General Guidelines & Etiquette Tips

• Make sure your horse has the temperament and training for riding on public trails. Busy multi-use trails are not the proper place for schooling green horses.

• Advise other trail users of your horse's temperament, e.g., a horse with a tendency to kick should always wear a red ribbon on the tail or a stallion should wear a yellow ribbon. Assume that not everyone will know what these ribbons mean, so be prepared to explain or take the necessary precautions to avoid trouble.

• Dogs must be kept on a leash from April 15 through July 31 to protect nesting birds and under owner voice or leash control at all other times.

• Move to the right to allow faster trail users to pass.

• Announce your intentions to pass other trail users and reduce speed in order to pass safely. Pass on the left only.

• Move to the side of the trail if you begin experiencing behavior problems.

• Stay on equestrian approved trails.

• As a courtesy to others in your group, use appropriate hand signals for turning, slowing, etc., and give verbal warning for dangers on the trail (e.g., holes, low branches).

• Remember that other trail users may not be familiar with horses or their reactions to new experiences. Your horse may be another trail user’s introduction to horses; what you do is a reflection of the horse community. Cheerfully answer questions about your horse. You are an ambassador for the entire equestrian community.

• Do not clean out your trailer in the parking area.

• On multiple use trails, step off the trail (if possible) if your horse needs to relieve himself or kick the droppings off the trail.

• Approach and pass other trail users with care--you are obligated to yield to all other trail users. When approaching from behind, announce yourself (and the number of other cyclists in your group) well in advance so that you do not startle other trail users. Reduce speed in order to pass safely. Pass horses as far to the left as possible to avoid unintentional contact. Red ribbons in a horse's tail are an indication that it may kick if approached too closely from behind.

• Stay on approved bicycle trails.

• Obey posted speed/gait limits and use common sense in crowded areas.

• Approach blind curves with caution--assume someone is coming in the opposite direction.

• Dogs must be kept on a leash from April 15 through July 31 to protect nesting birds and under owner voice or leash control at all other times.

• Use the appropriate hand signals for turning, stopping, etc.

• Should your approach cause a horse to spook or become frightened, be considerate and stop. Wait for the rider to tell you that it is okay to pass.

• Be a positive reflection of the local cycling community.

• Stay to the right of the trail--pass on the left.

• Always yield to equestrians.

• If you wish to approach a horse, ask the rider for guidance.

• Announce yourself when overtaking other trail users.

• When hiking/jogging with a dog, obey posted leash regulations. Keep a short leash on your dog when passing (or being passed by) horses, cyclists, or other pedestrians. Remember that your dog may frighten other trail users, and they may be unsure how to pass safely.

• Dogs must be kept on a leash from April 15 through July 31 to protect nesting birds and under owner voice or leash control at all other times.

EQUESTRIAN TRAILS

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve has long been regarded among horse riding enthusiasts as one of the most beautiful destinations in the Midwest. The Reserve offers approximately 37 miles of riding trails.  The Reserve shares a border with Wildcat Mountain State Park to the north with its 15 miles of horse trails.

Located between La Farge and Ontario in southwestern Wisconsin, the Reserve is in the heart of the driftless region, an area unique in that it was untouched by glacial drift. The trails that wind their way through the Reserve pass beneath towering limestone-capped sandstone rock outcroppings that overlook the Kickapoo River and its tributaries. Ascents and descents are numerous as the trail takes you over the valley's deeply carved terrain. Opportunities abound to observe wildlife along the trail as it stretches from the lush valley floor to the high ridges with their awe-inspiring vistas. Old growth pine, short grass prairie remnants, and Cambrian era plant relicts are just a few of the unique features to be found in the Reserve.

Primitive camp areas are available on the Reserve that are accessible to vehicles with horse trailers. Willow and Mule camp areas, located north of La Farge off of State Highway 131, are traditional favorites for horse and mule riders. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. All visitors are required to obtain a camping and/or visitor's permit. Permits are available at the Reserve Visitor Center and thirteen self-registration stations on the Reserve.

Wildcat Mountain State Park offers 24 campsites that accommodate horse trailers with campers. Reservations are required. Additional trail passes are required for riders entering the State Park trail system. Numerous accommodations can be found in the neighboring villages of La Farge and Ontario, as well as the popular community of Rockton - a long time favorite destination among trail riders.

When planning your visit to the Reserve, please consider the following:

• The trail season runs from May 1 to November 15 in both the Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State Park.
• All visitors are required to obtain a Visitor’s Permit for the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.
• All trail riders must stay on the designated trails!
• Trails are subject to closure due to wet conditions. Call ahead about current conditions - (608) 625-2960.
• Remember that the terrain is challenging, so plan your route accordingly to avoid overworking your mount or yourself.
• Highways and roads run in and along the Reserve.  Be cautious and courteous.  Maintain a single file line and watch for oncoming traffic. When crossing bridges, it is usually safest to dismount and lead your horse.
• Pack it in; pack it out! Leaving litter or trash in or around the Reserve is unacceptable.

Regardless of the time of year, the Reserve is one of the most beautiful tracts of land in all of the Midwest. Starting with the massed color displays of spring wildflowers, through the dense green, almost tropical growth of mid-summer, and culminating with the brilliant autumn hues of hardwood timber, the scenery of the Reserve is compelling enough to find you wanting to return to the Valley time and time again.