horse-hikers

TRAIL OPTIONS

Free bottled water and granola bars are provided on all trips!

PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST

(Big Ivy Area)

ELK PEN

Parking at the bottom of Forest Road 74.   5mi round trip

  Ride the lower connector of Walker Creek Trail then ascend Elk Pen Trail (500ft over 1.5mi) to FS road 74 then cross to Corner Rock Trail. Rest Horses at Corner Rock then return on FS-74 with an option to explore the Mica Mine just below Corner Rock.  Return to parking area on FS-74. trip time is approximately 2.5hrs

Features: 3 water crossings, Corner rock, Mica Mine  The Elk Pen Trail gets its name from the Elk Pens used during the filming of "Last of the Mohicans"  Corner Rock and Elk Pen Trail locations were also Used in the "The Hunger Games"

Some riding experience recommended for this trail

LAUREL GAP

Park 7.5mi up Forest Service Road 74 at the gate/trail head.     14mi round trip

  Ride 7mi across Walker and Andy ridges at an elevation of about 4600ft to the end.  We rest the horses, have snack and return back to the starting point. trip time is approximately 4hrs  

Features: Wide grassy trail with spectacular views and very little change in elevation. Part of the trail runs just below the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Deer and other wildlife are often seen.

DUPONT STATE FOREST

LAKE JULIA LOOP

Park at Fawn Lake parking area.       5.5mi round trip

 Ride Reasonover Creek Trail to Lake Julia, Where we rest the horses and let them get a drink. You can have a picnic and even go swimming!  Then we return via Camp Summit Rd. cross the Airstrip to Conservation Rd. then connect to Fawn Lake Rd. with a short water stop at Fawn Lake. Then its just a short ride back to the parking area. trip time is approximately 3 to 4hrs

Features: 3 water crossings, hardwood forest, picnic tables and dock at Lake Julia, Airstrip and Fawn Lake

HIGH FALLS LOOP

Great for Beginners

Park at Guion Farm parking area.      6mi round trip

 Ride Buck forest Rd. to lake Imaging Rd. and visit Grassy Creek falls.  Then return to Buck Forest Rd for our next stop at the top of High Falls and the Covered Bridge.  We then Water the horses and ride back to Thomas Cemetery Rd. and connect to Tarklin Branch Rd. which will take us back to the parking area.  Trip time is approximately 3hrs

Features: Large open field at the parking area, Wide trails, Grassy Creek Falls, High Falls, Covered Bridge, Thomas Cemetery, 1 water crossing