Double M Campground, Shawnee National Forest

By: Jody Weldy

The first time I rode Shawnee National Forest was in 2002 and we met up with friends at the Double M Campground. Our friend Rodger Montgomery had ridden there numerous times before and he was our trail guide. That was before you got any kind of map that you could make sense out of.

We rode to No-No Rock, Dead Horse Canyon, Hurricane Canyon and tons of other places. We had lunch on a rock jutting out over Pounds Lake and then rode back for three hours in a downpour. Luckily it was June and although I got a little chilled it wasn't too bad. The funny thing about the Shawnee is that when it rains, the Box Turtles come out in droves or herds or whatever a gathering of two or more turtles is. I mean to tell you, they were eveywhere and even thought that they should have the right of way when crossing the trails. I had to stop my horse more than once to keep from running over a turtle.

One thing I have noticed about the Shawnee is that it is loaded with poisen ivy. Everywhere you go, it's there. It grows up the trees so you need to watch out if you're in the habit of pushing off a tree when your horse gets a little too close for your knees comfort.

There is also an abundance of ticks. We seemed to notice that when we stopped for lunch and decided to sit on some rocks underneath a rock outcropping that's when they were the worse. I guess they just cling to those rocks and wait until someone comes along and takes a seat and then bingo, they drop down on you.

The riding in the Shawnee is not nearly as hard on your horse as say Tennessee but I'd suggest having them shod.

The Double M Campground has water and electric at each site, some sites have highlines or you can rent some portable corrals from them. They also have a nice restaurant that's open on weekends. The showerhouse in on top of the hill so you may opt to drive rather than walk.

You can reach Double M Campground at 618-275-4440
www.doublemcampground.com

You can contact me at jmweldy@verizon.net

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