Elba Equestrian Complex

The Elba Equestrian Area (also known as The Hogbacks), a Genesee County Parks & Recreation facility in Southeast Michigan, offers 4540 acres of scenic trails along high ridges and the shores of Holloway Reservoir. A day use area and campground is located at 1875 N. Elba Rd., Lapeer. Campground reservations must be made in advance through the Genesee County Parks & Recreation Reservation system. The campground has 25 sites with several fire rings, portable toilets and a hand well pump with potable water. Unless camping, the park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset.

Trails at Elba are unmaintained single track with frequent elevation changes, creek crossings and draws/drainages surrounding Hasler Creek and a large pool of water associated with the reservoir. Small meadows and old farm fields are found on the east edge of the park, the remainder consisting primarily of high wooded ridges. A lovely lake lies within the park, as well as an old roadway under which runs a segment of the Karegnondi Water Line from Port Huron to Flint. This is finished with crushed limestone and offers good footing for those liking to move out now and then. Trail sections immediately along the reservoir (on the north side of Stanley Rd.) allow riders to wade in and splash around with their horses.

In addition to equestrian use, the park is open to walking/hiking/fishing. No trail signage exists and maps are not available at present. Unless you are the adventurous type or trust your mount to leave a breadcrumb trail, you may want to ride with someone familiar with the park your first time out. Or check out the trail app Ramblr, you can find the past trail rides from other users and follow their tracks. There are a few boggy areas so avoid marshy spots with no well-established track. Hunting is not allowed in the park.