THINGS TO DO IN THE SMOKIES

Horseback Riding in the North Carolina Smokies

A great way to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Smoky Mountains is on horseback. Several stables offer guided horse rides through areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, following trails that lead to waterfalls, across streams or along scenic ridges with panoramic vistas of mountains and lakes.

Horseback treks are generally available from one to four hours. Or you can experience the adventure of overnight camping trips lasting two to four days. You should check with individual stables to learn what horseback riding trips each offers.

Printable guide to Bryson City Area Riding Stables.

Horseback Riding Stables in
Bryson City, Smokemont, Nantahala and Fontana

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Smokemont Riding Stable

Contact: Elizabeth Burns Cook

Address:
135 Smokemont Riding Stable Rd
Cherokee, NC 28719

Phone 828-497-2373

Website

Enjoy scenic guided horseback riding within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rides available for the beginner or experienced rider featuring wooded forests, wildflowers, river and waterfalls. An authorized concessioner of the National Park Service.

Nantahala Village Riding Stables

Address:
9400 Highway 19/74 West
Bryson City, NC 28713

Phone 828-488-9649

Phone 828-488-8600

Website

Guided trips in the Nantahala National Forest overlooking Fontana Lake & the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Reservations preferred. Open weekends April-May and September-October. Memorial Day-Labor Day full time.

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If you like traveling with your own horses, the Great Smokies and the Nantahala National Forest offer excellent horseback riding trails. You can ride a different trail every day.

To find out more about the trails in the area you can contact the Nantahala National Forest at 828-479-6431 or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 865-436-1231.

For information about boarding your horses locally, click here.