By EMILY D. COOK / Community Columnist

On Nov. 1, 2015, Oak Mountain State Park transferred stable operations back to the park from an independent concessionaire to do some much-needed repairs and upgrades to the stables area.

At this time, the guided trail rides are suspended, but the boarding of horses still takes place.

We are looking forward to Spring 2016 and being able to re-open guided trail rides.

You are still welcome to bring your own horses to the park for trail rides on the many miles of trails, and you can even stay the night at our equestrian campground with your horse.

The equestrian campground is easily accessed from the front gate, is close to the trail head and has pull-through sites for trailers.

The rates for equestrian camping range from roughly $26 a night in winter to $33 per night during the summer, plus taxes and fees.

There are over 25 miles of trails traversing the beautiful terrain of Oak Mountain State Park maintained by the Central Alabama Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of America.

We offer two options for boarding – in stable and pasture.

Stable boarding runs $450 a month and pasture boarding runs $350 per month.

To check availability of boarding space, call (205) 620-4246.

Please remember that you keep Alabama State Parks open by visiting them. Thank you for your support.