Trail Barn Paddocks: Creekside paddocks and ten-stall barn in Leatherwood Mountains

FERGUSON OTHER FIELD GUIDE

Trail Barn Paddocks: Creekside paddocks and ten-stall barn in Leatherwood Mountains

Rent one of four grassy paddocks or stall space, camp beside the creek, and stage rides from a private, self-sufficient base at Leatherwood Mountains — this guide explains what to bring and the onsite rules.

Trail Barn Paddocks: Creekside paddocks and ten-stall barn in Leatherwood Mountains.

Duration
1-7 Night Rentals (For bookings longer than a week, please call us)
Location
Ferguson
Operator
Leatherwood Mountains Camping
Category
Other
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Trail Barn sits across a small creek from Leatherwood Mountains’ main campground: four grassy rental paddocks, ten stalls and a tack room anchor a quiet, rustic campsite where groups can make a private base for riding and camping. The setting favors self-sufficiency — guests provide feed, water and supplies and should expect no bathroom or shower facilities at the barn itself.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SETTING

Creekside privacy and grassy paddocks

Trail Barn’s four grassy rental areas and nearby camping spot sit across the creek from the main campground, offering small groups a quieter place to camp with nearby hook-up sites for added convenience.

THE HORSES

Stalls, tack room and paddock policy

The facility includes ten stalls and its own tack room; paddocks are rented in conjunction with a stay on the mountain and are managed with specific horse-occupancy and health requirements.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Updated equine health requirements

New for 2026 are reinforced health-and-safety measures: organizers ask riders to review EHV-1 guidance and to comply with required vaccination and test documentation before arrival.

What the day feels like

What it feels like to stay at Trail Barn

The experience is quietly utilitarian: tack up in a modest barn, keep horses in one of the grassy paddocks or stalls, and sleep near the creek for a restful, low‑amenity night under the trees. Expect a campsite that demands preparation — you’ll be responsible for feed, water and basic care while enjoying the privacy of a small, horse‑centric compound.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this setup suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Small equestrian groupsIdeal: groups that want a private base for horses and riders and who will be staying on property, since paddocks are tied to on-mountain lodging.
2
Self-sufficient campersIdeal: guests prepared to bring their own buckets, water, feed and hay and to manage horse care without on-site staff-provided feed or bathroom facilities.
3
Horse owners crossing state linesSuitable only if you can present the required health paperwork — proof of Coggins, vaccinations and any recommended health certificates — and follow EHV-1 guidance.
4
Visitors with dogsPossible, but dogs must remain on leash at all times and loose dogs are not allowed on trails.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Rentals

Paddocks and stalls are available by the night; standard rentals are 1–7 nights — for stays longer than a week contact the operator directly.

Meeting & Check-in

Check in at the Leatherwood Mountains main office in Ferguson, NC for directions and arrival procedures.

What to Bring

You must bring your own buckets, water, feed and hay; the operator does not supply horse feed and you are responsible for feeding your animals while on site.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long can I rent a paddock or stall?

Standard rentals run from 1 to 7 nights; for bookings longer than a week you should call the operator.

Where do I check in when I arrive?

Check in at the Leatherwood Mountains main office in Ferguson, NC.

Are there bathrooms or showers at the Trail Barn?

No — the Trail Barn has no bathroom or shower facilities; guests can walk to the West Barn for facilities.

What equine health documentation do I need to bring?

Guests must provide proof of a current Coggins annually and proof of rabies, tetanus, EEE/WEE and West Nile virus vaccinations annually; proof of flu/Rhino (EHV-1) is required semi‑annually and additional health certificates are recommended for out-of-state animals.

Do you provide feed or water for horses?

No — you must bring your own buckets, water, feed and hay; the operator does not provide feed.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but dogs must be on a leash at all times and loose dogs are not allowed on trails.