Communities
Horseback Trails Near Marion NC Real Estate
By HarrisRealty.org

Trot out from your little ranch near Marion or Lake James on your beloved Palomino.  Alight at your neighbor’s to mentor a 4-H buddy.  Or tow your beautiful mare in any direction through McDowell County properties and enjoy a variety of trails perfect for horseback riding. 

There’s nothing like woodlands wonder on horseback.  For one thing, you are at a higher altitude and can therefore see farther.  Trusting your four-legged friend to navigate the trails, you are free to lift your gaze to the splendid rural vistas all around.  Then there is the emotional high of bonding with your noble creature—loping over some of the same ground covered by ancient and recent Indian tribes as well as patriots who rode the Overmountain Victory Trail.

Enter beauty from any direction.  Go northwest to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, north or southwest to the Pisgah National Forest, even out of the county east to the Uwharrie National Forest, or northwest to the Great Smokies. 

Here are some proven nearby adventures for you, your family, friends and horses: 

     1 Squirrel Gap Trail offers 8 miles of riding trails southwest of Asheville and northwest of Etowah in the Pisgah National Forest (828) 877-3265.  Rated Easy, 46 miles from our offices.

     2 Biltmore Estate east of Asheville offers 80 miles of trails to explore.  The horse and carriage trails are well marked.  Rated Easy to Moderate, 31 miles from our offices.  Primitive camping is available near the horse paddocks.  Best June through September.

     3 Laurel Gap Trail offers 7 miles of trails in Pisgah National Forest.  Also, visit Staire Creek Trail, Walker Creek Trail and Elk Pen Trail.  Rating Moderate, 24 miles northwest of us.  www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc

     4 The Waterfall Loop (45 miles from us) in the Dupont State Forest offers 93 miles of trails and roads and wonderful views of four major waterfalls after the Little River crossing.  Rating Moderate.  www.dupontforest.com

     5 Buncombe Horse Range Trail (only 17 miles away) in the Pisgah National Forest near Mount Mitchell offers 17 miles of horseback-riding trails.  Rating Difficult.  www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc

     6 South Mills River Trail (only 31 miles away) in Pisgah National Forest has 12 miles of trails.  Rated Difficult with numerous difficult river crossings. 

     7 Moses Cone Memorial Park (31 miles away) near Blowing Rock has 27 miles of carriage trails, the most popular being Craftsman Trail Loop.  Call (828) 295-7591 for more information.

There’s a certain unspoken backcountry chivalry.  Many of the trails are shared with hikers and mountain bikers who will generally give horseback riders right of way.  So, sit back in your saddle and enjoy the spectacular mountain views, dense hardwood forests, trout streams, marvelous waterfalls, and numerous species of friendly creatures that demand your utmost respect. 

If you are a novice, taking a few tours with an outfitter may make it more enjoyable for you.  Ask about horse camps and primitive camping, or experience the luxury of being home with accommodations at the Pisgah Inn.  And then venture out further to explore the fantastic nooks and crannies, history and panoramas of our beautiful state.