Trails Carolina now facing another class action lawsuit

Trails Carolina, a wilderness therapy facility that was once operational near Asheville, North Carolina, is currently at the center of a class action lawsuit. The claim has been filed by Justice Law Collaborative, alleging that the program engaged in deceptive practices, charged exorbitant fees, and fostered an abusive environment for its participants.

According to the lawsuit, Trails Carolina allegedly capitalized on marketing its wilderness and residential program while withholding crucial information from parents. By omitting crucial details, the program lured parents into a false sense of security about the well-being and safety of their children at the facility. Additionally, the complaint states that Trails Carolina failed to disclose prior incidents of abuse, neglect, and deprivation of essential items like food and clothing.

Many parents have come forward to share harrowing anecdotes of the traumatic experiences their children endured while under the care of Trails Carolina. The disturbing accounts shed light on the dire circumstances that unfolded at the facility and underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice.

Following the tragic death of a 12-year-old camper under its supervision in February 2024, Trails Carolina ceased operations. The young child had only spent a mere 24 hours at the facility before the incident occurred, as noted in the medical examiner’s report, which classified the death as a homicide. Surprisingly, no criminal charges were brought against the camp in response to this tragic event.

Regrettably, this was not the first fatality related to Trails Carolina. Reports reveal that in 2014, a 17-year-old lost their life while attempting to escape from the facility. With these distressing incidents in mind, it is alarming to consider the potential risks and dangers that were seemingly present within the camp’s environment.

At present, Trails Carolina’s property is up for sale, signifying the end of an era for the controversial wilderness therapy facility. Despite numerous attempts by Spectrum News 1 to solicit a response from the camp regarding the recent lawsuit, no official comments have been provided as of yet.

In a statement issued back in February, the camp expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of the camper, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the affected family and community during this challenging time. Furthermore, Trails Carolina sought to highlight the positive outcomes experienced by many of its former students, citing transformational and beneficial experiences reported by a significant number of individuals.

As the legal proceedings surrounding Trails Carolina continue to unfold, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and safety of vulnerable youth who may be entrusted to similar programs in the future. By holding organizations accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency in their operations, the hope is to prevent further tragedies and safeguard the welfare of all participants in therapeutic programs.