Equestrian Loop

The name of this trail may suggest this is horseback rider heaven, but it’s also great for hikers, just remember to yield to horses by stepping off on the downhill side of the trail.

Starting out from the parking area on May Valley Road, head out on the May Valley Loop Trail for just under half a mile. The trail forks here. Take the right fork to start out on the Equestrian Loop Trail and in 0.3 mile you’ll cross over Phil’s Creek. On the other side of the water you’ll pass four trail intersections within the next 0.3 miles. Stay left at all of them to continue on the Equestrian Loop. There are so many junctions in this section because of a series of tight loop trails that circle around each other in this area. Bring a map and explore these side trips to add more miles if you want.

Back on the Equestrian Loop the trail begins climbing in earnest through a series of switchbacks over the next 1.2 miles. The ascent tops out by crossing back over Phil’s Creek just before this trail ends at a junction with Phil’s Connector Trail. Carry on from here, going deeper into Squak Mountain, return the way you came or plot a return loop on different trails.