The Equestrian Area
The Equestrian Center (part of Carlisle Reservation) facility has a concession building with a judging stand and bleacher seating plus seven miles of trails for you to trot on. The judging stand and arena may be reserved for horse shows. Call (440) 458-5121 for more information.
The Equestrian Area, just a bit further southwest from the Carlisle Visitor Center and Duck Pond Picninc Area on Nickel-Plate Diagonal Road, is not just for horses, although horse lovers find it a favorite place to ride. Easily recognized by an outdoor arena with stands and judge's stand, the area is strictly BYOH (Bring Your Own Horse) with trailer parking beside the arena. Once you’re saddled up there are over 6 miles of equestrian trails to follow through all kinds of terrain, and the arena itself is open for public use.
But you don’t need a horse to take full advantage of the equestrian area. Surrounding trails attract everyone from cross-country runners to dogsledders to the casual stroller. If you’re a serious stargazer you might be interested in the Nielsen Observatory right across the road from the equestrian arena. This facility has two large telescopes and offers programs year-round presented by the Black River Astronomical Society, as well as special programs for schools, scouts, and other groups. Click here for a program listing or call the Carlisle Visitor Center for more information.
Additional Equestrian/Bridle Trails
If you are looking for additional information on places to bring your horse and go horseback riding, please visit our Activities Page and check out the Horseback Riding section. There are several trails within the metro parks geared towards horseback riding, so bring your horse and enjoy the park! (Horses are not allowed on asphalt trails.) It is encouraged to check if there are any trail closures before bringing your horse as some trails are periodically closed for hunting season and/or routine trail maintenance. The parks listed below have equestrian/bridle trails:
Hours
8 a.m.-Sunset*
Daily