The One Horse Gap Trail is famous for a short loop trail knownas “the gap trail”. As its name indicates, the trail features anarrow gap in the bluffs that allows only one horse to passthrough at a time. This trail system utilizes segments ofsystem-trails, dirt and gravel roads and even remnants of oldwagon roads. Many interesting things can be found along thetrail, from old cemeteries and old homesite stone foundationsto towering bluffs and flowing creeks.The trail system provides access to One Horse Gap Lake, WarBluff and Big Grand Pierre Creek (a candidate wild & scenicriver) and the River to River Trail (a 160-mile linear trailspanning southern Illinois). Hikers and backpackers share thearea with horseback riders and hunters. Also, be aware theNine Day Trail Ride in late July, early August attractsthousands of equestrians to the One Horse Gap Trail everyyear.

Directions: From Elizabethtown, take highway 146west 6 miles to One Horse Gap Blacktop. Turnnorth onto the Blacktop and go 3 miles to the“crossroads”. The One Horse Gap area lies northand east from the crossroads (see map for trail accesspoints). To reach the “the gap trail” go through thecrossroads, about 2 miles; trailhead begins on thewest side of the road.

Distance: 10.0 miles

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

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