The Great Outdoors
Enjoy the fall foliage on a trail ride through Russell Forest

Fall is a beautiful time of year at Lake Martin, and in the forests surrounding the lake. Abundant hardwoods put on their seasonal display of gold and red, which flows throughout Russell Forest. Unlike so many other wooded places, Russell Forest is very accessible through its 80 miles of the Trails System. The trails allow you to plunge into the heart of the forest and enjoy all it has to offer, rather than experiencing it only from the highway.

The Russell Forest Trails System comprises dozens of trails dedicated to several purposes. Some are tailored for hiking and biking, while others are dedicated to equestrian use. This time of year, the weather and the colorful changes in the forest create an excellent opportunity to enjoy this natural beauty from horseback.

No, you don’t need to own a horse. The Stables at Russell Crossroads makes it easy to arrange a guided trail ride with Trail Boss, Stanley Ingram. Rides are approximately an hour and a half long, and available for groups up to six riders. The trail horses are seasoned, calm and friendly. So is Stanley, and he’s a great guide!

The Stables are open Tuesday through Saturday 8am to 4pm, and 12 to 4pm on Sunday. Guided trail rides are $60 per person, and can be scheduled by calling The Stables at 256.496.3677. So saddle up! Where else can you go where you can use the words “giddyup” and “ye-haw” and be considered perfectly normal?