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Horseback Riding at Raccoon Creek State Park

16 miles of equestrian trails

Multi-use trails and roads provide horseback riders with an extensive bridle trail system. The equestrian trailhead parking lot is along PA 168 on the western border of the park. Access to the trail system is from the parking lot via the Appaloosa Spur Trail.

There are no horse rentals.

Multi-Use Trails

11 miles, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking permitted

Appaloosa Trail

3 miles, yellow blazes

This main equestrian trail can be accessed via the equestrian parking lot off of PA 168 and the connecting Appaloosa Spur Trail. The trail winds along rolling forested hills of maples, oaks, hickory, and cherry.

The trail passes an old homestead and spring house. Connector Trail 4 (hiking only) leads to the Pioneer backpacking campsites, Connector Trail 5 (multi-use) leads to the Pioneer Group Tenting areas and Pioneer Camp Road.

Appaloosa Spur

0.7 mile, yellow blazes

This trail connects the Equestrian Trailhead parking lot on PA 168 to the Appaloosa Trail.

Buckskin Trail

1 mile, yellow blazes

Beginning and ending on Nichol Road, Buckskin Trail loops through a mixed forest with deciduous and evergreen trees.

Nichol Road

3.5 miles

This trail serves as the gateway to most of the trails in the western section of the park. From Doak Field to Pioneer Road, Nichol Road is considered a trail since it is rougher than the road sections. Several loops of varying lengths can be created using Nichol Road and connecting trails.

Palomino Trail

1.1 miles, yellow blazes

Palomino Trail follows an old roadbed for most of its length. It begins and ends on Nichol Road.

Pinto Loop

1.7 miles, yellow blazes

Pinto Loop Trail has very little elevation change. The wide path passes through a mix of forest meadows. These features make it an excellent cross-country skiing trail.

Pioneer Camp Road

0.7 mile

Pioneer Camp Road connects Nichol Road to the Pioneer Group Tenting Sites. Rider’s Ridge picnic area is near the intersection of Pioneer Camp and Nichol roads.