Kansas Horse Council

      
      
      

East Lake Trails

INFORMATION REGARDING HARVEY COUNTY EAST LAKE HORSE TRAIL

 Name:  Circle H Horse Trail, Located at Harvey County East Lake

Directions:  From I-135 & First Street in Newton, go east on First Street approximately 5 miles to East Lake Road (black top road).  Turn North and go approx 1 ½ miles to trail entrance.  You will pass East Lake entrance and there is only 1 mile of black top.    There are signs to this entrance.  Follow the drive to the parking area & trail head.  This area is well off the road providing safety for both riders & horses.    The Osage Nature Trail is near by and is for hikers only.  No horses are allowed.

Facilities:  This is only a day parking and trail use area.  There is a pay station located in the parking area, or you can go to the bait shop at East Lake to obtain permits. 

Length & terrain:  The trail covers approximately 2 miles along the creek and in the trees.  At present, we are unable to cross the creek for a loop back to the trail head,  therefore it is necessary to backtrack on the same trail.  Approval to complete the trail completely around the lake has been received, and as time and manpower becomes available, this will be done.   The trail has been marked with ribbons, but due to ice storms this winter, may not be easily visible.  The park rangers keep the areas mowed and this makes the trails easy to follow.  While not a long trail, you can easily spend 2 hours just enjoying the area.

The terrain is very easy – no shoes are needed.  There are a couple of wide bridges to cross; well built and sturdy.    This trail is an excellent place to take a young horse for training or just to leg up a horse in preparation for the showing season.  The trail has a mix of open areas as well as “head to tail” among the trees.  Some areas are off limits to horses at present, so riders are asked to stay on the trail. 

The Osage Nature Trail has now been opened to horse back riding which has extended the length of the trails at Harvey County East Lake.  Signs are posted regarding this addition, which includes instructions that horses are not allowed on the hard surface path.

Contact:  Harvey County East Lake – 316 283 5420

            KHC Member: Pat Jackson 316 282 2616 – sugarcandy@earthlink.net

Fees:   Daily Permits: $3.00 per rider – Harvey County

                                                $5.00 per rider – Non-County

            Annual Permits:          $25.00 per rig – Harvey County

                                                $35.00 per rig – Non-County

            (note – the annual permits are PER RIG – therefore no matter how many riders/horses come in one rig (trailer) – the annual permit covers all riders. 

The trails are open year round with the exception of a period from mid-November to January when controlled hunting is allowed in this area.  Also heavy rains could cause the trails to be closed to help prevent erosion and damage.  Call Harvey County East Lake if you have any question about the trails being closed. 

We welcome all horse people to come and try out this trail.  If you are looking to get away for a couple of hours to ride, then come to the Circle H Horse Trail in Harvey County; or bring your grill, cook-out and spend the day!!

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Kansas Horse Council 
8831 Quail Lane Suite 201, Manhattan, KS 66502
785-776-0662
Questions?? Send an e-mail to office@kansashorsecouncil.com