16 MIDWEST HORSE SOURCE
MAY/JUNE 2012
Day Tripper...
ons within an easy driv e from home. Trail Ride destinati by Julie Kneip
Location: Trails: Fees: Amenities:
48W524 Jericho Rd., Big Rock, IL Turf, dirt & crushed limestone/gravel None - Kane County Paved Parking, latrines
ig Rock is an 842 Acre preserve located just 3.5 miles west of Route 47 and part of the Kane B County Forest Preserve system. This is a fairly new acquisition of Kane County's but there is no indication of exactly how long it has been open to the public. It does have paved parking in two separate lots and the standard latrines at each. One of the pluses here is that it is at the confluence of two waterways; Welch Creek and the Big Rock Creek. Water, water, everywhere but the only place I
Julie Kneip resides in St. Charles. She is a long time member of Fox Valley Saddle Association in Hampshire, IL, currently serving on the board of directors. A life long horsewoman, her equestrian experiences include western pleasure, speed, jumping and dressage. She also had a commercial driving business with teams of Belgians and Warmbloods doing parades, private parties and weddings. Currently she can be found enjoying a little Arab mare, “Breezy,” out on the trails of Northern Illinois at every opportunity.
Big Rock Forest Preserve
found potable water was on the Map Legend. I never leave home, though, without a container of water in the trailer. I just use an inexpensive five gallon container, but it has come in handy not only when there is no water available but on occasion the water is a good hike from the trailer parking. Also, some horses hesitate to drink 'strange' water and having water from home will increase the probability that they will stay well hydrated while you're away. I found there was a good mix here of woods and prairie trails - flat for the most part. While much of it was turf, I found there was enough limestone and gravel that I would not ride there without a shod horse. Depending on the time of year, you should find an abundance of wildflowers. I saw a number of hikers, mostly by Siegler Lake, an old quarry where there was quite a bit of activity. Fishing is permitted. There is a
Highlight of the ride...a suspension bridge! trail all the way around the lake with pretty views, and a couple of concrete bridges but for the most part the trail is gravel. As near as I can tell from the maps and the sparse signage, horses are allowed around the lake. While the preserve does have over 800 acres of land, if you look at the map, it is a strange configuration. It was obviously obtained piece by piece over time and includes some designated wet land and natural areas. There is a good sized piece on the south side of Jericho Rd., but there is no access to it and no trails. The vast majority of the acreage is undeveloped and there are approximately 3.41 miles of maintained trails. Signage was slim to non-existent, making staying on the marked trail very difficult. There are two good sized paved parking areas, but no specifically designated equestrian parking. But there was a specific reason I was attracted to this forest preserve. I had heard there was a suspension bridge over the creek. I have been over a lot of things, but never a suspension bridge, so being of the adventurous sort, I couldn't wait to give it a try. This isn't like a swinging little bridge in the jungle that sways from side to side; far from it. I'm guessing it was about 100' + long, so it was quite a wide span, but the footing was very sturdy and secure with sides high and solid enough that a horse wouldn't attempt to go over them. My little mare was thinking “no way Jose’” when I first walked her up to it, but I took my time and just when I started thinking I might have to dismount and lead her over it the first time, she took her first step. Generally speaking, that first step will determine your continued success or lack thereof! She found it hard and sturdy and didn't seem to mind the noise of her hoof on the surface. The first step was quickly followed by the next and we continued without any hesitation on her part although she was on full alert every step of the way. I think she could feel it moving slightly, but I didn't. When I asked her for a whoa midbridge so I could snap a couple of pictures, she didn't think stopping at this point was a very good idea and clearly her plan to was to get off this thing as quickly as possible. Drivers - I think you will find enough trails mowed and wide enough for driving and the bridge will accommodate at least a pony cart. I would definitely go take a gander before you go, because there is little room to drive without crossing the bridge. It depends how adventurous you are. It may take some years before this becomes a destination ride, but if you want the challenge of a bridge, this is certainly the spot. Whether you get a group together and organize a ride and picnic, or maybe you prefer to just enjoy your horse on the trails alone - get out there! We have so many wonderful places to ride with awesome trails - go find your favorite!