Equestrian Trails at Martin Area Park

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Equestrian Trails at Martin Area Park

Horse Trails at Martin's Access are closed annually from October 1 through May 31. Beginning in 2011, equestrian use at Martin's will be day-use only and trailer parking will limited to the entrance and south gate parking areas.

Horse Trails at Martin's Access

The CCCB asks that riders keep their horses ON THE TRAILS and roads. Horses are not permitted on trails during wet conditions. USE COMMON SENSE AND THE TRAILS WILL STAY OPEN! Riders that do not comply will be asked to leave, and may be assessed a $50 fine for each offense!

Martin Area Park (Martin's Access) includes five miles of marked horseback riding trails. Signs for the trails were purchased with a $250 grant from the Iowa Horse Council. New sections of trail are marked with orange flagging tape. Every effort has been made to reduce the need for riders to cross or utilize park roads. The trails wind through woodlands and prairies, crossing small streams and bringing riders near to the banks of the Little Sioux River. Riders will enjoy beautiful views and the quiet of birdsong and the wind in the trees. New culverts and water crossings installed in Fall 2008 have improved hazardous spots on trails. Additional crossings will be added as money and time permit.

Trailer access is located within the south gates, on higher ground, in a new parking area designated by split rail fence (signs to follow). Trailers may be parked at the original park entrance, where a trail head has been established, or in the new grass lot.

Due to the steep terrain and rare plant communities within the park, horses will not be permitted on trails during wet conditions, nor may they be ridden off-trail or on trails marked with "no horses" signs.

Martin's Access holds a special place in many local hearts, and a variety of park users spend time within the park, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, gathering wild foods, and sightseeing. In addition, very special and uncommon plant and wildlife communities exist at Martin's Access. To avoid conflict with hunters and to protect trail surfaces, trails are closed from October 1 through May 31, except for approved riding events.

In order to preserve these resources for future generations, trail riders are asked to follow the "Back Country Horsemen Commandments"

1. The horseman shall not keep horses longer than it takes to unpack or pack them in any campsite normally used by other park users.

2. The horseman shall not tie his stock directly to a tree.

3. The horseman shall not cut switchbacks.

4. The horseman shall not leave a fire unattended. (All fires in the park are restricted to designated steel fire rings in designated campsites.)

5. The horseman shall properly dispose of all manure, bailing twine, wire and waste hay in camp areas, trailheads or loading areas.

6. The horseman shall abide by administrative rules and regulations affecting the area he/she is in.

7. The horseman shall recognize the fragility of the back country environment and practice minimum impact techniques at all times.

CCCB staff members install the new entrance sign.

Return to the Martin Area Park description page by clicking here!

629 River Road, Cherokee, IA 51012. Phone: 712.225.6709