EMPORIUM – In an effort to further safeguard natural resources and enhance the experience of all recreational users, officials with the Elk State Forest have been working to connect, expand and improve the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail in Elk County.
Since its inception in 1994, the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail has become increasingly popular with horseback riders, hikers and bicycle riders and year-round use of the trail system has grown tremendously.
The state forest officials are taking steps on the non-motorized, shared-use trail to better accommodate horses, bicycles and hikers while addressing equestrian impact that includes: users developing trails on state and private lands without permission; soil erosion; safety concerns; group and commercial riding without required agreements; and trespassing reported by private land owners.
The state forest officials are trying to provide all visitors with a quality outdoor experience and conserve forestlands for sustainable use, both now and in the future.