Horseshoe Farm has gained some popularity during quarantine! Anytime we went pre-pandemic, there was never anyone there. At the height of it’s quarantine fame, they were turning people away at the gate because it was too crowded! Nowadays the crowds have died down quite a bit and it’s a great place to explore and take a walk!
Carved out by the meandering of the Neuse River, Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve sits on a U-shaped piece of land in northeastern Wake County right off of 401/Louisburg Rd. The preserve has a large open green space perfect for picnics and letting the kids run around while staying socially distant.
My kids favorite part of this park is this row of old tree stumps. Who knew?! We usually spend quite a bit of time just letting them walk and climb on these cut down trees. It’s nature’s very own playground!
Historic Building and Shelter
The preserve does have a picnic shelter onsite, so you could host an event here if you wanted. We usually use it for our snack break since it’s shaded and has picnic tables.
Horseshoe Farm does have some historic details on display throughout the preserve. Prior to the city of Raleigh purchasing the land in 1994, the preserve was a working farmhouse and horse pasture. With the help of a grant, the farmhouse has been renovated for nature education and temporary office space. Every time we have been here the farm house has been closed, so I don’t think they do many programs or events here.
Walking trails
There are two separate trails at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve.
The Meadow Loop Trail is a narrow dirt trail that is around .9 miles long and runs along the wood line and the edge of the lower meadow. This trail loops around much of the open space at the Preserve. We tried to walk this trail after a lot of rain, and it was flooded. I don’t recommend taking a stroller.
The River Walk Trail is about .6 miles long and is a wide, paved trail perfect for strollers. It will take you down to the Neuse River, and back to the lower section of the Meadow Loop Trail. It connects to Mitchell Mill and will take you over the large pedestrian bridge you can see from 401.
Restroom Facilities
Heads up! There is no running water on the preserve. This means that the bathroom is basically a permanent porta-potty, similar to the Raleigh portion of the American Tobacco Trail.
Overall Horsehoe Farm Nature Preserve has become one of our favorite spots to stop and burn some energy. If you’re looking for more of a playground area, try nearby Main Street Park in Rolesville.