Carla St Myers's Page

I will be at www.truewestcampground.com from 9/15/09, till 9/22/09.
I will be overseeing the campground for a week, if anyone gets a chance,
to come over call me at 931-752-8272
Ron

I think it was July 2005 when we looked at Camp Creek. We walked back there to the horse camp. I don't remember the creek crossing the road way but I do remember things being tight and simple. We certainly don't want to trailer horses that far for nothing special.

The Smokies have rules for horseback riders (as most State parks do). Since the Appalachian Trail takes so long to get to, we trailered into the park from the cabin. We rode 3 hours up (not steep, slow steady climbing) and 3 hours down. There is an open field at the top called Spence's Field (I think). We had a picnic lunch there. . awesome. We were up to 5,000 feet (someone had a GPS) and rode the applachian trail which is riding a ridge top looking out at gorgeous scenery. We stayed at Gilbertson's Lazy Horse Retreat. There is a new campground that has opened up just down the same road. It is called Orchard Cove. We took a driving trip to see if over the 1st this year. Very nice barns and a beautiful set up. Some friends are going there at the end of this month. I'm waiting to see what they think.

I don't think you will be disappointed with any of the horse trails at the Smokies. Panther Creek is my favorite. The trail follows a large winding creek. Stunning! This is the time of year to go. .while it is hot and the days are long. It was in the 90's and hot when we went (June). As we went higher on the trails, I had to put on a long sleeved shirt. Amazing!

Your trailering tips are what I have heard from others as well. I agree it is probably safer for all involved to keep them rolling.

Thanks for the info on Camp Creek. We stopped to check out the camp sites while visiting family (no horses). I saw what you mean about the campgrounds but I thought it might be worth it if the riding was awesome. Pity!

We have ridden at Shawnee several years ago. It is beautiful but we are spoiled with BSF. The Smokies were probably the most beautiful riding we have ever done but if you get off the regular horse trails (easy to do), it can be very dangerous. We rode the Appalachian trail which was an almost spritual experience.

I saw Midwest Trail Ride on Best of America on Horseback. I see where they have a group on this site. Have you ridden there?

Hi Carla:

BSF is our favorite riding place as well. My mother lives in Beckley, WV. I have always wanted to try to trailer the horses to Camp Creek to ride and camp there. It seems like such a long haul for the horses, though. It is definitely cooler there in the summer months. Do you have suggestions for hauling horses that distance. Are there any riding places in WV you can recommend? These latest pictures (waterfalls) are beautiful. Where were they taken?

Where is your profile picture taken?
I have always wanted to go dog sledding. We are headed to Utah this week to go snowmobiling. Your pictures look like you guys are real rounded folks. Thats me, I love to ride, is my one passion but I like so many other things as well.
I was not the actual one that swam at Indian Kitchen, my friend did she said she was getting the love kisses from the fish below.
We are headed to Buffalo River Wanesboro Tn in Oct ever ridden there?

Hi Carla,
Well as luck would have it one of my posse got sick and we couldn't make our trip to Shawnee this past weekend. We still plan on going as soon as we can and I will be sure to keep you posted!
Jacci

The cabin/trailer sounds just awful! It's hard to believe they would get much return business. We live in northern, middle TN about 3 hours from Eddyville, IL and since we have never been to Shawnee and we plan to go for a week we wanted to make sure we didn't regret the campground we chose. After reading about your experience it's looking more and more like we will be camping at Hayes Canyon. Depending upon time, weather, and distance from one place to the next we may check out more than just the two I metnioned.

I will certainly let you know what we find out.

Jacci
By the way, your pirctures are great!

Thanks so much for the information. We are actually taking a road trip Saturday (2/21) to check out Bear Branch and Hayes Canyon. We've been leaning toward Hayes but wanted to check out Bear Branch because the website does make it sound so nice. Anyway, I will report back to you on what we find. If you didn't check out Hayes Canyon when you were there, they do have a website and I believe it is hayescanyon.com If I remember I will take my camera with me and post a couple pictures.
Thanks very much and Happy Trails!
Jacci

Hi Carla,
Where did you camp when you went to Shawnee? Would you go back there? We are planning a trip there this fall. How well were the trails marked?
Thanks a bunch.
Jacci