Gently swaying on the sturdy back of a gentle horse–there’s no better way to get fresh air and see the Smoky Mountains up close. Riders of all ages and skill levels can experience horseback riding at Gatlinburg area stables like these.

1. Cades Cove Riding Stables

Wildlife is especially abundant in beautiful Cades Cove. Get close to nature and see iconic black bears, graceful deer, and wild turkeys. Take a guided trail ride, meet new friends on a group hayride, or enjoy an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride with a guide who tells tales of the Cove’s nature and history. 

Cades Cove stables are open from March through November. Trail rides are for ages six and up, but kids as young as two can join in hayrides or carriage rides. Hayrides and carriages are wheelchair accessible so everyone can participate.

2. Sugarlands Riding Stables

Ride through woods, past streams, and along mountain trails: “This ain’t no cow pasture ride!” Sugarlands promises. Your trail ride guide keeps an eye out for wildlife so you don’t miss a thing. Sugarlands welcomes large groups, Scouts, youth groups, and wedding parties (be sure to call ahead if your group has more than 10 people).

Open March through November, Sugarlands welcomes riders as young as five. A sister stable, Smoky Mountains Riding Stables, is just a few miles away, also offering trail rides.

3. Next to Heaven Adventures

Next to Heaven provides the area’s only unguided horseback riding. These gentle horses know the trail so well, you’ll feel as if they’re your guides–just let them follow their noses. Ride through 45 acres of Smokies woods and hills, heading for a scenic overlook with a spectacular mountain view. A (human!) guide will check on you during your relaxing, hour-long jaunt. You can make reservations to ride here, unlike at some of the national park’s stables.

4. Big Rock Dude Ranch

For horseback riding year-round, seven days a week, come to this Pigeon Forge ranch where you’ll experience the Smokies as early settlers did. Ride the 3.5-mile trail and still have time for gem mining, the petting zoo, fishing pond, museum, and shop. Big Rock features special horseback rides for the smallest kids, too.

Take plenty of pictures on your ride and share them when you get back to your Gatlinburg vacation cabin. Browse our rental cabin choices today!