New equestrian trails open in Conover

Eight miles of new, single-track horse trails have been added to the equestrian trail system. 

The new trails can be accessed from the River Road Equestrian Campground, a Vilas County campground in Conover. 

The added trails increase the total equestrian system to almost 30 miles.

Project coordinators Mary Rasmussen and Gail Schwenn from the local Saddle Club said the venture was made possible through Wisconsin State Horse Council grants, private donations, and volunteer labor. 

With the new trails opening in June, there was a significant increase in overnight and day use at the River Road Equestrian Campground. 

The campground has already had multiple weekends at full capacity and fall horseback riding is now in its prime.

The project included the development of a comprehensive trail map based on an intersection numbering system, corresponding with on-the-ground trail markers and directional arrows, making it a user-friendly system. 

The Northland Pines High School Fab Lab students manufactured the trail signs.

The River Road Equestrian Campground includes eight campsites, horse pens, highline ties, bathrooms, a water pump, and a day-use parking area. Campsites can be reserved through Vilas County.

As part of the equestrian trail system, the Town of Conover has a trailhead located in the town park that accesses signed trails in the Pioneer Creek trail unit. 

Town facilities include day-use parking for horse trailers, an informational kiosk, and a hitching post.

The club offers fun rides for members to participate in, fundraising efforts, and trail maintenance while working to promote and improve county equestrian facilities and trails. 

Anyone interested in joining the Landover Saddle Club should email landoversaddleclub@gmail.com. For reservations at River Road Equestrian Campground, contact Vilas County at www.vilascountywi.gov/visitors or call 715-479-3600.