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Blue Ridge By Horseback: Leatherwood Mountains and Mountain View Riding Stables

A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the way most of us have enjoyed the panoramic glory of the Appalachian mountains. But perhaps the best way to experience the full majesty of these views is not from a car window, but on the back of a good horse. Just 30 minutes drive off the parkway and US 421, you’ll find Leatherwood Mountains in Ferguson, NC. Leatherwood is a place where you can step out of time to see the mountains the way Daniel Boone must have experienced them over two centuries ago — surrounded by the soaring summits of the Appalachian mountains on horseback.

Leatherwood is home to more than 100 miles of riding trails, with a broad range of creek crossings, climbs and descents suitable for all levels of experience and ability. Beginners and casual riders can enjoy crossing cool mountain streams, catching glimpses of deer grazing in open meadows, seeing the scenic foothills rolling to the far-off horizon or gazing at Grandfather Mountain off in the distance from Leatherwood’s loftier trails. Some of the world’s best endurance riders also flock to the area each spring to participate in the Leatherwood Mountain Extreme Challenge Endurance Ride, mile for mile one of the toughest races anywhere on the east coast.

If you need to rent a horse, visit the adjoining Mountain View Riding Stables, a facility owned and operated by the Robinson family. The Robinsons take great pride in matching the right horses and best trails with your individual abilities. Mountain View offers two-, three-, four- and six-hour rides along select Leatherwood’s trails, rated for non-riders, beginners, intermediate and experienced mountain riders.

For those who own their own horses, Leatherwood offers an unforgettable getaway for rider and steed alike. Leatherwood’s stables feature 60 stalls, a show arena, a tack shop and a full boarding facility complete with indoor and outdoor wash pits. Guests can also schedule riding lessons with Abbie Hanchey, an accomplished equestrian who is the resident instructor at Leatherwood.

Many of the area’s best lodgings for the foot-weary and the saddle-sore are also available right within Leatherwood. Choose from trailer- and RV-accessible, creek-side camp sites with water and electrical hook-ups, spacious one-to-four bedroom cabins and leased private homes. Some of the more lavish homes include such amenities as hot tubs, rock fireplaces, ping-pong tables and satellite television. Guests can enjoy fishing, wading and tubing in the surrounding creeks and streams. Leatherwood also has its own pool, tennis courts and a restaurant which features family-style dining at its best. Who knew roughing it could be this luxurious?

In the unlikely event you find yourself longing for familiar suburban comforts, a wide variety of shops, restaurants and hotels are less than 30 minutes away in Wilkesboro or Boone. You’ll also find a wide variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting and tubing located throughout the communities surrounding Leatherwood.

Everyone from first-timers, to leisure trail riders, to accomplished endurance competitors will find something to love along Leatherwood’s winding woodland trails. Whether you’ve never been on a horse or have been riding your entire life, Leatherwood Mountains and Mountain View Riding Stables offer you everything you need to enjoy a peak riding experience in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more information about Leatherwood Stables, call toll free at 1-800-4NC-MTNS (1-800-462-6867) or visit their website at www.leatherwoodmountains.com

For more information about Mountain View Stables call (866) 686-8724 or visit their website at www.mtnviewstables.com.

by Burt Dellinger with Virginia Walker

Comments

- Posted by: Kathy at October 12, 2005 11:49 PM

- Posted by: Richard at October 18, 2005 11:39 AM

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