Horseback Riding in Brown County State Park

Whether you’re planning a relaxed, guided ride or hauling in your own horses for a weekend on the trails, Brown County State Park is the heart of horseback riding in southern Indiana. With nearly 70 miles of bridle trails, a dedicated Horsemen’s Campground, and the long-running Saddle Barn offering guided rides, the park has become a top destination for both casual riders and experienced trail users alike.

I grew up riding horses and spent many weekends in the Horseman’s Camp here at the Brown County State Park. Now that I live locally, I keep a close eye on updates—from trail conditions to seasonal operations—to help other visitors get the most out of their trip.

With part of the park still recovering from the tornado that swept through in May 2025, and some horsemen’s campsites closed indefinitely, knowing where to go (and what your options are) makes all the difference.

So I’ve pulled it all together for you in this post—what’s open, what’s closed, what to expect, where to ride, and how to decide if this experience is right for your group, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trail rider. 

Brown County State Park Saddle Barn

For visitors without their own horses or anyone just looking for a relaxed, scenic ride, the Brown County State Park Saddle Barn is the place to start.  It’s located at the north end of the park, near the Lower Shelterhouse, and is a seasonal operation that’s typically open from March through early November.

The Saddle Barn is run by an independent contractor within the park. It offers several different options for riding, depending on your age and skill level, including guided horseback trail rides, pony rides, and even hayrides during the warmer months.

NOTE: The cost of activities at the Saddle Barn are in addition to the vehicle park entrance fee.

Guided Trail Rides from the Saddle Barn

If you’re new to horses, or just looking for a solid introduction to trail riding in the park, check out the two guided trail ride options available at the Saddle Barn:

• 2.2-Mile Ride (about 35 minutes): $25 cash / $26 card
• 3.3-Mile Ride (about 60 minutes): $35 cash / $36 card

All rides are first-come, first-served—no reservations are accepted—so arriving early is your best bet, especially on the weekend.

Weather permitting (they do not ride if it’s raining), the Saddle Barn is open 10a to 6p, with the last ride leaving at 5p, and closed on Tuesdays.

Rider Requirements

Before heading out, here’s what to know:

• Riders must be at least:
  • 7 years old for the 2.2 mile ride
  • 12 years old for the 3.3 mile ride
• No double riding is allowed
• Weight limit is 240 lbs, and is strictly enforced for safety and insurance reasons
• Riders must be able to mount with minimal assistance and sit unassisted for the full ride
• Pants and closed-toe shoes are highly recommended, and helmets are provided and mandatory for anyone under 18.
• No backpacks, purses, etc (aka anything that’s “wrapped or strapped” to you is NOT allowed on the ride) 
• Cell phones should be silenced and securely stored for the duration of your ride.

Basically, you’ll want to dress for comfort and safety (both your safety, and the horses). Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended.

Weather & Safety

Guided trail rides are available seasonally (generally from the third week of March to the second week of November) and operate in all safe weather conditions. If the weather becomes unsafe, like in rain or storms, rides may be canceled or rescheduled.

Also, in cases of high heat (when temperature + humidity exceed 150), rides may be slowed or paused to protect the horses’ well-being. 

For up-to-date details and status updates, check the Saddle Barn Facebook page or call 812-379-8545. More information is also available on their website.

Pony Rides & Hayrides

If you’ve got little ones under the trail ride age minimum, the Saddle Barn also offers guided pony rides for children ages 2–7. These are short, hand-led rides and a great way to introduce kids to horses in a safe environment. Pony Rides are $5/lap cash or $6/lap card.

There are also weekend hayrides that run Friday and Saturday evenings (April through October), weather permitting. Hayrides leave from the Country Store at the Campground entrance, starting at 7:30 pm (they do make multiple trips). Tickets are $5 per person (cash only).

Horseback Riding with Your Own Horse at Brown County State Park

For those with their own horses, Brown County State Park is one of the top riding destinations in the Midwest. With over 70 miles of designated bridle trails, it offers a variety of terrain, from easy loops to long, technical ridges that connect into the Hoosier National Forest and Yellowwood State Forest. 

Whether you’re in for a weekend ride or planning a longer backcountry trip, there’s a lot to explore, but a few important things to know first.

Horse Trails in Brown County State Park

Horse trails are marked with letters (A–J) and numbers (1–18). The wide lettered trails are the main routes, and many can be ridden two abreast. Numbered trails are narrower and require single-file riding. 

Most trails loop in and out of the Horseman’s Camp and range in length from under a mile to 10+ miles. Trail markers are always on the right side when riding out from the camp, and on the left when returning, which makes it easier to stay oriented.

You can download or view both official maps here:

• Horse Trail Map PDF
• Overall Brown County State Park Map (does not show horse trail details)

Highlights include:

• Trail A: A 6.5-mile loop passing Weed Patch Hill and the park fire tower. A good middle-of-the-road ride.
• Trail B & C: These connect to form longer, more advanced loops with steep grades and creek crossings.
• Trail D: Extends into the Hoosier National Forest — part of a cooperative trail network.
• Trail G: Once extended to Yellowwood Lake, but currently ends about 2 miles short due to a bridge closure.

All trails are natural surface and can be muddy or slick depending on the weather. Some are steep and narrow, and it’s not uncommon to see hikers on shared paths near the edges of the park. 

NOTE: The horse trail network is primarily based around the Horsemen’s Campground, which sits at the south end of the park, a full 3.5+ miles from the north entrance and Saddle Barn area. 

The two trail systems (bridle vs Saddle Barn) are NOT connected to one another, so if you’re planning a group trip with both guided and self-led riders, you’ll want to note the distance between the areas.

2025 Tornado Damage & Trail Access Updates

In May 2025, a tornado caused significant damage to the Horsemen’s Campground (you can view a video of the damage here), especially the electric loop and trail areas nearby. As of August 2025, here’s what’s open and closed:

✅ Open:

• Most horse trails are open, although some may remain inaccessible due to tree damage or debris
• Primitive horse campsites
• Sites 89 through 107 in the electric loop
• Vault toilets and water hydrants for campers using those sites

A small $4 nightly discount is applied to the reopened electric sites to account for the lack of a functioning shower house.

❌ Still Closed:

• Most electric campsites – Campers with reservations for sites that remain closed will be automatically refunded and notified.
• Shower house at the Horsemen’s Campground
• Some horse trails may remain inaccessible due to tree damage or debris

Be sure to check the Brown County State Park website (under ‘Alerts’), the campground reservation site, or the Park Facebook page for the most current updates before your visit.

Horse Tags & Day Use Info

Whether you’re riding for the day or staying overnight, each horse must have a Horse Tag to access DNR-managed trails:

• Daily Horse Tag: $5
• Annual Horse Tag: $20 (good through Dec. 31 of the year issued)

Tags are available for purchase at the park gate, online through the Indiana DNR website, or by calling DNR Customer Service Center at (317) 232-4200.

Make sure you keep proof of your tag with you while riding—Conservation Officers do check, and fines can apply if you’re caught on the trail without one.

NOTE: Horse tags are required in addition to the vehicle park entrance fee.

One other note: these permits are good at any Indiana DNR property that allows horses, not just Brown County State Park. If you’re planning to explore Yellowwood or other state-managed areas while you’re here, the annual tag is well worth it.

Other Horseback Riding in Brown County

While the Brown County State Park is the most well-known riding destination in the area, it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for a different kind of ride—or if the Saddle Barn is full—there are other places nearby worth considering:

Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides

Located in the northern part of the county near Morgantown, Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides offers guided trail rides through wooded terrain and creek crossings in a quieter, more personal setting. All rides are scheduled in advance, and longer ride options are available.

One notable difference: Grandpa Jeff’s allows riders up to 300 lbs, making this a more accessible option for groups that may not meet the State Park’s 240 lb limit.

Yellowwood State Forest

If you’re bringing your own horse and want a more remote, less-developed riding experience, Yellowwood State Forest has it’s own extensive horse trail system, including some trails that connect with the State Park’s horse trails.

An Indiana Horse Tag is still required, but there’s no separate park entrance fee.

Hoosier National Forest & Charles C. Deam Wilderness

For backcountry riders, Hoosier National Forest and the Charles C. Deam Wilderness offer 200+ miles of multi-use trails, but you’ll need to bring your own horse and carry a federal trail permit. Some trails connect directly into the State Park from the south.

Looking for more details?
For full trail descriptions, pricing, permit info, and side-by-side comparisons of each option, check out my complete guide to horseback riding in Brown County. It covers everything you need to know to decide where to ride based on your group, experience level, and schedule.

Before You Ride: What to Know About the State Park Trails

If it’s your first time riding at Brown County State Park, a few quick reminders can make your visit smoother:

The Saddle Barn and Horsemen’s Campground are not connected

The Saddle Barn sits at the north end of the park, while the bridle trail network is based around the Horsemen’s Campground on the south end—more than 3.5 miles apart by road. If you’re planning a group trip with both guided and bring-your-own riders, you’ll need to account for this distance.

Park entry fees are separate

The vehicle entrance fee applies to all park visitors, even if you’re just coming for a Saddle Barn ride. Horseback activities (trail rides, pony rides, camping) are charged separately, so be prepared for both.

Be alert on the trails

Most bridle trails in the State Park are for horses only, but you may still encounter the occasional hiker near shared access points. Keep your horse under control, communicate clearly, and yield where needed—especially on hills, switchbacks, or narrow paths.

Horseback Riding is Just the Beginning at the Brown County State Park

If you’re looking for a way to experience Brown County State Park beyond the scenic drives and popular overlooks, horseback riding is one of the best ways to do it. With nearly 70 miles of bridle trails, forested ridgelines, creek crossings, and a dedicated horsemen’s campground, this park is built for riders.

Whether you’re joining a short Saddle Barn ride or hauling in your own horses for the weekend, the trail network here gives you space to slow down and really explore the hills.

Want more ideas for your trip? Check out my complete Brown County State Park guide for hiking trails, scenic drives, hidden spots, and other tips to make the most of your visit.