Three trail riders on horseback seen from behind on a wide dirt trail through autumn oak forest

Horseback Riding

Pere Marquette State Park has about 20 miles of equestrian trails, with trailer parking on Graham Hollow Road. Trails west of Graham Hollow are open all year; those to the east close in some seasons. If you do not have a horse, Pere Marquette Stables runs guided trail rides every day except Tuesday from May through October: call (618) 786-2156.

At a Glance

Riding at a Glance

Equestrian trailsAbout 20 miles

Trailer parkingGraham Hollow Road lot

West of Graham HollowOpen year round

East of Graham HollowClosed some seasons (posted)

Trail status line(618) 786-3323, ext. 4

Guided ridesPere Marquette Stables, May to October

Stables phone(618) 786-2156, closed Tuesdays

Guided Trail Rides at Pere Marquette Stables

The stables are the park's riding concession.

Season: May through October, weather permitting.
Days: every day except Tuesday.
The ride: the stables describe a 45- to 50-minute ride over about 2 1/2 miles of trails through the park, where you may see deer, wild turkeys and red-tailed hawks.
Booking: walk-ins are welcome, but the stables recommend a reservation: (618) 786-2156 or graftontrailrides.com.
Where: about 2 miles north of Grafton on the Great River Road, near the equestrian lot on IDNR's map.

This guide is not affiliated with the stables; prices and rider rules come from them.

Riding Your Own Horse

Parking: a trailer lot on Graham Hollow Road, marked on IDNR's map.
West of Graham Hollow: open year round.
East of Graham Hollow: closed during certain seasons; closures are posted at the trails.
Check before you haul: IDNR's trail line is (618) 786-3323, extension 4.
Out-of-state horses: any horse from out of state, or out of state more than 30 days, needs an entry permit number from the Illinois Department of Agriculture on its health certificate before it is unloaded.

Where Horses Cannot Go

Not on the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail: IDNR bans horses and all equestrian use there.

Hunting Season Note

The equestrian trails share Graham Hollow Road with the park's public hunting area. Deer, turkey and squirrel are hunted there in season; check trail closures with IDNR. More in rules and regulations.

A horse trailer and pickup parked in a grassy lot at the edge of the woods, a saddled horse tied beside it

FAQ

Horseback Riding FAQ

Can you go horseback riding at Pere Marquette State Park?

Yes. Pere Marquette Stables offers guided trail rides from May to October, closed Tuesdays, and riders with their own horses can use about 20 miles of equestrian trails.

How long is the trail ride at Pere Marquette Stables?

About 45 to 50 minutes over roughly 2 1/2 miles, according to the stables.

Where do I park a horse trailer at Pere Marquette?

At the equestrian lot on Graham Hollow Road.

Are the Pere Marquette equestrian trails open all year?

The trails west of Graham Hollow are. Those east of Graham Hollow close in some seasons; call (618) 786-3323, extension 4.