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Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a popular form of outdoor recreation in Illinois. IDNR comprises 44% of the total miles of equestrian trails in the state (from the Illinois Recreation Facilities Inventory). Currently there are 46 IDNR sites that provide equestrian facilities. 

The general statewide season is April 15th to October 31st. Horseback riding may be open year around at some sites depending on terrain. Users should call ahead for exact trail status and availability of equestrian facilities. 

Region Site Equestrian Camping Horse Trails (Miles)
1 Argyle Lake State Park Yes 7
1 Big River State Forest Yes 68
2 Chain O' Lakes State Park No 9
3 Clinton Lake State Recreation Area No 10
5 Crawford County State Fish & Wildlife Area No 10
2
 Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area No 12
5 Ferne Clyffe State Park Yes 15
3
 Fox Ridge State Park No 5
1 Franklin Creek State Natural Area Yes 6
5 Giant City State Park Yes 12
1 Green River State Wildlife Area Yes 10
5 Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area No 8
1 Hennepin Canal State Trail Yes 73.6
4 Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area Yes 26
1 Jubilee College State Park Yes 25
2 Kankakee River State Park Yes 12
4 Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area No 8
3 Kickapoo State Recreation Area No 6
1 Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area Yes 8
1 Lowden-Miller State Forest No 6
1 Matthiessen State Park Yes 11
3 Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area Yes 35
3 Moraine View State Recreation Area Yes 13
1 Morrison Rockwood State Park Yes 14
5 Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area No 22
4 Pere Marquette State Park No 18
1 Putnam County (c/o Donnelly State Fish & Wildlife Area) Yes 3
5 Pyramid State Recreation Area Yes 14
5 Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area Yes 13
4 Randolph County State Recreation Area Yes 11.6
5 Red Hills State Park Yes 5
5 Rend Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area No 8
1 Rock Cut State Park Yes 11.5
5 Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area Yes 4
5 Sam Dale Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area No 8.5
5 Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area No 13
4 Sand Ridge State Forest Yes 40
4 Sangchris Lake State Recreation Area Yes 20
4 Siloam Springs State Park Yes 23
2 Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area No 7
5 Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area Yes 15
5 Trail of Tears State Forest No 17
4 Turkey Bluffs State Fish & Wildlife Area No 6.2
5 Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area No 9
4 Weinberg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area Yes 24
3 Wolf Creek State Park Yes 16