The ride leaves the parking lot, follows trails by Route 106, winds up overlooking Northern Blvd, turns back to fence line along Muttontown Road and ends at the parking lot. Estimated time at walk/trot-1 1/2 hours.
Starting from the parking lot off of Route 106, head out past the large ring and down the hill to the gorgeous trail that runs along Route 106. This path is wide, flat and if you like to canter or trot, this is the section on which to move out. Keep the fence on your right as the trail makes turns and eventually you will see a sump on your right and then, as the trail turns left, you will see a small opening on the right. Years ago, this was a trail exit to Route 106 for those folks boarding at the Christian Fellowship Ranch and for property owners around Split Rock Road. Continue on the main trail to the left and follow the main trail as it turns left again. (Do not go up the hill trails).
Now that you are on the wide straight path, continue till you see a right hand turn. This trail goes gradually up hill and is another great canter strip. At the top of the incline, you will see a fence on your right. Continue on the trail, keeping the fence to your right and ignoring the paths that split off to your left. The fence has an opening which is marked with signs-NO HORSES- but enter here and bear to your left. This heavily rooted path takes you through a pine grove and is the trail to Calumet. Now the fence is on your left and is marking the Hall Estate. Go past the opening to the Calumet trail and continue on a narrow path. This is the newly cleaned area. Ignore trails to your right and keep the fence, which marks the St. Dominic playing field property, on your left. Eventually the trail turns right and you can see Northern Blvd. below you and the old trail that led out to Northern Blvd. for the Mill River Farm boarders and horse owners on Remsem Lane.
The path turns right again and heads steeply down hill. You will see a fence on your left which marks the Chelsea property. There are at least two right hand paths off the main trail, which, if taken, will take you back to the trail on which you rode out. I would suggest staying the course and saving these paths for another day. You will eventually arrive onto a dirt road. Turn right here and follow the dirt road to the fence opening that you came in. Here you head to your right. Follow the trail, keeping the fence marking the Hall Estate to your right. Within a few strides, you will meet the major mud hole in the Preserve. There are several go-rounds to slog through the area. After this, the trail is a relaxing ride until you meet another pine tree grove and a deeply rutted trail section. Navigate uphill and the trail continues until a left turn at Muttontown Road.
With the fence still on your right, ride along the trail paralleling the road. Ignore paths leading off to your left. Eventually, the trail bends to your left. Now comes a tricky part to describe. A few strides after the left bend, on your right there is faint but discernible path leading into the woods. You may have to step over a few larger branches on the ground. This path leads towards the fence along Route 106. As you continue into the woods, the path becomes easier to see. The path bears leftwards and takes you next to the fence overlooking Route 106. The path becomes a macadam surface briefly. There is a left turn and the path goes downward towards the parking lot, paralleling the parking lot entrance road.
As for the usual disclaimers, if I messed up on the directions, I take no responsibility!
But please email me at muttonhorse@yahoo.com and let me know where we parted company.
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