Howdy partner! Experience the beauty and serenity of the Great Smoky Mountains like never before with horseback riding in Gatlinburg. Explore picturesque trails, discover the area’s rich history, and witness breathtaking views as you trot along on your adventure. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your perfect horseback riding excursion in the Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg area, from finding the best stables to understanding the various trail options available.
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Horseback Riding in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Concession Horseback Riding Stables
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers guided horseback riding through four concession stables from mid-March to late November. These stables provide scenic horseback rides lasting from 45 minutes to several hours, all at a walking pace. As of the date of this article, rates start from $30 per hour, and weight limits and age restrictions may apply. The stables in the National Park include:
- Cades Cove Riding Stables near Townsend, TN (865) 448-9009
- Smokemont Riding Stables near Cherokee, NC (828) 497-2373
- Smoky Mountain Riding Stables near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-5634
- Sugarlands Riding Stables near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-3535
These stables offer a variety of trail rides suitable for riders of all experience levels. For more information on each stable, including their specific offerings, be sure to visit their websites or give them a call.
Hayrides, Carriage Rides, and Wagon Rides
For those looking for a more leisurely experience, some stables in the National Park offer hayrides, carriage rides, and wagon rides. Sometimes the more leisurely experiences allow you take in all the nature and beautiful scenery. These activities allow visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park from a comfortable seated position. Prices and availability vary, so be sure to contact the stables directly for more information.
Cades Cove Riding Stables, for example, offers a 1.5 – 2 hour hayride around the Cades Cove Loop Road, allowing passengers to sit on a bed of hay in a trailer pulled by a truck while enjoying the open-air views of the area. Reservations are generally required and can be made by calling (865) 448-9009.
Carriage or wagon rides are offered at Cades Cove Riding Stables and Smokemont Riding Stables, providing a unique 20-30 minute horse-drawn experience on park trails.
Bringing Your Own Horse to the Park
If you wish to explore the park on your own horse, approximately 550 miles of hiking trails in the park are open for horseback riding. Horses are restricted to designated trails, and a permit is required, which can be obtained from a ranger station or visitor center. Be sure to review the park’s trail map to determine which trails are suitable for horseback riding and pack appropriately for your trip.
Horseback Riding Stables in Gatlinburg
When seeking horseback riding in Gatlinburg, TN, two stables often top the search results: Smoky Mountain Riding Stables and Sugarlands Riding Stables.
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service. Their guided tours offer a 45-minute ride across 3 miles of the national park, traversing mountain streams and wooded trails with experienced guides. Riders may encounter wildlife such as black bears, deer, or turkeys during their journey. This stable accommodates both beginners and experienced riders, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable experience for all.
Sugarlands Riding Stables
Sugarlands Riding Stables provides a range of trail rides for riders of all experience levels within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The one-hour ride covers 4 miles, while the 1.5-hour ride covers 6 miles, making them more suitable for novice riders. The two-hour ride covers 8 miles, and the four-hour ride covers 15 miles, catering to more experienced riders. All guided tours are conducted at a walking pace.
Horseback Riding in Pigeon Forge
Gatlinburg isn’t the only option for horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge also offers two trail ride tour options: Big Rock Dude Ranch and Gold Rush Stables.
Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa
Located just north of Gatlinburg, Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa is another premier Smoky Mountains riding stable. They offer horseback riding seven days a week, weather permitting. The 3.5-mile tour provides a glimpse into the experiences of early settlers who crossed the mountains and valleys on horseback approximately 200 years ago.
In addition to various one-hour guided tour packages, Big Rock Dude Ranch offers 30-minute ATV rides and a combo package for both horseback and ATV riding. The ranch also features numerous amenities and activities such as Chow Boys Cafe, picnic areas, gem mining, a petting zoo, a fishing pond, a general store, the Heritage Museum, and horseshoe pits.
Gold Rush Stables and Heritage Carriage Rides
At Gold Rush Stables and Heritage Carriage Rides, riders can enjoy a one-hour tour on a 2.5-mile trail in the Pigeon Forge area. Located near the famous Dollywood theme park, the stables offer a total of five trails to accommodate all riding experience levels. The terrain of these trails is not extreme due to its location.
For a more intimate and romantic experience, couples can book a carriage ride at Walden’s Landing, with a romance package available for special occasions.
Horseback Riding in Sevierville
North of Gatlinburg, there are several horseback riding opportunities in Sevierville. The three main stables and ranches in this area are:
Five Oaks Riding Stables
Part of Adventure Park at Five Oaks, Five Oaks Riding Stables offers a one-hour horseback riding package on a 3.5-mile trail with mountain views, streams, and a moonshine still. This stable is one of the few that permits tandem riding for a child and adult, as well as other adventure activities such as zip-lining, go-kart racing, and laser tag. Combination passes are available for added savings and fun.
Jayell Ranch
Jayell Ranch provides horseback riding through more than 260 acres of beautiful trees, offering fantastic views of the Smoky Mountains. Despite having some of the lowest prices, their 4-mile trail ride takes you through historic areas for about one hour. The ranch also offers zip-lining, ATV rides, and extreme mountain tubing.
Deer Farm Riding Stables
Deer Farm Riding Stables is one of the few stables that permits tandem riding for children and parents, as long as they comfortably fit in the saddle and do not exceed the 250-pound weight limit. Backpacks are also allowed during rides. Children who are not yet ready for riding full-grown horses can enjoy pony rides, while the property also features a petting zoo.
Horseback Riding in Townsend
West of Gatlinburg, there are even more horseback riding opportunities in the city of Townsend. The stables in this area include:
Next to Heaven Ranch
Next to Heaven Ranch offers unguided trail rides, with the duration varying based on rider preferences. Children under the age of 5 receive a discounted single-rider price. If you’re looking for more adventure, the ranch also offers zip-lining with three lines ranging in length from 1,000 feet to over 1,300 feet.
Davy Crockett Riding Stables
At Davy Crockett Riding Stables, riders are accompanied by an equestrian professional on guided trail rides. Depending on your skill level and familiarity, an experienced guide can be a definite plus. The rides vary in length from 30 minutes to half a day, with prices varying accordingly. Shorter rides are perfect for those with no horseback riding experience who want to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Cades Cove Riding Stables
The guided trail rides at Cades Cove Riding Stables offer a fantastic way to explore this area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The stable keeps riding groups small to provide the best possible experience. Rides typically last about one hour. Additional options for 30- to 45-minute guided carriage rides and 1.5- to 3-hour guided hayrides.
Cataloochee Guest Ranch
By reservation only, horseback riding at Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley, NC, promises an incredible adventure. The ranch offers full- or half-day group rides or private rides through the beautiful Smoky Mountains. And providing hospitality a mile high.
Riding Your Own Horse Through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you own horses and plan to visit Gatlinburg or a nearby city, consider bringing them for your own Smoky Mountains horseback riding adventure. Although horseback riding in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is restricted to certain trails, about 550 miles of trail are open to horses.
To embark on your adventure, simply obtain a permit from a ranger station or visitor center, and review the trail map to determine which trails are suitable for horseback riding. As trail rides can last anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours, be sure to pack appropriate supplies for your journey.
Conclusion
Horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg area offers an extraordinary way to experience the beauty and serenity of the region. Might want to pair it with a camping trip in the Smoky Mountains National Park.
With numerous stables and trail options for riders of all skill levels, beginner or experienced rider, and even large groups, there’s no shortage of opportunities to create unforgettable memories. So saddle up. mbark on your very own Smoky Mountains horseback riding adventure today!
Yippee Ki-Yay and Happy Trails.