Below the reviews are numerous links to Parks, Forest, and other trail information.
If you have a favored trail, equestrian event, or other horse related information please
notify by E-Mail it will be published on the appropriate page.
Moses H. Cone Trail, Blowing Rock, N.C. No link available-There are 25 miles of beautiful carriage roads for trail riding and carriage and buggy use located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is part of the estate of Moses H. Cone, who built these trails as a gift for his wife Bertha. They're built looping around the mountain to allow for an easy pull. These trails pass by trout and bass lakes, apple orchards and miles of Rhododendron and Rosebay decorate the months of June and July. Hemlock and white pine are abundant as is the sugar maple, cherry tree, oak & hickory. Autumn brings on a color display that is magnificent and the summer offers escape from the heat in the lower elevations.
If you are looking for beautiful scenery as well as easy riding, this is the place!!
Camping is available at Blowing Rock Equestrian Center, water and electric at the camp site and over 300 stalls. Riding rings on premises and rental horses available.
Land Between the Lakes -See link below. This has to be one of the best horse camping facilities in the country. The sites are so well placed that there is never a crowding problem. There are hundreds of electrical sites with water close by, unlimited primitive sites, limited full hook-ups, cabins, stalls, several shower houses, washers, dryers, restaurant, you have to see to believe!
Aside from all the amenities, the trails are some of the most scenic around, providing beautiful trails along the lakes as well as rolling hills. The riding here is easy as well as some trails for the more experienced rider. Wagons have great trails too! This park rates high on the list of a must for the trail rider. Check out the link below and see everything LBL has to offer, you won't be disappointed.
Sauratown Trails, N.C. - No link available. There is 35+ miles of great trails in the lower elevations of the mountains. Easy-Rugged. 3 Loop trails and others in the making, plenty water, mostly shady. Trails are well marked. The only camping available is at Sauratown Mountain Stables Campground, very friendly folks. Nice stalls, limited power, mostly primitive. These trails are on private property and the N.C. Deer Hunting Season begins on November 1. Locals do not recommended riding these trails from Nov. 1 through Jan. 1 due to heavy gun hunting in the area. Contact Tim McKinney 336-994-2182 or write Sauratown Mountain Stables, 1686 Moorespring Rd., Westfield, N.C. 27053 - no website
Lumber River Trail Ride and Campground, Evergreen, N.C. - is located on the banks of the scenic Lumber River in Evergreen,NC. Call before you go as they have several organized rides throughout the year. Campground is open year round and you can ride the trails...fish, or just relax..campsites are fully equipped with water,electric,RV hook-ups, dump station,bath house...;.... Evergreen is 15 miles east of Lumberton,NC we have a very large area that can accomodate large trailors....no stalls...you can picket or bring corrals ---trails are wide open with plenty of room for buggys, some sandy flat land...yes there are primitive sites available... trail weekend is $25.00 and it includes supper on fri and sat nite, entertainment and fun!! we provide water for horses on the trail....we also have cabins for rent....call Billy Williamson 910-654-5130 or Lannette Williamson 843-526-2364.......for more info email williamson28438@yahoo.com - no website.
South Carolina offers great riding, as a
matter of fact we have so many trails and equestrian activities that we have dedicated an
entire page to our state. Check it out!!
Click here to
Visit South Carolina trails page.Links to some of our favorite Trails:
East Fork Tennessee - Absolutely Beautiful - 100+ miles of beautiful mountain trails. They really make you feel welcome.
New River Trail, Virginia - This is a 57 mi. trail. Equestrian camping will soon be available at the Shot Tower State Park, primitive only, water and pit toilets.(Sometime 1999) Easy riding. Horse needs 4 good shoes due to cinders on old railroad bed. Scenery is never dull, follows the river through the mountain valley. Shelters along the way with hitching post. Ride over trusses and through tunnels. Quite an experience. Have to ride it at least once!! Camping is currently available at Cliffview Trading Post at Galax, Va., primitive only or there is a backpack camp for horses on the trail.
Grayson Highland State Park, Va. - As close as it comes to the western mountains in the east. Ride atop bald mountains and among the wild ponies. This has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This is a must for every serious trail rider. The parks trail connects to the Highland Trail and crosses the Appalachian Trail - together provides well over 100 miles of trails through the mountains. Breathtaking Beauty!!! Cool in summer. Best time to visit is May, June, July. Spring doesn't really start up good until June. Flowers are still blooming in July. Grayson Highland State Park provides primitive camping with a shower house and running water. There are covered tie stalls and open tie stalls. Recommend that you call at least 10 days in advance to reserve a site, this is a very popular spot.
Links to other Great Trails around the Country:
Love Valley, N.C. - This is a beautiful little western town. The entire town is an exact replica of the old west. It has a salon, general store, blacksmith shop, leather shop and several others. There are absolutely no automobiles allowed in this town, horses only. There are several camping facilities located around the town where you can park and camp. This town is know in the Carolina's as the horse town. You can purchase your own lot at the valley, as many riders from this area have done. There are miles and miles of trails on private land. Riding is almost unlimited. There are many activities throughout the year including poker runs, rodeos, and other horse related events. The town comes alive on the weekends as trail riders from all over pour in to begin a weekend of riding and fun filled nights of dancing and fellowship at the Silver Spur Salon. (remember you have to ride your horse to town to party). This link will get you to information on some of the camp grounds and provides a photo of this beautiful little town. This is really a town with a mayor, city council, the works. It is not a commercially owned business. It was the childhood dream of one man that has grown into a retreat for horse lovers.
Leatherwood Mountain Resort, N.C. - Nice area to ride, cabin & overnight trailer area.
National Parks Service - On this page you need to go to search and type in horse camps.
Horse & Mule Trail Guide - USA - Loaded with trail information.
N.C. National Forest - Check out all of the forest with really nice riding
Links to other Trail Riding Sites:
Texas Trail Riding Site: A list of organized rides in the Texas area as well as links to other trail sites.
A host of information for the trail rider and equestrian traveler. Great site.
