Gatlinburg is well known as a pet-friendly hub to hoof it, with countless tourists and their furry friends hiking the sprawling trails of the Great Smoky Mountains each year.
But for thrill seekers or those looking for a less strenuous way to see the Smoky Mountains, guests want to know: Does Gatlinburg have horseback riding?
There are endless options for horseback riding in Gatlinburg, with the nearest stables a short 10-minute drive away.
Gallop back in time and picture the first settlers arriving in Gatlinburg by horse. See the mountains just as they did on the back of a gallant steed and end the evening relaxing below aged trees and rushing streams in a cozy cabin in Gatlinburg.
| Place | Starting Price | Ride in Great Smoky Mountains | Reservations Available | Double Riding Available | Open Year-round | Alternative Activity Available |
| Sugarlands Riding Stables | $40 | ✔ | ||||
| Cades Cove Riding Stables | $35 | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa | $57.95 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Jayell Ranch Family Adventure Park | $54.99 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Dubby’s Adventure Park at Five | $54.99 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Oaks | $24.99 | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Goldrush Stables and Stage Lines | $50 | ✔ | ||||
| Heritage Carriage Rides | $10 | ✔ | ✔ |
Sugarlands Riding Stables is the most neigh-borly place for horseback riding in Gatlinburg. A quick drive from your large group cabin rental from Highway 441, Sugarlands offers horseback rides on trails directly in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Their experienced guides are knowledgeable about the horses and trails within the National Park they take their riders on — bonus points for all the black bear facts you’ll learn.
These riding stables in Gatlinburg are perfect for extreme novice and beginner riders and last between 1-2 hours. While these stables allow all experience levels, riders must be a minimum of 6 years old.
Make sure you get to the facility early. The best horseback riding in Gatlinburg is first come, first served, and they can’t accept reservations due to unpredictable traffic.
Arguably the best horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains, The Cades Cove Riding Stables are a short drive from Gatlinburg — located in Townsend.
The Cades Cove Stables are the only authorized riding stables in Cades Cove and provide fun for all ages with both hayrides and carriage rides. This means that the excursion is a perfect thing to do in summer and high season for the whole family.
The facility accepts riders of all levels; however, riders must be a minimum of 6 years old, and tandem riding is not permitted.
Big Rock Dude Ranch is near Gatlinburg, just a gallop away from Pigeon Forge. While all experience levels are welcome, more intermediate to advanced equestrians will enjoy the well-trained horses at Big Rock Riding Stables.
Each 3.5 ride trots along picturesque mountain trails where horses are prepped with the esteemed Gilliham and Associates #1 Rating for safety.
After saddling up, each tour guide describes the history of the land you’re riding on. The minimum age for single riders is 6 years old, but children ages 3-4 can ride tandem with an adult.
Jayell Ranch Adventure Park offers horseback riding near Gatlinburg, as well as adventures like ATVing, ziplining, and snow tubing.
This one-hour ride welcomes all experience levels, with a minimum age requirement of 5 years old. This adventure park happily accommodates groups, like an adventure-hungry Gatlinburg bachelorette party.
The steeds at Jayell’s are well cared for, with a team of veterinarians, equine chiropractors, and farriers attending to their daily needs.
5. Dubby’s Adventure Park at Five Oaks
Dubby’s Adventure Park at Five Oaks also offers horseback riding near Gatlinburg, with a 3.5-mile trail ride and the option to buy a combination of ziplining and horseback riding for a full day of fun.
Best for off-season horseback riding, The Adventure Park at Five Oaks is open year-round (weather permitting) and features a trail ride with trees, streams, a gorgeous mountain view, and a tour of an authentic moonshine still.
Children of all ages will enjoy this 70-acre park, where kids as young as 3 years old can ride tandem with an adult.
Goldrush Stables and Stage Lines hosts horseback riding through trails weaving through pastures, hills, and wooded areas. The stables are a short ride from Gatlinburg, located in Pigeon Forge.
The 45-60 minute ride takes guests through a trail with stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, and Dolly’s Dream More resort.
Goldrush Stables is first come, first served and offers five rides per day: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Kids must be at least 6 years old to ride, and double riding is not permitted.
Heritage Carriage Rides is in Pigeon Forge, near Gatlinburg, and offers a unique twist on standard horseback riding in Gatlinburg.
Perfect for couples, this after-dark experience is a 15-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through historic Pigeon Forge. It’s the cherry on top of a romantic Gatlinburg trip.
The romance package Heritage offers — complete with a dozen red roses and photos — is a flawless addition to a getaway in the whimsical couple’s cabin.
If 3-5 miles of horseback riding in Gatlinburg isn’t enough to satisfy your inner cowperson, mount your mare overnight at a horse camp or ranch experience.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers five horse campsites. These are remote experiences, and guests must have and be able to handle their own horses.
If you’re up for the challenge, these gallant campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, designated parking spaces, refuse containers, and tent pads.
Note that each campsite has a limit of six people and four horses.
Gatlinburg horseback riding is perfect for adventurers looking for things to do in the Smoky Mountains, but if you want an immersive experience, consider a multi-day horseback riding trip.
The French Broad Dude Ranch is a one-hour drive from Gatlinburg and features a five-night excursion complete with multi-day horseback riding, hiking along the Appalachian Trail, sing-a-longs, bonfires, and much more.
During this long-term excursion, there’s no shortage of things to do in fall, summer, winter, and spring. So pack your bags after Gatlinburg and extend your vacation for this all-inclusive dude ranch experience.
Saddle up for an adventure-filled trip with Gatlinburg horseback riding, and enjoy the serenity of the cabins at Elk Springs to relax after a long day of riding.
Whether you’re a couple, a group, or just accompanied by your furry friend — Elk Springs Resort has cabins that will make you tip your hat with delight.
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Gatlinburg horseback riding prices range between $35.00 and $55.00, and some stables can accommodate tandem riders for as low as $25.00.
Horseback riding in Gatlinburg is best from March through November; however, many parks and stables are open year-round, weather permitting.
Cades Cove horseback riding starts at $45.00. The stables also offer carriage rides and guided hayrides starting at $15.00.
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