Some people love to spend their vacations and free time laying on the beach or taking in new rides and the sights at popular theme parks. There are other individuals though who love to travel the country and explore the natural wonders each state has to offer. In the middle of America, there is a wonderful expanse of public land that offers guests a look back in time. For outdoor enthusiasts, horseback riding Hoosier National Forest is the chance of a lifetime.
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.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest is a natural research area. The eighty-eight acres is home to the Lick Creek archaeological site. Long before white settlers arrived, this forest was home to a village inhabited by what is called the Oliver Phase people. They settled here around 1380 a. D. Excavations in the 1990s show there was an exterior wall built around a central plaza with home sites. Artifacts have been unearthed, and it is still possible to see where the original village stood.
There is a unique box shaped canyon located on the lands called Hemlock Cliffs. It is a popular place for hikers to take the mile long trails down into the cool, lush landscape. Along the way they pass rock shelters, sandstone formations, and seasonal waterfalls. The canyon's configuration encourages rare plants and lush vegetation to thrive.
For those with an interest in natural geological phenomena, Wesley Chapel Gulf will be of special interest. This is where the Lost River runs, and if you are standing in the right location, you can glimpse its subterranean path. In addition to the river, guests are always amazed by the myriad of swallow holes, sinkholes, and natural caves.
There is an abundance of wildlife to be observed and noted throughout the forest. Some of the species are endangered, such as two varieties of mussels and two varieties of bats. Most visitors see numerous deer, squirrel, opossum, fox, 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.
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.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest is a natural research area. The eighty-eight acres is home to the Lick Creek archaeological site. Long before white settlers arrived, this forest was home to a village inhabited by what is called the Oliver Phase people. They settled here around 1380 a. D. Excavations in the 1990s show there was an exterior wall built around a central plaza with home sites. Artifacts have been unearthed, and it is still possible to see where the original village stood.
There is a unique box shaped canyon located on the lands called Hemlock Cliffs. It is a popular place for hikers to take the mile long trails down into the cool, lush landscape. Along the way they pass rock shelters, sandstone formations, and seasonal waterfalls. The canyon's configuration encourages rare plants and lush vegetation to thrive.
For those with an interest in natural geological phenomena, Wesley Chapel Gulf will be of special interest. This is where the Lost River runs, and if you are standing in the right location, you can glimpse its subterranean path. In addition to the river, guests are always amazed by the myriad of swallow holes, sinkholes, and natural caves.
There is an abundance of wildlife to be observed and noted throughout the forest. Some of the species are endangered, such as two varieties of mussels and two varieties of bats. Most visitors see numerous deer, squirrel, opossum, fox, 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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You can find a summary of the benefits you get when you book horseback riding Hoosier National Forest tours at http://www.midwesttrailride.com/trail-maps right now.
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