Ride the Trails this Fall

Horseback Riding in Pigeon Forge

The Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful year-round, but fall is an especially wonderful time to visit the area. The leaves are changing, painting the landscape vivid hues of red, orange, and gold, and the cooler weather is perfect for tossing on a scarf and enjoying the great outdoors. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts more than 800 miles of trails to explore, so you can go hiking or biking on a nice day. There are also great places to picnic and take scenic drives, but one of our favorite ways to explore the outdoors is by horseback riding! There are several great horseback riding stables in the Smokies, so you’ll have your pick when you’re ready to saddle up and hit the trails. This fall, see the best of the Smokies and have a relaxing day on the trails with a horseback ride in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Five Oaks Riding Stables
1630 Parkway
Sevierville, TN

Set on 70-acre nature park, Five Oaks Riding Stables is a beautiful retreat from a busy life. As you ride, you’ll enjoy views of a lake and gorgeous Mount LeConte, along with an authentic moonshiners’ still. They blend history with natural beauty, offering you an experience like no other. The stables house 60 horses, and the nature park is home to 66 different species of mammals and 200 species of birds. You might see wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and many different birds along the way. Reserve by calling 877.741.8070.

Waldens Creek Stables
2720 Waldens Creek Rd
Sevierville, TN

At Waldens Creek Stables, you’ll have plenty of space to roam with your horse, with more than 500 acres! They have rides for all skill levels, and they offer rides year-round, “when flowers are blooming in the spring, lightning bugs are glowing and bears are roaming in the summer, leaves are turning in the fall, and snow is falling in the winter.” A variety of wildlife will be seen along the way, from turtles, chipmunks, and turkeys to birds, deer, and bears! All the trails are at least 8 feet wide and are well maintained for a comfortable ride. A cowboy or cowgirl will be your guide and entertain you along the way!

Sugarlands Riding Stables
Gatilnburg Entrance | Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sugarlands Riding Stables offers you some beautiful rides through the most scenic areas in the Smokies. An experienced guide will lead you along trails, past wild turkeys, deer, and black bears! No experience is necessary, so rides are great for beginners up to advanced riders. Terrain isn’t flat, so you’ll have an interesting ride along the rolling mountain trails (at a walking pace). Rides are for kids 5 years old and up, with a maximum weight of 225 lbs. They can even accommodate large groups! Rates are: $30/person for 1 hour (4 miles), $45/person for 1 ½ hours (6 miles), and $60/person for 2 hours (8 miles).

Cades Cove Riding Stables
10018 Campground Drive
Townsend, TN

One-hour rides through the national park are a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors this fall. Their calm horses are great for riders of all skill levels, and rides are taken on protected park lands in Cades Cove. The beautiful trail crosses over a stream and winds through gorgeous mountain scenery and lush trees. Wildlife abounds, with turkey, black bear, and deer, and guides can tell you a bit more about the area. They also offer guided carriage rides and ranger-led hayrides that kids will love!