Volunteers blaze new trails

On Oct. 3, the Twin Counties Chapter of Cowboys For Christ officially opened and dedicated approximately 11 miles of horseback riding and wagon trails within an 1,100-acre portion of Medoc Mountain State Park.

The park is north of Goldrock at the intersection of N.C. 48 and N.C. 4. The bridle trails consist of former logging paths, newly created fire lines and interconnecting trail segments cleared by CFC members and other trail volunteers under the supervision of park staff. The bridle trails are available only to horseback riders and horse drawn-wagons or buggies.

The bridle trailhead (parking area) is accessible from Medoc Mountain Road west of its intersection with Little Fishing Creek and contains nearly two acres for trailer parking, a well-water pump for horses, picnic shelter and outdoor grill. Riders are required to have a negative Coggins (equine infection anemia) certificate for any equine taken into the park. Riding is permitted on designated bridle trails on the trail map posted at the trailhead. There is no user fee. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. until sunset, with closing hours varying with the season. The bridle trails are open year around with the exception of Christmas Day and when the ground is excessively wet.

The Twin Counties Chapter of CFC and other local riders have worked for two years assisting park staff in the development of the trails, including the removal of stumps, debris, trees and vegetation, ground hole filling, trail marker installation and gate painting. The volunteer trail group will continue to perform trail maintenance to aid park staff in mowing and spraying the bridle trails.

For more on the bridle trails, contact the park office at 252-586-6588. Individuals interested in joining the volunteer group may call Deck McCain at 252-452-5447.