Two of Wisconsin’s best horseback riding trails are located off County Trunk C in Homestead, Wis. Horse trails and camps are maintained by Northern Saddle Club in conjunction with Florence County’s Forestry and Parks Department.

FLORENCE, Wis. — Northern Saddle Club, a family-oriented trail riding club in Florence County, has made improvements at the Bush Lake Flats and Hall’s Creek equestrian trails.

The work was aided by matching grants from the Wisconsin Horse Council and includes new trails and trail markers, a map, and improved highway signage. The WHC grants were matched with volunteer hours, equipment usage, club funds and other types of donations.

Club volunteers in cooperation with the Florence County Forestry and Parks Department have been involved in making improvements to the trail system and map for the past two years.

The trail system is located on county property managed both for timber and recreation and has been impacted by harvesting. With the cuttings, the landscape unveiled possibilities to establish new trails through the forest, club members said.

Hall’s Creek has many changes, including a spectacular overlook of the flowage just a short hike from the trailhead. Nicknamed “Sunset Rock” it’s a place to watch sunsets or see the northern lights.

In addition, several new rustic trails were added, including one that winds alongside the picturesque flowage; a single tract with hills that follows Hall’s Creek, and a ridge trail where wildlife can be observed below.

Bush Lake Flats has added several trails, from single-track to roads. This managed forest has plenty of wildlife and the newly added miles provide opportunities for both short or long rides.

There is also a connector trail that goes between the two trailheads that wasn’t forgotten. A new trail meanders through an old growth hardwood forest as well as an aspen regeneration. There are several options for distance.

Florence County Forestry and Parks Department has created an interactive map that can be easily downloaded with a QR code to a smart phone, enabling riders to find their way through the 30-plus miles of trails. New and consistent signage has been added, with clearly marked intersections and confidence markers.

Florence County Highway Department has installed road signs giving big-rig horse trailers time to slow down for turns onto Halls Creek Dam Road and Fire Tower Road. Caution signs for horse crossings were also installed on County Trunk C.

Along with thanking county agencies, the club expressed its appreciation to non-members who volunteered both their time and equipment.

Over the winter, updates will be added to the club’s website, northernsaddleclub.org, as well as a national website, trailmeister.com, and at exploreflorencecounty.com.

For more on the Wisconsin Horse Council, go to www.wisconsinhorsecouncil.org.

Northern Saddle Club will have its annual meeting and potluck Saturday, Jan. 11, which is open to the public. Go to northernsaddleclub.org or call 906-396-7457 for details.