The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding Western North Carolina area is a great place to experience the beautiful blue mountains while riding trail horses and gazing at the views of the valley. This high country is filled with miles of trails for all skill levels.
Horseback Riding in NC Mountains
A horseback trail riding adventure in Western North Carolina is a great way to experience an exhilarating journey in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Horseback riders can experience the breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, and mountain peaks that can be too exhausting for some people to trek by foot. Trails often lead to vantage points where you can see for miles into neighboring states like South Carolina and Georgia.
Get To Know The Area
Check out our Google Map to get the lay of the land. We love maps, and having one handy when you’re traveling is great for finding nearby gems. Notice how the Western part of the state is loaded with opportunities for horseback treks in the beautiful smoky mountains.
Western North Carolina is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains. The landscape features deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes, creating a breathtaking natural environment. Major national forests, including Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest offer unparalleled natural beauty and a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Best Places for Horseback Riding in NC Mountains
Chunky Gal Stables
- Address: 1306 Hot House Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904
- Booking Phone Number: (828) 389-4175
Chunky Gal Stables offers a unique horseback riding experience in Western North Carolina, standing out among competitors with diverse trail options like the historic Trail of Tears ride and customizable experiences tailored to individual preferences and varying levels of experience. Their trails often lead to hidden waterfalls, where riders can dismount and explore, adding a special touch to the adventure. The stable also uses rescued horses, showcasing a compassionate side to their operation. With small groups and the option to trailer horses to different locations within the Nantahala National Forest, Chunky Gal Stables offers riders of all levels opportunities to soak up stunning mountain landscapes.
Arrowmont Stables
- Address: 276 Arrowmont Trail, Cullowhee, NC 28723
- Booking Phone Number: (828) 743-2762 or (800) 682-1092
Arrowmont Stables in Western North Carolina offers a unique horseback riding experience that stands out from competitors. Their trail rides feature diverse and scenic routes, including mountain tops with panoramic views, picturesque valleys, and a lush Fern Forest. Before embarking, guests participate in a comprehensive safety program to ensure a secure and enjoyable ride. This program includes learning about horse training and personalities, as well as a chance to try out their horse in a ring. With customizable ride options ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours, Arrowmont provides a tailored experience for riders of all skill levels amidst breathtaking natural beauty
Smokemont Riding Stables
- Address: 135 Smokemont Riding Stables Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
- Booking Phone Number: (828) 497-2373
Smokemont Riding Stables offers a unique horseback riding experience within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With a herd of over 60 horses, including special breeds like Gypsy Vanners, riders can enjoy scenic trails along mountain streams and rivers, culminating in breathtaking views and visits to beautiful waterfalls. The stables provide a range of ride options, from short hourly rides to longer excursions, ensuring something for every preference and skill level. A guided tour conducted by knowledgeable and friendly staff, not only showcase the area’s natural beauty but also delve into its rich history and cultural heritage.
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
- Address: 1459 Caney Fork Road, Marshall, NC 28753
- Phone: 828-206-3788 or 828-206-2970
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides cater to riders with no experience, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Standing out with its rich family history spanning over 100 years, this inclusive ranch welcomes riders of all ages and accommodates weights up to 250 lbs. The horseback riding trails provide breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with opportunities for stunning photo stops. What’s more, longer rides often include a visit to historic gem mines, where guests can search for gems and keep their finds, adding an exciting element of adventure to a great ride!
Wolf Laurel Stables
- Address: 5860 Bald Mountain Road, Burnsville, NC 28714
- Phone: (828) 678-9370
Wolf Laurel Stables offers a standout horseback riding experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. With over 20 miles of trails, riders can enjoy diverse scenic routes and breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, including the Pisgah National Forest. The stables provide a range of ride options, including 1-hour and 2-hour excursions, as well as custom extended trips for a more personalized adventure. Additionally, they offer unique wagon rides pulled by a team of haflingers, accommodating up to six passengers. Guided by experienced staff and accompanied by gentle horses, Wolf Laurel ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of all skill levels.
Giddy Up!
Horseback riding is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience beautiful trails within the vast mountain ranges of Western North Carolina on horseback! Giddy Up!
