Equestrian Trails at Martin Area Park

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Equestrian Trails at Martin Area Park

July 23, 2007

Horse Trails Open at Martin's Access!

Martin Area Park (Martin's Access) now includes three 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. Challenges such as steep trails or water crossings are indicated at trail heads.

Trailer access is limited at Martin's. Trailers may be parked at the entrance, where a new trail head has been established, or in one of the first two camping areas within the park. The entrance road is steep.

Due to the steep terrain, 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. Future development of equestrian camping, picnicking and additional riding areas is planned.

While there are no fees to ride at Martin's Access, the County Conservation Board is asking trail riders to fill out a short registration located at the park entrance, indicating the number of riders and where they came from. This information will help staff build financial and political support for additional equestrian development, and is vital to the success of the horse trail program!

In addition, the CCCB has the opportunity to purchase 80 acres adjacent to Martin's Access where the focus of campground and trail development will be equestrian use! Individuals and organizations interested in helping to raise funds or provide services or materials for acquiring and developing this new amenity should contact the Conservation Board Director immediately. Every local donation helps bring in grants from outside sources!

Martin's Access holds a special place in many local hearts, and a variety of park users spend time within the park, camping, hiking, gathering wild foods, and sightseeing. In addition, very special and uncommon plant and wildlife communities exist at Martin's Access. 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 Chad Brown (left) and Matt Peterson 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 Fax 712.225.6707