Star of the South

Leatherwood Mountains Resort, offers riders the opportunity to ride 75 miles of well-maintained and well-marked mountain trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can camp or you can stay in a rental cabin or home; some feature a hot tub on a balcony with breathtaking views

Get the most out of your money and time spent with your horse with a vacation at Leatherwood Mountains Resort, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This equestrian facility, nestled in a valley crevice below the mountains, offers stalls, arenas, a round pen, wash racks, turnout paddocks, hot and cold running water, and more than 75 miles of riding trails with spectacular views.

Located in Ferguson, near Boone, Leatherwood Resort boasts year-round trail riding. Unlike Boone, which is situated at 3,000 feet elevation, Leatherwood sits at 1,200 feet, and its highest trail is 2,100 feet, making for mild winters. And not only is Leatherwood an ideal riding-getaway spot, it's also a fully developed equestrian community.

Endurance and competitive trail rides, horsemanship clinics, and club trail rides are regularly held at this well-maintained, down-home facility. Last January, Tom Seay, the host of Best of America by Horseback, announced he's moving his corporate headquarters to Leatherwood. A Best of America by Horseback Trail Ride is scheduled for October 2009, featuring a horsemanship clinic with Kerry Kuhn.

"I'm truly excited to discover Leatherwood Mountains," Seay says. "From the first moment you visit and ride, you feel a sense of magic about the Blue Ridge Mountains and a belonging to the Leatherwood family. The location is perfect, the trails are wonderful, and the Leatherwood folks give you an instant sense of family home and values."

The gated community was established in the early 1980s. Dick Johnston originally purchased the 3,000-acre property to harvest timber, but soon recognized it as the perfect setting for an equestrian community. Johnston remains the developer of Leatherwood, while Phil Rash and Phil Whitson co-own Leatherwood Rentals, Inc., under which falls the management of the stables, Saddlebrook Restaurant, and vacation-home rentals.

Rash and Whitson also own Leatherwood Mountains Homes & Land Sales, Inc. The smallest tract of land for sale is two acres. Although more acreage is occasionally available, most tracts are between two and 25 acres.

"You don't see developments like this very often," says Abbie Hanchey, an equestrian, and Leatherwood's marketing and event director. "The homes are situated so that you can't to see your neighbor's home. Tree-cutting restrictions enhance privacy, and all utilities are underground. We work hard to maintain the pristine forest and trails for all our landowners and guests to enjoy."

Horse Heaven
There are more than 40 homes and cabins included in the vacation-rental program, some with barns and corrals. You'll be surprised to discover that there are 110 homes and cabins nestled in the mountainsides, secluded and camouflaged by the forest.

If you'd prefer to camp, there is an easy-access campground with electrical, water, and sewer hookups. Campsites are along the bank of Elk Creek, where you'll be lulled to sleep by the peaceful sound of flowing water. Horses aren't allowed in camp, due to the fragile ground. But the barns, which also house the restrooms and showers, are just a short walk away. For your peace of mind, there's 24-hour security at the barns.

Reservations are required, and you must have a current, original Coggins certificate (showing that your horse has tested negative for equine infectious anemia), and a current health certificate, if your horse has crossed state lines. If you lack these papers, you'll be turned away before you unload your horse.

Once you and your horse are happily ensconced in your vacation digs, saddle up, and check out the trails. Trail maps show each trail's rating, from easy to difficult. The 75 miles of trails are made up of loops and interconnecting trails on Leatherwood property, as well as the adjoining Joetown, a 1,550-acre tract that will soon be incorporated into Leatherwood.