NC Horse Group Maintains 15 Miles of Trails for Free

Most hikers walking through North Carolina's Pine Cliff Recreation Area have no idea who keeps their favorite trails clear and accessible.

For more than ten years, a small group of volunteers called the Back Country Horsemen of the Croatan has been doing the hard work behind the scenes. They've maintained nearly 15 miles of trails inside the Croatan National Forest, clearing brush, removing fallen trees, and keeping paths open for everyone to enjoy.

Founding member Edward Lloyd says their mission is simple: keep these public trails accessible, especially for horseback riders. But the group welcomes all trail users, from hikers to nature lovers.

Hiker Zach Hirel recently learned about the volunteers keeping his trails clean. "I did not know that was who was cleaning out the trails. I mean, that's awesome," he said.

The surprise is part of the problem. Many people assume someone else handles trail maintenance, but Lloyd wants the public to know the truth: volunteers like his group do most of the work, and they need help.

The group is hosting a free meet and greet event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pine Cliff Recreation Area. They're hoping to bring in younger volunteers to continue the work as founding members age.

Lloyd stresses that you don't need to own a horse to join. "We want anybody and everybody who likes being outdoors, being on trails, and experiencing the forest to come," he said.

The Ripple Effect

The work of a few dedicated volunteers creates opportunities for thousands of people each year. When trails stay open and maintained, families can explore nature together, riders can safely enjoy their horses, and communities stay connected to the outdoors.

Lloyd's message is clear: don't take these trails for granted. The natural spaces we love require real people putting in real hours to keep them accessible.

Food will be served at Saturday's event, giving visitors a chance to meet the team, learn about volunteering, and explore the trails they've been caring for all these years.