On Horseback In the Smoky Mountains

Riding in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a unique and exhilarating experience. Guided trail rides through the park are offered by McCarter’s Riding Stables. The rides range from 1 to 4 hours, and the cost is $15/hr. Groups of up to 30 persons are welcome. It’s advised to make reservations ahead of time. Age requirements are 5 years of age, minimum. Weight requirement is no more than 200 lbs. Call (865) 436-5354 for more information.

Cades Cove Riding Stables offers carriage rides and hayrides along with trail rides on horseback. Carriage rides are $7/person for 30 minutes. Cost for the hayride is $6/person. Horseback riding is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through October. No reservations. The cost is $15/hr. For information, call (865) 448-6286.

Whether a visitor, or a native, Sevier County offers a variety of stables. Available are both short and long trails, some are mountainous.

Cedar Ridge Riding Stables, Highway 441 North, Sevierville, TN 37862. ( Three Miles out of Sevierville), (865) 428-5802.

Five Oaks Stables at 1648 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862, (865) 428-9764. Open year-round

Middle Creek Riding Stables, 2909 Millers Way, Sevierville, TN, (1/2 mile past Dollywood) (865) 428-8363.

Hours for all three stables are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., cost is $15/person for ½ hour ride, and $20/person for an hour ride.