Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area Horse Trails

County Rd 2250 N
Danville, IL 61834
United States

Horse and rider in fall prairie flowers at Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area Oakwood, Illinois

Horse and rider in the river at Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area Oakwood, Illinois

Horse and Rider in a meadow at Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area Oakwood, Illinois

Horse and Rider on a Grass Trail at Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area Oakwood, Illinois

Horse ears looking into an old growth forest at Middle Fork State Fish and WIldlife Area Oakwood, Illinois

Selfie on horseback at Middle Fork State Fish and WIldlife Area, Oakwood, Illinois

Horse and rider in autumn golden leafed forest at Middle Fork State Fish and WIldlife Area, Oakwood, Illinois

Horse and rider on open lane in forest at Middle Fork State Fish and WIldlife Area, Oakwood, Illinois

Autumn corn fields and forests at Middle Fork State Fish and WIldlife Area, Oakwood, Illinois

Trails through Middle Fork range from wide flat, mowed grass lanes through meadows for beginners and big groups to exciting narrow, steep wooded trails for the more adventurous. The park abounds with creek crossings, varied terrain, a pond, prairie meadows, cropland, old growth forests, and two Vermilion river crossings for the horses to splash in. Rarely used by hikers, cross country skiers, or snowmobiles, it is a horse owner's playground.

The Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area consists of 2,700 acres of grass, forest and cropland, and provides excellent wildlife habitat. The area is bounded on the east by Kennekuk Cove County Park and on the south by Illinois Power Company's Vermilion Station. The site received its name from the Middle Fork branch of the Vermilion River which flows between Kennekuk Cove County Park and Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area.

Open Dates

Year-round, except during firearm deer season.

Distance and Terrain

35.0 miles

Camping

Yes.

Spaces: 50 Spaces.

Cost: $8/night.

Amenities: water, sanitary dump, primitive toilets.

Reservations: Call (217) 442-4915

Parking

Designated horse trailer parking.

Extensive day parking and overnight parking available at first entrance with horse campground.

Additional day parking and mounted field trial parking available at the second entrance at the maintenance building.

Both locations have outhouses and water spigots.

Additional Info

Handicap mounting ramp available.

Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area is a Class A Mounted Field Trial site.

Directions

Located 6 miles north of the Interstate 74 exit at Oakwood in Vermilion County. Take Newton Rd./900 East Road north from I-74. Go past entrances for Kickapoo State Park, the address listed on the IDNR website, and through the village of Newtown. The entry to the horse campground, skeet shooting, and boat launch is on the right, east side of the road and marked by brown signs on the left. The entry to the maintenance offices, day trailer parking, and field trial parking is the second right, east side road and is marked by brown signs on the left.

Trail Map

Middle Fork Trail Map*

*Due to flooding and washouts in recent years, all trails shown on the map may not be open at this time. Please respect posted trail closures for your safety.

Contact Info

Phone

(217) 442-4915

Website

www.dnr.illinois.gov