One ride actually took us off Leatherwood property, but it is a must-do. The ride to Raven Rock takes you down Elk Creek Road and across a private homestead meadow, where you pick up a trail that goes up, up, up. The long, moderate climb will eventually take you to a clearing where you tie your horse and hike to the Raven Rock overlook, which offers a stunning view of Leatherwood.
The homes of Leatherwood range from one-bedroom cabins to four-bedroom luxury mountain lodges. You can ride onto the trails right from the home you're staying in.
The two barns offer 60 stalls for resident, fulltime, and visiting boarders. You can also trailer into Leatherwood for the day. Plus, there are round pens, a show arena, and lush pastures.
If you want to leave your horse at home, no problem, nearby Mountain View Stables offers guided rides on the Leatherwood trails.
Also a popular spot for riders is the Leatherwood Campground. You can bring your horse and board it in the barn while you camp along Elk Creek under the stars.
Leatherwood Mountains was born from the dream and vision of Dick Johnston. His grandfather (who founded American Drew Furniture) owned some 47,000 acres of North Carolina mountain property. From that property, Johnston set aside more than 3,000 acres in the mid-1980s to create a mountain community and vacation resort, all the while preserving the natural environment.
For most people, it's love at first sight. And it was no different for Phil Whitson and Phil Rash. Last February, the duo became co-owners and operators of the welcome center, on-site restaurant, barns, tack shop, pastures, and all other amenities that fall outside the development property itself. The pair also acts as real-estate property managers and agents of Leatherwood.
"We've got it all here," says Whitson. "A great community of people who love horses and nature in a unique setting."
Rash agrees, saying, "Most people come for a vacation and end up staying for a lifetime."
For more information, contact Leatherwood Mountains, (800) 462-6867; www.leatherwoodmountains.com.
