FAQ
Below are some questions we have been asked about the Discovery Trail. This FAQ is sure to grow as we complete construction phases, introduce more people to our project, and have users experience the stations, so please do not hesitate to ask a question or submit a suggestion to help others learn more easily.
Where are you located?
Our facility is located in Statesville, NC -- easy-off from I-77 {exit 59} and access from I-40 or Rte 115; 30 minutes from Davidson/Mooresville and less than one hour from Charlotte or Winston-Salem. We are a private, gated facility available for therapeutic and educational use by appointment only, no drop-ins. We are not open to the public. Please contact us for info!
How do we schedule a visit?
To schedule a visit, session, event or experience on the Discovery Trail or other element, please use our contact page or email rcdiscoverytrail{at}gmail.com. Access to The Discovery Trail and additional programming is by appointment only. If you need private, confidential use of the trail or any elements, please discuss with Trail Management BEFORE making reservations. We have private space available, but we must know ahead of time if your sessions are confidential according to HIPAA standards. All staff is briefed on the nature of confidentiality and is asked to sign a privacy statement. *Please note: No drop-ins are allowed. We are not open to the public -- our facility is designed for therapeutic and educational use only, by appointment, and at the referral/recommendation of an educational (teacher), therapeutic, healthcare or social work professional.
What forms and information will be required to use the trail?
All individuals under 18 must have a permission form, liability release, marketing release and emergency medical form signed by their parent or guardian (not teacher or therapist). A liability release and emergency medical form will be required of all participants, regardless of age. Participants in a therapeutic riding program must have a completed packet before being approved for the program. Please contact us for current forms.
What is appropriate attire?
Appropriate attire includes comfortable, close-toed shoes such as sneakers, hiking shoes or boots. No open-toed shoes, flip flops or sandals of any kind are allowed. Dress appropriately for the season - layers are encouraged! Please note: our temperatures are typically 5-10 degrees cooler than the Charlotte-Mooresville area, so plan accordingly.
Are food and drink allowed on the trail?
Yes, but we do not allow glass bottles (unless they are personal reusable drink containers) of any kind while ON the trail. All trash must be properly disposed of and carried out. Lunch areas are provided at The Lake House. If there is a nut allergy within a group, all participants will be asked to bring a nut-free lunch.
Are food and drink available for sale on-site?
No. Water and ice will be available.
How is safety managed?
There are first aid kids available at every station and every building. Staff members are CPR and First Aid Certified through the Red Cross, one staff member is Certified Mental Health First Aid, and one staff member is an active members in the Volunteer Fire Department. There is an AED on-site and staff members are trained in how to use it. All areas and stations have been designed to provide a safe environment for horses and humans, however, there will always be hazards in an outdoor space that cannot be planned for. All individuals with severe allergies of any kind must alert a supervisor.
What happens in an emergency?
Someone calls 9-1-1 immediately. We have a network of emergency personnel nearby.
What types of hazards should we watch out for?
We have a large variety of plants, animals and insects that you will need to keep an eye out for. Our “trail etiquette” explains that you should only touch those plants and animals that you know the name and behavior of. Everything else should be viewed from a distance. Other hazards may include creek erosion, branches and trees that fell, or large holes caused by animals or weather. Staff will patrol the trail before visitors, but cannot guarantee that everything will be found. Please look out for your own well-being, and that of the others with you.
How often can I use the trail?
Regularly, as long as the trail and time slot is available. Access to The Discovery Trail and additional programming is by appointment only. If you need private, confidential use of the trail or any elements, please discuss with Trail Management BEFORE making reservations. We have private space available, but we must know ahead of time if your sessions are confidential according to HIPAA standards. All staff is briefed on the nature of confidentiality and is asked to sign a privacy statement. *Please note: We are not open to the public -- our facility is designed for therapeutic and educational use only, by appointment, and at the referral/recommendation of an educational (teacher), therapeutic, healthcare or social work professional.
Do you have set business hours?
Our hours available for scheduled appointments are between the hours of 10am and 4pm, based on the season and available staff; we are closed on most Saturdays and all Sundays. Please contact us for specifics or to schedule an appointment.
What is your weather policy?
The trail will be closed in the event of rain, extreme heat/cold, unusual precipitation and thunder-storms. Even if the weather is clear on the day you are supposed to visit, the trail may be closed, the trail will be closed for 24-48 hours following heavy precipitation to maintain the integrity of the grounds and safety of guests. This includes use of the trail in regularly scheduled therapy and horsemanship sessions.
How big of a group can I bring on the trail?
Our preferred ratio on the trail is one chaperone/teacher/therapist to every two youth. We have a maximum of 30 guests* in any one visit or group. [Different guidelines apply for groups with horses, please inquire.]
How long is the entire trail?
The entire trail, A through Z, will span approximately 3.2 miles in total.
How long would it take me to experience each station?
The time spent at each station depends entirely on the experience you wish to have. The stations are designed so that you may walk, ride or drive through them without stopping in about an hour, simply enjoying the visuals; or so that you may spend an entire day at just one station... and come back again!
How much does it cost to use the trail?
For approved educational groups, community groups and nonprofit organizations there is no cost to use the trail. Some of our programs have fees due to partnering vendors or space use. Our mission is to offer a beautiful space to learn and grow without burden, so we do our best to keep all of our programs and events low cost. We always welcome support of our trail through volunteering or donations.
Are the horses available to “rent” for trail rides or lessons?
No. Our horses are trained for therapeutic use on the trail and in different EFP/L settings. We are not a recreational riding facility.
How do we gain access to the horses for educational or therapeutic use?
If you wish to utilize horses on the trail, you must request special arrangements with the facility. A PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Instructor must be present for mounted work; and a certified Equine Specialist must be present for EFP/L work.
Can we bring our own horses?
Once the trails have been cleared and the footing is complete, a center is welcome to bring their own horses for session use. The horses used on the trail must be currently active in a therapeutic or lesson program, and must school the trail at least twice with owners/trainers before working with clients. Weather policies always apply.
Are the Bunk House or Snow Creek Cottage available for rent?
Not at this time.
Are we allowed to hunt?
No; while our woods are fully stocked with deer, turkey and other wildlife, we hope to share the beauty of them with others.
Will you share information to help build elements on our property?
Most definitely! One of our main goals is to collaborate with and support other centers and programs who are “like-minded” in providing children who have special needs or are at-risk with alternative, safe learning environments and tools.