pines.
Horses are permitted on ATV or snowmobile trails, and in most cases may ride the Forest roads.
Areas with no horseback riding:
- General:
- Inside of the outer ring of the Spring Creek Horse Trail, riding must take place on the trail. Riders on the outer loop may ride cross-country away from the Spring Creek area.
- Hiking/Cross-country ski trails
- Cross-country:
- Hickory Creek Wilderness Area/Allegheny Wilderness Islands and wilderness study areas - Chestnut Ridge and Minister Creek (management areas 5.1 and 5.2)
- Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Area
- Clarion River/Laurel Mill Trail area
- Roads/trails:
- Hearts Content National Scenic Area (management area 8.3)
- Tionesta National Scenic Area (management area 8.3)
- Tionesta Research Natural Area (management area 8.5)
- Kane Experimental Forest (management area 8.6)
Map of the management areas for where the wilderness, scenic area, research natural area and experimental forest are located.
Horseback Riding
Equestrian Trails on the ANF:
- Spring Creek Horse Trail (40 Miles)
Horse Camping
The only campground available for horses is Kelly Pines. There are seven campsites. During the riding season, sites 3-7 are for equestrians only.
Equine shelter: There is one 4-stall tie-down shed at each site, with 2 such sheds on the double site.
Hitching Rails: 1 near toilet and information board.
Corrals, pickets, and high-lines are not permitted. Horses must be tied in the stalls in the shed.
Watering Tank: No watering tank, but hydrant exists with potable water suitable for livestock use.
Kelly Pines Campground was built in 1928 and is the first recorded recreation site on the ANF.
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Kelly Pines Campground
