frequently asked questions

How far is Walnut Creek Preserve from Lake Lure, Hendersonville and Asheville? Walnut Creek Preserve is about 10 minutes from Lake Lure golf courses and amenities, 40 minutes from Hendersonville and under an hour from Asheville.

Are there horse shows and horse trainers in the area? Walnut Creek Preserve is part of a very strong equestrian community including Tryon, North Carolina, home of the Blockhouse Steeplechase and many juried horse shows. Many excellent trainers live and work in the area, including ground work trainers, dressage trainers and trail riding trainers.

I have trail horses. How can I know the trails will be protected? All of the more than 50 miles of trails in Walnut Creek Preserve are part of acreage under permanent conservation easement. The land can never be developed or subdivided. Homeowners have a deeded easement to use all the trails. This easement will pass to a buyer if you sell in the future.

Who are the owners of this equestrian community? Babs and Bob Strickland, whose 95 acre Serenity Farm is next door to the 2,010 acre preserve. Their 4 acre lake, stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill, is available to homeowners for swimming, fishing and canoe or kayak paddling.

How big are the parcels? Most parcels were designed so they have both sufficient pasture for 2 or more horses and have great mountain views. They range from 11 acres to 27 acres.

Is there debt on the tract? No. There is no debt on the parcels being offered for sale and there is no debt on the acreage under conservation easement where the trails are located. Some parcel buyers have mortgages on their homes, of course.

What services are available nearby? An excellent grocery store, pharmacy and gas station are minutes away near Lake Lure, as are several restaurants, a public beach, medical services and several inns.  St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus is about 20 minutes away .  An award winning elementary school is less than 2 miles from the southern border of Walnut Creek Preserve and the middle school and high school are between the preserve and Columbus.

What equestrian services are available? There are several excellent training barns with highly respected trainers for those who want to improve their skills or their horse’s skills. An equine hospital is in Columbus, just down the road, and is equipped to handle not only emergencies but also complicated surgical cases. There are several skilled equine vets in the area who have mobile services. Feed and other supplies are readily available as well.

What are the trails like? They are beautiful! All of the trails have been cleared and are 10 to 15 feet wide. There are 25 creeks and streams, and many trails follow the creeks on one or both sides. Higher trails have outstanding mountain views. All trails connect to other trails so they don’t dead end.

Can I access trails from my parcel if I buy one? Yes. Every parcel has direct access to the trails. From your home you can go out and return without having to retrace your path, and every trail is accessible from every parcel.

What else is there to do nearby? Theater lovers enjoy both the North Carolina State Theater at Flat Rock, about 40 minutes away. Tryon Fine Arts Center offers excellent plays as well as concerts. Tryon Arts & Crafts at Harmon Field houses many fine craftsmen offering classes in multiple media, including painting, weaving, wood working and more. The region is renowned for its mountain music heritage and opportunities abound to participate in theater and musical events. There are many different opportunities for volunteer activities in the community.Gyms and yoga classes and varied courses at Isothermal Community College round out the offerings.