Horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains offer a unique and immersive way to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of this iconic American landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a first-time rider, these guided tours provide an unforgettable adventure through the lush forests, rolling hills, and serene valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Guided Horseback Riding Experiences
Cades Cove Riding Stables
Located near Townsend, Tennessee, Cades Cove Riding Stables offers guided horseback rides through the historic Cades Cove area. These hour-long tours allow you to learn about the region’s rich history while taking in the stunning scenery. The stable’s well-trained horses are suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Smokemont Riding Stables
Situated near Cherokee, North Carolina, Smokemont Riding Stables provides a variety of guided horseback riding options, including a 1-hour ride, a 2.5-hour waterfall ride, and a 4-hour ride. They also offer wagon rides along the Old Turnpike Road, providing a unique horse-drawn experience.
Davy Crockett Riding Stables
Located in Townsend, Tennessee, Davy Crockett Riding Stables offers guided horseback rides for visitors to explore the Smoky Mountains. You can contact them at (865) 448-6411 to inquire about their tour options.
Big Rock Dude Ranch
Nestled near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Big Rock Dude Ranch offers horseback riding year-round, seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. They boast the area’s only true mountain trail rides, providing an unparalleled equestrian experience.
Jayell Ranch
Jayell Ranch offers an hour-long horseback ride through the beautiful mountain trails of the Smoky Mountains. Their well-trained horses and expert wranglers ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Bringing Your Own Horse
If you prefer to ride your own horse, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 550 miles of hiking trails that are open to equestrians. However, horses are restricted to designated trails, and off-trail or cross-country riding is prohibited. You can obtain a trail map from park visitor centers or download it from the park’s website to plan your ride.
Additional Activities
In addition to guided horseback rides, some stables in the Smoky Mountains offer additional activities:
Hayrides
Cades Cove Riding Stables offers a 1.5-2 hour hayride around the Cades Cove Loop Road, providing a unique and relaxing way to experience the area.
Carriage and Wagon Rides
Some stables, such as Smokemont Riding Stables, offer carriage or wagon rides, allowing you to enjoy a horse-drawn experience on the park’s trails.
Cost and Timings
The cost of guided horseback rides in the Smoky Mountains generally ranges from $54.99 to $189.99 per person, depending on the length and type of ride. You can purchase official trail maps from park visitor centers for $1 or download them from the park’s website.
Best Horseback Riding Stables in the Smoky Mountains
Based on reviews and reputation, some of the best horseback riding stables in the Smoky Mountains include:
- Cades Cove Riding Stables: Known for their calm and athletic horses, suitable for all levels of experience.
- Smokemont Riding Stables: Offers a variety of guided horseback rides, including longer rides and wagon rides.
- Big Rock Dude Ranch: Provides year-round horseback riding with true mountain trail rides.
- Jayell Ranch: Offers scenic horseback rides with well-trained horses and expert wranglers.
Horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains is an unforgettable way to explore the region’s natural beauty and rich history. Whether you choose a guided tour or bring your own horse, you’re sure to create lasting memories on the trails of this stunning national park.
References:
1. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/horseriding.htm
2. https://www.smokymountains.org/things-to-do/land-activities/horseback-riding/
3. https://horseridingbigrock.com
4. https://smokymountainnationalpark.com/things-to-do/horseback-riding/
5. https://jayellranch.com/adventures/horseback-rides/