At a Glance
Two of the State’s Best Horseback Riding Trails are located right here in Florence, WI. off County C in Homestead. Horse trails and camps are maintained by the Northern Saddle Club Inc. in conjunction with the Florence County Forestry and Parks Department. Watch for the new signs coming soon on County C highlighting our trailhead locations.
The trailhead horse camps offer picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, a privy or porta potty, mounting blocks, highlines and areas for portable fencing with accommodations for the biggest rigs or the day rider. No reservations are required as these trailheads are first come first serve. No electricity is available and cellphone service may be limited. The drilled wells can be pumped by hand or plugged in to your portable generator capable of supplying 110V.
These trail systems are accessible to hikers, hunters, and horseback riders, offering something for everyone with your choice of grassy roads to single track trails. Please note that you will cross Intersections with ATV trails, automobile, and County Roads, but trails are not shared with bikes or motorized vehicles. Please wear blaze orange during bow and hunting seasons. Trails are open May 1st to November 1st.
Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are abundant through the trails, so stop and enjoy a snack. Keep alert as bear and other wildlife are often seen on these trails. Logging may be occurring, so at times a trail maybe closed or re-routed.
These trails are located on Florence County Property, and you can explore the County’s Forest off-trail also, but please do NOT horseback ride on the hiking trail into LaSalle Falls.
Halls Creek Trailhead
Take a 1.7 mile drive down Halls Creek Damm / Lake Road and discover the scenic beauty of this horse camp, boat landing, flowage, and creek offer. With its well marked trail system offering more than 10 miles of stunning views from scenic ridges to quiet strolls amongst the trees.
Take the time to enjoy the songs from the woodland birds. Perhaps a stop at the creek crossing for a quick refresh, then off again to discover the beauty of a well-managed mature hardwood forest. You can also, wrap your arms around some of the biggest pine trees located in the County.
Some of these trails are also used for the County’s Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe trails, so follow the horse trail signs, not the cross-country ski signs.
Bush Lake Flats Trailhead
Take Fire Tower Road 0.2 miles and turn right into Bush Lake Flats Trailhead and Camp. These trails meander through forests, wetlands and open plains and offer 10 miles including several loops for you to explore.
Connector Trail
Looking for more trails, don’t forget about the 7-mile Connector Trail that links the two Trailhead Camps. This trail offers the scenic beauty of a wetlands, pine forests and a variety of grass roads and single-track trails through the woods. Although this is not a loop, riding it both ways offer a different perspective.
About the Northern Saddle Club
The “Vision of the Northern Saddle Club is to work with landowners and land management organizations to preserve and ensure safe riding areas for our present and future equestrian enthusiasts”.
The Northern Saddle Club, established in 1999, is a family-oriented, non-profit trail riding group who dedicates hundreds of hours yearly to maintain these facilities and trails for all to enjoy for free. The Club has fundraising events throughout the year.
These horse trails and camps would not have been possible without the continued support of the Florence County Forestry and Parks Department.
The club has received grants and donations from the Wisconsin State Horse Council, Lumberjack RC&D Council, Florence Chamber of Commerce, the former Great Lakes Arabian Horse Association and many other businesses and private people.
If you are out visiting our trailheads, please consider leaving a donation in the donation boxes, as they are used for improvements and maintenance. Some upcoming improvements that we would like to make are additional trails, new signage, and updated mapping. You can also mail a donation to Northern Saddle Club, Inc., PO Box 312, Florence, WI 54121.
To join or contact the Northern Saddle Club please visit our website at northernsaddleclub.org or find us on Facebook. More trail information can be found on trailmeister.com. Email: northernsaddleclub@yahoo.com, or call Heidi 906-396-7457.
