Seven Springs Lodge Offers several thousand acres of horse trails By Tommy Brannon Well-marked and maintained horse trails, fascinating geology, prehistoric Indian mounds, beautiful views, a saloon tucked under a rocky ledge, and friendly folks are some of the amenities at Seven Springs Lodge, located near Tuscumbia, Alabama. This family trail riding and hunting resort is about a two-hour haul from Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, or Birmingham. Seven Springs Lodge is owned by Danny and Fay Foster, and managed by son William. The land, consisting of about 6,000 acres, was purchased by his grandfather for logging, William said. Danny originally opened Seven Springs Lodge as a resort for hunters, and the lodge looks the part, with a huge fireplace and wrap-around sitting porch. He decided that, as the hunting season lasts only a few months in the winter, horse trail riders could enjoy the land the rest of the year. He added a swimming pool, covered stalls, RV hook ups and unique lodging accommodations. These accommodations are made from corrugated metal silos, relocated from another part of the farm, and converted to hotel rooms. William said, “When most people imagine this, they think the lodging is sawdust floors and hammocks, but that is not what they are.” The interior of the silo is air conditioned, insulated, paneled and carpeted. A curved staircase leads to upper rooms with bunk beds. Kids love it! A recent addition is the Rattlesnake saloon, built under a rock overhang, with outside patio seating also shaded under the overhang. Plans for the future are to build some log cabins and a zip line. Adjacent to Seven Springs Lodge is the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area consisting of several thousand acres, which also has horse trails. Wildlife such as turkey and deer are abundant. Many days could be spent in the saddle riding these trails. There are two natural gas pipeline right-of-ways several yards wide that cross Seven Springs. The gas pipes are underground and the right-of-way is kept clear of trees, enabling riders to have easy access on a wide path to the more challenging trails. All of the trails off the gas line right-of-way are heavily shaded in the forest. Some are quite steep and rocky, too narrow for more than one horse at a time. Some have soft footing next to streams and springs. Although most of the trails are easy enough for novice riders and horses, a few places are major challenges (translated: fun) for experienced riders. Fortunately, there is usually an alternative way around the obstacles. The trails are numbered and a topographical map is provided. The scenery along the trails is beautiful, with creeks, waterfalls, and rock overhangs where prehistoric Americans once camped while hunting. Seven Springs Lodge is open most of the year, except during deer hunting season. Check their website www.sevenspringslodge.net for more information and schedules.