Collocations: Outdoors in Indiana 6: Crooked Creek Trails

In last week’s article, I mentioned that Tippecanoe State Park has bridle trails and a horse camp (“Outdoors in Indiana,” November 2, 2007). Sadly, I am one of the many MC students who does not own my own horse, and so I was unable to take advantage of those opportunities. However, an employee of Tippecanoe State Park recommended that I check out Crooked Creek Trails.

Crooked Creek Trails Horseback Riding is in Cass County on W CR 250 N, just over an hour’s drive from campus. According to their website, http://www.crookedcreektrails.com/ , Crooked Creek was established by Luke and Jan Riley and their friend, Gene Ohrt “around 20 years ago (it’s hard to say… time flies when you’re having fun!)”

“We started this ‘business’ because we knew that good, public riding facilities are hard to find,” say the Crooked Creek founders. “With the hustle and bustle of most peoples’ lives these days, we’ve made it our goal to make this the perfect place to relax.”

That was certainly my experience. I went on a 1-hour guided trail ride around their property. My horse’s name was Starbuck, a handsome fellow full of energy. We wound around the trails on the property, passing beautiful scenery that included streams, forested areas, and a small lake.

A light drizzle began to fall about halfway through the ride, but no one in the group was bothered in the least. The guide asked if we wanted to return to the stables, and a resounding “No!” was the answer. What is a little bit of rain to a person riding a horse as handsome, gentle, and responsive as Starbuck while surrounded by the luminous colors of fall?

Crooked Creek Trails offers 30-minute and 1-hour trail rides at the cost of $15 and $20 per person, respectively.

They also offer Moonlight Rides from May through November for $25. These rides, offered only to riders over 18, start at approximately 9:00 p.m. on nights with a full (or almost full) moon; the last one of 2007 is scheduled for November 24th (the Saturday of MC’s Thanksgiving Break). Groups of 10 or more with reservations receive a 10% discount.

If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, then you’re already trying to figure out the details involved in getting a carpool of MC students together on the evening of the 24th.

Crooked Creek also offers “Outfitter Rides” for groups of five or more; these rides last from roughly 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and wind through the forests of the Tippecanoe River, Potato Creek, and Brown Country State Parks, the Francis Slocum SRA, or the Harrison Crawford State Forest. Prices vary based upon the location of the ride and the number of riders in your group.

Riders under six years of age cannot ride horses alone, but can either ride tandem with a parent or go on a pony ride. Hayrides are also available for groups of 12 or more.

The proprietors of Crooked Creek were kind enough to extend a 20% student discount for MC students who bring in the accompanying coupon; I strongly recommend all of you to take advantage of this opportunity.

Guided tours are available year-round, seven days a week; however, it is necessary to call ahead to schedule rides on weekdays. Crooked Creek Trails can be contacted by calling (574) 643-9395 or by emailing trailguide@crookedcreektrails.com.

Remember, the world is right outside your door… Let’s go!