Welcome!
Hope you find what you need on this site to enjoy Catlin Park's horse trails. Since it is the closest park to my home, I spend a lot of time there. Unfortunately, I'm usually too afraid of losing my camera to take many pictures but I'm working on overcoming that!
Park location and phone:
2560 E. 1251 Road Ottawa IL 61350 Phone: 815 434 0518
Catlin Park is open May 1 to Oct 31, 9:00am to 7:00pm. Do not be late getting out past 7:00!!!
There is a $10 fee for a yearly usage tag to ride your horse or bike on the trails or a $2 daily fee. Buying a tag insures the park stays open. It also tracks the park's usage, which is very beneficial to all of us. Otherwise, the park's hiking trails and picnic areas are free.
Your ride in this park can be as easy or as difficult as you want. There are multiple creek crossings (good for training young horses) and several big hills but also open areas for flat riding. The white tail deer are abundant and a beautiful site when riding or hiking. On some occasions you may even see wild turkeys.
The "Wet Foot Trail" is closed because it lives up to it's name, very wet, muddy and sticky. There is a very nice loop you can ride the opposite direction and then back up the hill near the entrance (or vice versa) which has been named the "Not So Wet Foot" trail.
Nearly all the trails are wide enough to drive down. They are very meticulous maintained for your safety and convenience by the site staff. New trees have been planted in the horse trailer parking lot to celebrate Earth Day, but not to worry about parking your rig there, plenty of room!
These trails are a multi-use system and you may run into hikers, bikers and dog walkers on occasion. There is no camping allowed on the property and many people are unaware where this beautiful park is located in LaSalle County, so usage is very minimal and that is why it has been nicknamed "LaSalle County's Best Kept Secret".
An equine campground is available at Matthiessen State Park, which is only 15 minutes away!
You can download a trail map on the LaSalle County Park link and there are maps at the parking lot or at the office.
There are many creek crossings to water your horses. The amenities are primitive with pit toilets set up in various areas of the park. Out on the trails, there is a pavilion with hitching rails to tie your horse up and share lunch.
Come and enjoy this beautiful park and explore LaSalle County on horseback, on foot, on wheels or just for a picnic. Which ever outdoor activity you enjoy, you will experience it in the majestic surroundings of Catlin Park - LaSalle County's Best Kept Secret!! |