Horseback Riding at Little River Canyon National Preserve

Two visitors riding horseback in our backcountry.

NPS / Matt Switzer

Welcome horseback riders! Little River Canyon National Preserve welcomes you to bring your horse and ride on the open numbered roads in the backcountry of the Wildlife Management Area). Approximately 23 miles of dirt, chert and gravel roads are available for you to ride on. The area is beautiful with lots of natural wildlife, edible seasonal fruits (do NOT eat anything you cannot positively identify), and creek crossings. No fee or permit is required for individual riders. Permits may apply for organized group rides.

BE AWARE: The roads are shared with licensed 4-wheel drive vehicles, bicycles and hikers. Hunting is allowed in this area. For your safety, please check gun hunt dates before you plan a ride in the Wildlife Management Area. Black bear are also in this area.

As a visitor to the Preserve you are required to follow certain rules designed to ensure the health and safety of everyone and to promote a pleasant and rewarding backcountry experience. We all have a responsibility to respect the environment.

• Be courteous and help preserve the roads by leaving no trace of your traveling. Please help up keep the Preserve free of litter.
• Try to avoid wet or muddy roads. Save them for dry times.
• Stay on open numbered roads.
• Do not collect or disturb any plants, animals, rocks, or cultural artifacts.You can eat the fruit, but don't damage the plants.
• Avoid tying horses within 100 feet of any water source.
• This is a flood zone.
• Camping is NOT allowed in the Preserve.

PARKING

Hunters Check Station

From Highway 35 (You will see a sign "Hunters Check Station") turn onto Cherokee County Road 103. Turn into the first parking lot on your left. Unload your horse and start riding down Road 01. Horses are allowed to go around the gate.

DeKalb County Road 295 Parking Lot

From Highway 35 turn onto DeKalb County Road 295. Just past the sharp turn, there will be a gravel parking lot on your RIGHT. Unload your horse and continue on Road 05.