Check FETA FaceBook page or call the trail status telephone (828-859-0133) before riding.

Please help us maintain the trails. When you ride, be our eyes. REPORT TRAIL ISSUES (DOWN TREES, LOW BRANCHES, EROSION, ETC) WITH LOCATION/TRAIL AND A PHOTO IF POSSIBLE TO TRAILMASTER@FETATRAILS.ORG. Don't assume we know.

March 18 Update:

Recently opened 🤠: Lady Slipper Trail, A-Cut Above, A Cut Below, Covil, Nevis, Baccarat, McAndrews, Pucks Path, Shadrach & Lou's Trail

CLOSED TRAILS - PLEASE DO NOT RIDE ON CLOSED TRAILS!!!

Trillium

Jackie’s Bottom

Many Levels

Lezowitz Loop

Green Gait & Iberian Way

Peaceful Pines

Poison Ivy

Red Fox

Artists Way

March 28 Update on Jackie's Bottom from Faith Jorgenson

Re-opening Jackie’s Bottom trail is slow going. There are four other access trails off of South River Road that riders can use to get to the trails at Long Lane and Cotton Patch.

The first access starts at the south end of South River Road, near the intersection with Hunting Country Road. This is Little Orchard Trail. It is on the west side of South River Road along the Little Orchard pasture fence before the Burrus (Blackberry Hill) driveway. There is a trail sign on a tree between the pasture fence and the road. This trail T’s into Long Lane Trail near Burrus Fish Camp Trail and Two Ponds Overlook Trail.

The second access is Burrus Trail. It is directly across from the Hay-Away driveway. If you ride left, you will come to the Burrus Fish Camp. Right will T into Thompson Drive Trail.

The third access is Thompson Drive. It is a gravel driveway with a cable across the entrance. Riders are permitted to ride around the post to continue on the driveway.

The fourth access is at the entrance to Cotton Patch Stables. Riders are permitted to ride past the barns and continue down the driveway.

Trail status information is available by calling the FETA recorded message line:  828-859-0133

OR  for the most up-to-date throughout the day

JOIN OUR FETA MEMBERS

Facebook page

REPORTING A TRAIL ISSUE

The best way to report a maintenance issue or hazard you encounter on the trails (such as a downed tree or other obstacle, a washed-out bank, a bridge safety concern, etc is to click here and fill out a Request for Trail Maintenance. The form has a place to upload pictures so please send one or two with your request so the Trailmaster can see the issue and be better able to address it sooner.

We designed this new reporting system to streamline and organize all requests in one place, so nothing slips through the cracks.  

Or you're also welcome to send an email by clicking here:  Trailmaster@fetatrails.org

HUNTING SEASON UPDATES

A downloadable PDF of all hunting season dates for North Carolina can be found here:

NC Hunting Season Dates 2023-2024 

It's always a good idea to wear brightly colored clothing on the trails for safety even when it isn't an active hunting season.

Important Trail Reminders:

• We would like to encourage FETA members to put their cell phone numbers on saddle tags.  Recently a horse was caught after being separated from it's rider and we realized how much easier it is to check on the rider and to reunite horse and rider if the rider's cell number is secured to the horse.
• Heads up (and tails down) for riders in Stoneybrook:  We are getting complaints of horse manure left on the roads in Stoneybrook.  If you must ride on a road be sure to get off your horse and scoop any poop off the pavement.  Better yet, stay off the pavement.

Trail News:

• The overpass on Hunting Country Road for Highway 26 at the FENCE riding location has extensive construction being conducted. Please use extreme caution walking your horse through the construction area if you choose to ride the trails on the showgrounds side of the overpass. Vehicles have been seen passing through without observing the traffic lights and it may be a hazard. Be alert. 

HUNTING COUNTRY VS PENIEL TRAILS

There are times when only part of the system will be open most likely due to the effects of rain. During a partial opening, it is important to know the demarcation between the two sides of the trail system. The line dividing the Hunting Country Trails and the Peniel Trails follows the path of Red Fox Road and Smith Dairy Road. See Map

Additional Reminders:

• Please remember that there is no smoking on FETA trails.  FETA trails are on private property and our generous landowners do not appreciate the fire hazard or the litter.  In addition to smoking there have been some water bottles and even beer cans dropped on trails.  We love our landowners so please do not litter and when it is safe to do so we can all help by picking any litter we see.
• When parking at FENCE use the designated lot across from the entrance to TROT and the Nature Center.  Do not use the lot intended for trail walkers that has the picnic shelter at one end.  
• When FETA is closed, the FENCE trails are closed too. 
• When there is a Hunter/Jumper event at FENCE, the gate between FENCE and FETA on Mahler's Meadow trail will be closed and locked and will not be unlocked for any reason. Plan on going alternate routes.
• Riding on closed trails is a violation of your FETA membership agreement.  Please remember that trails are on private land and that riding off trail is trespassing.  We all need to respect and appreciate the landowners as we all enjoy their generosity.  
• Do not ride in open fields (except for Sheila's Playground).  Stay to the woods edge or on the marked trails.
• FETA trails are not on public land.  Private landowners generously give us permission to use the trails that run through their property.  We have had instances where FETA members complain about barking dogs or loud equipment on private land; this is never appropriate.  Landowners have no obligation to riders beyond allowing you to be on the trail.  Please be polite and thank our landowners when you meet them.