Raleigh Park's website regarding Horseshoe Farm
Don't confuse this with the House in the Horseshoe, a State Park in Sanford.
This is the first time I've visited a park that's not really a park yet. At the time of this writing, according to the above website, Wake County is accepting bids from contractors to make the proposed plan a reality. You can get a glimpse of the plan on the website and if you want to go into even more depth there's a link to an architectural study of the farmhouse.
If you visit right now you'll find a gravel drive into the 'park,' a small gravel parking lot, a big open meadow that's kept manicured, the closed farmhouse, a kiosk with info on the history of the property, and a sign pointing in the direction of the Neuse River Trail.
The area seems to be very popular with dog owners. And many folks took advantage of the parking to begin their trek on the NRT.
Surprisingly even though the property is surrounded by the River on three sides you'd never know it. A dense wooded area separates the river from the rest of the park. One visitor we talked to said there was an informal trail following the River on the outskirts of the park but to actually see the River you'd have to do some bushwhacking.
The land definitely has a lot of potential. The meadow would be great for picnicking on a blanket while enjoying an evening concert. The area's popularity with the canine crowd makes a dog park on the property a logical step. It would be nice to be able to see the surrounding river, so a minimal and responsible thinning of the woods makes sense. There are some beautiful trees (tulips, firs, and pines) surrounding the farmhouse that should definitely be preserved. A walking trail alongside the river which could connect to the NRT would also be a welcome addition.
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| The nearby NRT provides nice views including this suspension bridge which is visible from highway 401. |
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