For the last 65 years, the town of Love Valley in North Carolina’s Brushy Mountains has held a remarkable distinction: it’s the only mainland town in the state that prohibits cars. The town’s founder, Andy Barker, made sure it was a law here that the cowboy way of life would always be a part of this tiny town resting in a valley a mere hour’s drive from Charlotte. If you haven’t visited the Cowboy Capital of North Carolina yet, then maybe it’s time to plan an adventure.
The Brushy Mountain range in North Carolina is merely a spur of the beloved Blue Ridge Mountains.
Although the Blue Ridge Mountains have enormous peaks and valleys, the Brushies (as the locals call them) are more like hills with peaks that reach only as high as a thousand feet from their base. (The mountain peak seen here is not at Love Valley. It's located approximately 35 miles away.)
Love Valley's location is right inside a valley bowl of the scenic Brushies.
It's an ideal location for exploring the mountains by way of horseback — while also paying a visit to the tiny cowboy town where cars are banned and Main Street looks like it belongs in an old John Wayne movie. You won't find parking meters here — but you'll find hitching posts and loads of friendly folks.
Advertisement
As one may expect from a cowboy town that doesn't allow cars, visitors who don't have a horse to trailer over JUST to take ride down Main Street can actually rent a horse from a local stable and ride into town by way of horse.
Stop in town along the way and grab a lunch to go from the General Store and then set out on an adventure like no other.
From couples to larger groups, Brushy Mountain Horseback Adventures has a stable full of expertly trained trail horses ideal for all riding skill levels.
Grab your cowboy hat to block the midday sun and hit the trail with your guide for a ride that includes some incredible views from the back of your horse and the top of the ridge.
While horseback riding isn't for everyone, the guides at Brushy Mountain Horseback Adventures are knowledgeable and able to coach even a novice through this easy-going trail ride.
Brushy Mountain Horseback Adventures offers guided horseback tours and day/weekend horse rentals (rentals are for experienced riders only). It’s open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days per week. For rates and bookings, call (980)298-8235. Learn more from the official Facebook page.
The history of Love Valley and how it got its start is fascinating. Have you visited yet?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
