Whether your idea of an outdoor adventure in Shelby County, Kentucky, involves saddling up for a horseback ride or breathing in some fresh air lakeside, we have good news: you can do it all and then some… apple picking, pony photoshoots, Icelandic Horse shows, the list goes on.
From rolling pastures to functional farms and natural hiking and biking trails, we’re uncovering the top spots for fall-friendly outdoor adventure in Shelby County.
| Planning your visit to Shelby County? Here’s everything you need to know.
Horse Trails
No visit to Kentucky would be complete without visiting the state’s most popular neigh-bors. Saddle up, give back, and discover an internationally-loved breed at these horse-forward hotspots.
Red Fern Riding Center
Whether you’re a horseback riding professional or a curious beginner, Red Fern Riding Center in Simpsonville welcomes all skill levels to visit. Wind through the nature preserve on a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour on horseback, learn the ropes of horsemanship with English riding lessons, or train and board your own horses all onsite.
Rocky Fork Mini Meadows
Few things are more memorable—or cuter—than a farm full of ponies. The Rocky Fork Mini Meadows hosts everything from birthday parties and photo sessions to community play days. Olaf, Sven, and Angus, raised by the McIntosh family, will quickly become your best furry friends.
HorseSensing
Horses have long been recognized for their therapeutic power, and HorseSensing is a powerful option for those looking for support with things like depression, grief, PTSD, addiction, and transitioning to civilian life post-military service. Dr. Sally Broder, Psy.D., leads equine-facilitated psychotherapy and residential treatment programs for veterans and men in recovery, teaching hands-on skills in the horse industry within a therapeutic environment.. Book a facility tour or consider donating, volunteering, or sponsoring a horse timed with your visit to Shelby County.
Lettleiki Icelandics
Icelandic horses are known for being friendly, fluffy, and fast – a truly delightful horse breed that roams the wild landscapes of the Land of Fire and Ice. But what if we said you could skip the international flight and see these cuties in the heart of Kentucky? At Lettleiki Icelandics, the team is passionate about offering education, lessons, and training for guests interested in learning more about them. The farm regularly hosts Icelandic Horse events, complete with spectator seating, multiple tracks, and plenty of wide open spaces.
Hiking
For a boots-on-the-ground and not in-the-stirrups kind of experience, head to one of Shelby County’s lovely outdoor trails to get a little exercise in.
Shelby Trails Park
If you want to experience horse country without saddling up, Shelby Trails Park offers features scenic hiking paths designed for wanderers, trail runners, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Trails are open for horseback riding, too, if you want to round out your quintessential Kentucky experience. Guided rides are bookable through the Red Fern Riding Center right on site.
Greenway Trails
When you’re ready to walk off the bourbon tastings and soul food, head to the mile-long Greenway Trails for a walk, bike ride, or even a spin on roller skates. The path weaves past railroads, through mature trees, and along a pretty stream with benches inviting hikers to sit down and stay awhile.
Outdoor Adventure
There’s much to see and do outside in Shelby County beyond horses and hiking trails. From water sports to farm life, don’t skip these additional outdoor destinations.
Guist Creek Lake
As the largest lake in the county, Guist Creek Lake offers more than just boat ramps and campsites. The grounds are teeming with wildlife like deer and turkey which make for entertaining sightseeing by both land and water. Launch a boat or pitch a tent and enjoy the serenity of small-town Kentucky.
Gallrein Farms
During your visit to Shelby County, make sure you stop and smell the roses. Gallrein Farms is a working farm open to visitors April through October. From sunflower fields in the summer to fresh seasonal produce and colorful flower-filled greenhouses, Gallrein doubles as a bucolic retreat and a picture-perfect backdrop for your next photo op.
Mulberry Orchard
Don’t forget to pack your baskets when you’re visiting Shelby County – Mulberry Orchard invites pickers to help harvest their peaches, apples, berries, and vegetables growing bountifully on property. After your farm work is done, stick around for a hay ride, visit the farm animals, shop in the local market, or snag a rocking chair and people-watch awhile.
| This article is presented in partnership with Visit ShelbyKY, a Modern South Founding Partner.
Find more adventures around the South here.