The Back Country Horsemen of Northwest Georgia (BCHNWG), are scheduled to host a trail familiarization ride, Dec. 8, starting at 10 a.m., at the 26 mile Dry Creek Trail System located within the National Forest west of the Calhoun-Dalton area.

Trail Familiarization Rides,” (TFR’s) will include two guided rides and are arranged to encourage members to experience and learn about trails they seldom enjoy. A second purpose is to expose non-members to the purpose and activities of BCHNWG and hope they will join and help to keep Georgia trails open for equestrian enjoyment.

Rides are scheduled to start and end at Dry Creek Trailhead. One slow walking ride and one faster/longer ride will be available, each three hours in duration and will include a variety of dry creek trail tours.

A potluck meal will take place after the ride, at approximately 2 p.m., at trailhead picnic tables. BCHNWG will provide warm sloppy joe sandwiches, plastic utensils, and paper plates, cups, etc. Participants are encouraged to bring side dishes or dessert to share.

Reserved space for primitive horse camping available for weekend. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by Dec. 2 for ride and camping. Currently, 15 persons have already registered for the ride, however more are expected.

There is a U.S. Forest Service daily trailhead parking fee of $5 per vehicle, and toilets are available at the trailhead.

Persons who want to camp also need to pre-register with information about where you are coming from, and how many, and which nights you expect to camp. Please register with Larry Wheat at L.Wheat@mindspring.com or by phone at 770-977-4783. Names of all planned participants in your party are required.

A reserved camping spot at Dry Creek will be available for the first 12 registered campers or rigs. Catherine Kendall and Steve Clayton are offering free use of their camping space for the weekend.

This property is located on the asphalt at East Armuchee Road, about 3/8 mile north of the FS226 turnoff for Dry Creek, immediately adjacent to the National Forest trails at Dry Creek.

Years ago the property was called “J & L Stables,” however Catherine and Steve plan to create a commercial horse camp at this location when economic conditions improve.

All camping is by pre-registered reservation only. Campers will be required to sign a basic liability release and show a current Coggins certificate for each equine.

Directions will be provided upon registration. Camping is available from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. If campers do not overpower the septic drain system there should be one toilet available, but no potable water or electric hookups.

Well water is available so that campers may fill buckets for horses, but it has not been formally tested although the owners’ horses and other horses have used it before.

Campers may provide portable enclosures to secure their horses or tie to their trailers. Stalls and high lines are not available.

The Pinhoti Trail is about 100 feet from the campground. Campers will need to ride about two miles on the Pinhoti and then Dry Creek trails to reach the Dry Creek trailhead.

The TFR’s will start and end at the trailhead, and the after-ride potluck meal and social will be at the trailhead. Campers may choose to carry lead ropes to secure their horses at the trailhead.

Visit www.bchnwg.org for more information. Click the link for “Dry Creek and Pinhoti” and follow the other links as desired. Trail map and driving directions are on the web, and are also available upon request.