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Surrounded on three sides by the Neuse River, Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve consists of primarily undeveloped pastures and woodland areas.

Preserve Rules

Programs and Volunteering

Programs

Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve offers a variety of programs. Browse and register for programs and classes at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve on RecLink.

Volunteering

ecoEXPLORE HotSpot

Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve is now an ecoEXPLORE hot spot. ecoEXPLORE is a program where kids grades K–8 can earn prizes and help scientists just by taking photos!

Learn more about ecoEXPLORE and sign up today.

Trails

There are two distinct natural surface trails at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve.

Sustainability

Horseshoe Farm's rich natural and cultural resources as well as public input led to the concept of a nature preserve. This concept guided the overall planning principle with the intent to preserve the existing character of the property and minimize the environmental impacts to the site.

The preserve was developed using sustainable practices and was selected by the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) to participate in a new program testing the nation’s first rating system for green landscape design, construction, and maintenance. Sustainable features such minimizing site disturbance, eliminating the need to be connected to public utilities, implementing the City's first compost restroom facility, providing on-site stormwater management, protecting wetlands and riparian buffers, using native plants, regional materials, permeable pavement, and solar lighting are employed at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve. We are pleased to have earned SITES certification at a two-star rating.

View more information on the Sustainable Sites Initiative.

Shelter

Hours

Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Please call the office to confirm the current park closing time.

Farmhouse

The Farmhouse is open on the second Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hours

Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve closing changes monthly. They open daily at 7 a.m. See closing times below.

August 8:30 p.m.
September 8:00 p.m.
October 7:00 p.m.
November 5:30 p.m.
December 5:30 p.m.
January 6:00 p.m.
February 6:30 p.m.
March 7:00 p.m.
April 8:00 p.m.
May 8:30 p.m.
June 9:00 p.m.
July 9:00 p.m.

Settlement to secure essential food source for red knot birds listed under the Endangered Species Act

Horseshoe crabs and threatened rufa red knots will enjoy enhanced protection in South Carolina following an agreement between Defenders of Wildlife and the Coastal Conservation League, represented by SELC, and Charles River Laboratories and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Yesterday, a settlement was filed in federal court in the case brought by SELC, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Coastal Conservation League regarding the use of horseshoe crab holding ponds. Today, all parties announced the agreement that, for at least the next five years:

This landmark settlement comes after years of litigation and represents a huge victory for South Carolina wildlife and the citizens who care about it.

Senior Attorney Catherine Wannamaker

“We are glad that Charles River has agreed to increased protections for red knots and to conduct its operations in South Carolina in a more sustainable way,” says Wannamaker.

The rufa red knot stops on South Carolina’s coast each spring to feed on horseshoe crab eggs along its transpolar journey to the Arctic. Listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, red knots share special relationships with the crabs dubbed “living fossils” that outlived the dinosaurs and resisted evolution, having kept a relatively similar appearance for over 400 million years. Red knots must essentially double their bodyweight by gorging themselves on horseshoe crab eggs to survive their long migration.

At the same time as the birds’ arrival in South Carolina, harvesters for Charles River Laboratories collect spawning horseshoe crabs to use their blood in biomedical testing. The basis of SELC’s federal lawsuit was that these practices denied the red knots access to the eggs they need and threatened their survival. Moreover, this harvest occurs despite the existence of a synthetic alternative to the crab’s blood used by companies like Eli Lilly.

But with the new protections in place, red knots will be ensured access to the food source critical to the transpolar journey and their survival.

This resolution allows for smart, focused restrictions on horseshoe crab harvesting that ensures a critical food source for red knots at vital foraging locations along South Carolina’s coastal plain.

Faith Rivers James, Coastal Conservation League

Second win for horseshoe crabs and red knots this month

This good news follows a decision by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, also the result of litigation brought by SELC, that bans horseshoe crab harvesting in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge during the crabs’ spawning season.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prohibited the commercial harvesting of horseshoe crabs during spawning season when it issued its final compatibility determination stating that the practice is incompatible with the purposes of the refuge and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This news came in response to a lawsuit brought by SELC on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife that temporarily blocked horseshoe crab harvesting there in 2021, which prompted the Service’s action to address harvesting in the Refuge.

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge lies on South Carolina’s coast, made up of 22 miles of barrier islands for visitors and wildlife alike to explore. With its islands and estuaries only accessible by boat, these species enjoy special sanctuary from common habitat disturbances, like development practices, that are common on other parts of the coast.

“Along with the Cape Romain decision, the settlement is an exciting step in our work towards a sustainable future for the people and wildlife of the Southeast,” said Ben Prater, Defenders of Wildlife Southeast Program Director. “This agreement will help maintain the integrity of essential habitats for horseshoe crabs, their spawning grounds and critical food sources for imperiled wildlife including migratory birds like the red knot.”

Be part of the solution. Double your impact with a donation through a special wildlife challenge grant.

JAN. 22, 2023 - Uniquely WNC: Mills River goat owner Lily Crofut, who has grown her goat "family" from 1 to 14, is giving Christmas trees a second life after learning the trees are not only a nutritious, high-calorie snack for goats, but also serve as a dewormer for the animals. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)

MILLS RIVER, N.C. (WLOS) — Christmas has come and gone. Lights and decorations are being tucked away for next season.

But there is a second life for leftover real trees.

An animal lover in Mills River, Lily Crofut is turning holiday greens into a delicious treat for animals she rescues!

It all started when her first goat began nibbling on the Christmas tree last year. Lily said she was worried that it might be harmful, but she found out it is actually a great high-calorie snack for goats, especially when there is so little natural grass to eat in the winter. She also learned it is also a natural dewormer.

"PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE" BEEKEEPING DUO HELPS POLLINATORS THRIVE

Christmas trees get 2nd life as healthy, high-calorie treat for Mills River goats

Lily is a foster coordinator for Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance. Her little one-goat family has grown to 14 goats this year.

"We rescued a few. You can really tell by their personalities, the more skittish they are, they're really from rough situations," Lily said.

With multiple goats this season, Lily put out a request for used Christmas trees and a Hendersonville Facebook group. She got over fifty comments and her goats have eaten every tree that they got, right down to the bark and then some!

UNIQUELY WNC: "CHAIR NERDS" PASS ON TRADITION AND CRAFT WITH UNIQUE EDUCATION CENTER

A local business owner in nearby Horse Shoe heard about the request for trees. Kathy Briggs was especially touched that Lily rescues goats from bad situations.

"Briggs Garden Center donated, I want to say, 20 trees last week, and I think she has about 10 more this week!" Lily said.

She is still accepting those trees and holiday greens. Lily says the goats gobble them up, whether they're fresh or all dried up!

You can contact her at 828-772-7828. She is located on Boylston Highway in Mills River.

University of South Carolina fans will soon have a new go-to game bar in Charlotte to cheer on the Gamecocks.

Why it matters: Charlotte is full of University of South Carolina fans and alumni, which should come as no surprise since the school is only about an hour and a half south of here in Columbia, SC. “There are 17,000 members [in the alumni association], just in the Charlotte zip codes,” owner James Korpela said.

Korpela knows how to build a bar — also owns The Brickyard in South End. He’s been planning The Horseshoe with the local alumni association for about three or four years.

Details: The Horseshoe is located at 1515 South Mint St, right behind Burrow Welchel & Culp, a new orthodontics office opening Friday, Oct. 21, and next door to the new nightclub Trio.

What’s happening: The Horseshoe had its soft opening Sept. 23 and is gearing up for its grand opening on Oct. 22.

Flashback: The alumni club in Charlotte has been bouncing from location to location on game days since Flight CLT closed in Uptown in 2019. That’s where Korpela, who isn’t a USC alum, comes in. He moved to Charlotte from Vegas about six years ago to help open Flight, and after it closed he kept a close relationship with the alumni association.

Menu: The “barstaurant,” according to Korpela, will serve food that’s somewhere between “bar food” and “fancy restaurant food.”

The Vibe: The Horseshoe will be Gamecocks-themed but not exclusively a Gamecocks bar — it’ll cater to all college sports fans. “But on Saturdays for all intents and purposes, it will be the home of the Gamecocks,” Korpela said.

The space: At about 4,200 square feet, The Horseshoe will have indoor seating, an outdoor patio and a private event space for rent that fits about 20-25 guests.

What’s next: For one day only, Friday, October 7, Kopella says he will announce a food discount on their instagram page ahead of their opening.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published August, 2022 and updated October 2022 to reflect the opening date.

There are many ways to enjoy the fall color display in North Carolina as travelers have an abundance of ways to enjoy the show, either by car, train, bicycle, boat or horseback. However, there is only one place to stay and that is at The Horse Shoe Farm, nestled on 85 stunning acres along the ancient waters of the French Broad River.

The Horse Shoe Farm is a destination for everyone, as it is perfect for romantic getaways, family reunions, weddings or corporate retreats. Guests looking to connect with nature will marvel at the picturesque valleys and mountains of the Blue Ridge Mountains which host the area's best views of the trees dressed in their colorful fall finery.

The Turchin family bought the farm in 2017 and they were captivated by the breathtaking beauty and serene elegance encompassing the property. With a desire to complement the authentic essence and natural landscape, the Turchins transformed The Horse Shoe Farm into a private retreat.

The Horse Shoe Farm is minutes from downtown Hendersonville, Asheville, and Tryon offering luxury accommodations for up to 61 guests, an unparalleled spa experience in an authentic renovated barn, on-site fine dining and bar, and private event space for weddings, family gatherings, and retreats. There are eight total luxury vacation homes, cottages and a loft available for booking individually or combined. With a total of 25 guestrooms and 23.5 baths, The Horse Shoe Farm can be rented in its entirety starting at $8,500 per night during high season and from $6,500 per night in low season. All accommodations are well-appointed and equipped with modern amenities such as fireplaces, kitchens, television, and wireless internet.

With a combined 15,500 square feet of climate controlled event space, The Horse Shoe Farm can accommodate groups of 10 to 450 people, and with unlimited outdoor space, it can be customized to suit any size occasion. While only 61 guests may stay on property at one time, the on-site event coordinator can assist with recommendations of nearby accommodations for larger parties.

When you're not unwinding indoors, venture around the farm to explore. The grounds feature a newly finished pool & pool house offering a heated resort-style pool surrounded by lounge chairs, a hot tub, sauna, steam room and gathering space year round. Stop by the Labyrinth, go fishing in the pond, tend to the organic garden, paddle board or kayak in the spring fed farm pond, or ride along the biking trails. All equipment needed is provided complimentary.

Everyone can enjoy The Farmhouse, the central hub of the farm; it serves as the communal living, game, and conference room on the farm. Regardless of which house you are staying in, The Farmhouse is yours to enjoy. A great place to socialize and meet your neighbors at. It features a game room with a pool table, ping pong and arts & crafts.

Guests will love visiting with the 2 horses, 3 sheeps, 5 goats and the many chickens and ducks on the farm and they can pick their own eggs for breakfast. The Horse Shoe Farm produces their own honey, has cherry trees and blackberry bushes, as well as a vegetable garden.

The Silo Cookhouse offers a culinary experience that is truly farm to table. Set amidst the tranquility of The Horse Shoe Farm, The Silo Cookhouse’s eclectic dining room is set amidst sweeping views of the mountains, including Mt. Pisgah, rolling pasture and farm land, and the French Broad River. Enjoy delicious food prepared with the freshest ingredients, predominantly sourced from the gardens on property, and supplemented by local artisans and purveyors located right here in Western North Carolina.

The menu changes daily, based on the ingredients available. The menu features one protein a night along with a complement of other dishes. Menu items may include Pork & Shrimp Dumplings, Butternut Squash Pierogi with Apple butter, fennel and arugula, Roasted Joyce Farms Chicken with Salsa verde and Grilled Bavette Steak with Black garlic chimichurri. Desserts include Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta topped with fresh farm berries, toasted coconut and Dulce de Leche Pot de Crème with Blood orange caramel and sea salt. Set up in the style of a supper club, dinner is at 7pm daily and includes 3 courses. The restaurant is open Wednesday – Saturday and reservations are required.

At The Horse Shoe Farm you can also pamper yourself in the luxury of its eclectic, whimsical converted horse barn, Western North Carolina’s most unique spa experience. Surrounded by sweeping pastures, distant mountains and the occasional crow of a rooster, The Stable Spa has a simple approach to bring “life on a farm” into your spa retreat. The spa offers signature and specialty massages, wellness & transformative therapies, acupuncture, body and foot treatments and classes, workshops and retreats. The Stable Spa offers immersive experiences as well, such as vibration healing sessions, inner guidance sessions and sound baths that will have guests leaving soul-connected and grounded in serenity.

The Horse Shoe Farm offers different luxury stay packages including their Romance, Seasonal Bliss and the Corporate Wellness Retreat Packages . The Romance package includes Luxury accommodations for 2 nights, flowers, champagne, and chocolates in-home upon arrival, one 90-minute couples massage with warm basalt stones, 2 private wellness classes, romantic dinner for 2 at The Silo Cookhouse, Continental breakfast each morning in The Silo Cookhouse, Farm bonfire and s’mores each night under the stars and much more. The Seasonal Bliss package includes luxury accommodations for 3 nights, Champagne, chocolates, and welcome gift in-home upon arrival, Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for 2 in The Silo Cookhouse, one 75-minute couples Seasonal Bliss Herbal Immersion Wrap, and Farm bonfire and s’mores each night under the stars.

For corporations and businesses of any size, The Horse Shoe Farm corporate wellness retreats offer organizations the opportunity for eight or more colleagues to spend four days and three nights together in the luxury accommodations with all meals included. Guests will also enjoy guided yoga or meditation class each morning, farm field day and team-building activities and bonfire & s’mores each night at The Silo Cookhouse.

The farm is 10 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport with direct flights to several major cities (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, etc.)

The Horse Shoe Farm 155 HORSE SHOE FARM DRIVE HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28791 +1 (828) 393-3034 Thehorseshoefarm.com | @thehorseshoefarm