Love Valley: The Town Where Cars Aren’t Allowed, Only Horses

Welcome to Love Valley, North Carolina! This tiny town in the Brushy Mountains is unique for several reasons, but most obvious is the fact that there are no cars allowed.

Residents travel by horseback! Far away from the hustle of city life, Love Valley offers a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

If you’re wanting to visit somewhere where elements of the Wild West is still alive, this is the town!

Please read the ‘Love Valley Update’ section at the bottom.

History of Love Valley

Love Valley was founded in 1954 by Andy Barker, who wanted to live in a community of cowboys. He left his job in Charlotte, North Carolina, to move into the mountains to peruse this dream.

He received help from several friends who helped him to build a church overlooking the town.

The town was officially incorporated in 1963 and Barker’s father was named the Mayor. Barker also built an arena and a post office for the new town. 

In 1970, the Allman Brothers Band headlined a rock festival in Love Valley. Thousands of people flocked to the small town every year.

Some people fell in love with the charm of Love Valley and decided to stay.

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Activities & Things To Do at Love Valley

Some residents of Love Valley do own cars, but the only way around town is by horseback, wagon, or carriage. Visitors can bring their own horses or rent a horse to get around town.

Though you won’t find any cars in Love Valley, there is a parking lot for visitors who are unable to ride horses in.

The town offers over 2,000 acres of trail riding that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The trails offer breathtaking views of the Brushy Mountains and a chance to reconnect with nature. 

There are many options for camping in the town. All of the campgrounds are horse trailer friendly, and many of them offer stalls for your equine travel partner.

For people who may want a less primitive option for overnight stays, there are also cabins for rent. 

The charming little town has a general store, a cafe, two bars, an antique shop, western store, gift shop, leather shop, and a mercantile variety store.

The town’s old-west feel is complete with hitching posts available outside of the shops for horses! 

Though the town is small, it is far from boring! Love Valley hosts monthly rodeos. Various individuals and organizations also host horse shows and trail rides.

A complete listing of their events can be found here.. Visiting equestrians are always welcomed in the small town and invited to participate in events.

Also Read: 40 Facts You Didn’t Know About Horses

Visiting Love Valley

The unique experience of visiting Love Valley has attracted US Senators, governors, presidents, generals, and Chiefs of Native American tribes.

Musicians and actors are even attracted to the historic vibe of Love Valley. Rex Allen, Arthur Godfrey, and Fred Kirby have all visited the town. 

With seemingly endless trails, rodeos, horse shows, and a charming small-town appeal, it’s easy to see why equestrians flock to Love Valley.

The town is always open for guests to walk through but many of the stores are only open on the weekends. For more information, visit the town’s website or follow their Facebook page. 

Here is a nice video of the Town:

Love Valley Update

Since writing this article, we have heard that Love Valley is in potentially serious financial trouble and is in danger of closing. The situation has been made considerably worse by the current economic situation and restrictions.

Please share this article to give them some much-needed exposure. It would be a shame to let this beautiful and unique place be closed to visitors!

Also read:

• 9 Facts About Queen Elizabeth and Horses
• 8 Signs a Horse Like You
• 10 Famous Cowboys & Outlaws Who Ruled the Wild West
• 10 Celebrities Who Are Passionate Horse Lovers