Experience Great Smoky Mountains Horseback Riding
Right in the heart of the Appalachian range lies the Great Smoky Mountains, a treasure trove brimming with adventures and flavors waiting for you to discover. Beyond the serene horseback riding trails, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, serves up a smorgasbord of activities and culinary treats sure to spice up your trip. Let’s jump into some crowd-pleasers.
Gatlinburg Fun
Gatlinburg is your jump-off point into the Smokies, buzzing with activities for all ages. Check these out:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Dive headfirst into an underwater world packed with fascinating sea creatures.
- Gatlinburg Space Needle: Look out over the Smokies from way up high—perfect for capturing that panoramic selfie.
- Davy Crockett Mini Golf: Get the family together for some serious mini-golf fun.
- Shows and Festivals: From music to craft fairs, there’s always something entertaining happening.
- Escape Rooms: Put your brain to the test with themed puzzles and challenges.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium: Wander through quirky exhibits that’ll leave you wide-eyed and amused.
For a full rundown of activities, head over to Tripster.
| Attraction | What’s It About? |
|---|---|
| Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies | Interactive sea life exhibits. |
| Gatlinburg Space Needle | Sky-high views and photo ops. |
| Davy Crockett Mini Golf | Family-friendly golfing fun. |
| Shows and Festivals | Live performances and local culture. |
| Escape Rooms | Brain-bending fun in themed rooms. |
| Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium | Oddball exhibits and curiosities. |
Tasty Eats
Gatlinburg’s food scene dishes up a delectable array of Southern staples and comfort food. Here’s what’s on the menu:
- Smoked Barbecue: Think ribs, pulled pork, and brisket that melt in your mouth.
- Appalachian Dishes: Dive into hearty, traditional favorites like cornbread and mountain trout.
- Southern Comfort Food: Get cozy with fried chicken, collard greens, and flaky biscuits—real soul food.
- Local Bakeries and Sweets: Treat yourself to homemade pies, fudge, and donuts.
- Craft Breweries and Distilleries: Quench your thirst with local beers and spirits like moonshine and whiskey.
Craving more? Check out Tripster for more dining options.
| Cuisine Type | Must-Try Dishes |
|---|---|
| Smoked Barbecue | Ribs, Pulled Pork, Brisket |
| Appalachian Dishes | Cornbread, Mountain Trout, Grits |
| Southern Comfort Food | Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Biscuits |
| Local Bakeries and Sweets | Pies, Fudge, Donuts |
| Craft Breweries and Distilleries | Local Beers, Moonshine, Whiskey |
Pair fun-packed activities with mouthwatering cuisine and you’ve got yourself a recipe for an unforgettable adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. Check out more inspiration and vacation ideas to make your trip truly memorable.
Adventures in the Smoky Mountains
Ready for a wild ride through the Smokies? From arts and crafts to thrilling attractions, there’s a pile of fun waiting. Let’s dive right in and see what makes this place tick.
Anakeesta Arts and Crafts
Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN, is where art and heart collide. This place is jam-packed with local talent showing off some seriously cool stuff. Ever seen glass blown right in front of you? Or pottery that looks like it jumped out of a history book? Here, you can watch artists create their magic and even snag a piece for your collection.
The best part? You get to walk through a world where old-school craft meets new-age flair. It’s more than just looking—it’s stepping into the artist’s workshop and seeing the magic happen. Seriously, don’t leave without a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Trust me on this.
Exciting Attractions
Now, let’s talk fun stuff. Gatlinburg knows how to keep you on your toes. Start at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Imagine underwater tunnels and hands-on exhibits where you get up close with sea life (Tripster). Or head over to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium for oddball artifacts that’ll blow your mind.
Feeling brave? Smoky Mountain Ziplines is the place to be. Open for the 2024 season, ziplining here gives you a bird’s-eye view of the Smokies and a heart-pounding adventure (Smoky Mountain Ziplines).
Check out these all-star attractions:
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies | Underwater tunnels, interactive exhibits |
| Ripley’s Believe It or Not! | Weird and wacky collections |
| Smoky Mountain Ziplines | Sky-high tours, epic views |
The Smokies are a treasure trove of experiences waiting just for you. Dive into the local culture, soak up the art, and chase that adventure buzz. For more nifty ideas on what to do, flip through our smoky mountains visitor guide and get ready to make some epic memories.
Horseback Riding in the Smokies
Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park on horseback is an epic way to soak in the park’s natural beauty. Whether you go for a guided tour or bring your own steed, you’re in for some special memories.
Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hiking Trails
Guided Horseback Rides
Never ridden a horse before? No worries! Guided rides are a fantastic way to ease into it. The park boasts four stables offering rides from March to November. Trips range from a quick 45-minute jaunt to longer trails. Prices start at about $30 per hour, with age and weight limits depending on the stable.
Table of Stables Offering Guided Rides
| Stable Name | Ride Duration | Price (per hour) | Age Limit | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugarlands Riding Stables | 45 min – 1.5 hours | $30-50 | 5+ years | 225 lbs |
| Cades Cove Riding Stables | 45 min – 1.5 hours | $30-50 | 6+ years | 225 lbs |
| Smokemont Riding Stables | 1 – 2 hours | $40-60 | 7+ years | 250 lbs |
| McCarter’s Riding Stables | 45 min – 2 hours | $30-60 | 8+ years | 250 lbs |
For more tips and tricks, check out our guide on straightening curly hair.
Bringing Your Own Horse
For the seasoned riders, bringing your own horse is a fantastic idea! The park has over 550 miles of trails waiting for you. But remember, stick to the trails—off-trail riding is a big no-no.
Table of Horse-Friendly Trails
| Trail Name | Length (miles) | Difficulty | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Creek Trail | 3.5 | Moderate | Streams, hardwood forest |
| Big Creek Trail | 5.6 | Easy | Waterfalls, hillside views |
| Cataloochee Divide Trail | 7.5 | Moderate | Panoramic vistas, diverse flora |
| Round Bottom Trail | 4.2 | Moderate | Wildlife, serene creeks |
| Towstring Trail | 3.7 | Easy | Historic cabins, rolling meadows |
Planning an epic backcountry adventure? Grab an official trail map for $1 at any visitor center or call 865-436-0120 (My Smoky Mountain Guide). If you’re thinking about camping, you’ll need a permit and have to stick to designated campsites.
The park also features dedicated horse camps with all the amenities you need, from horse boarding to trailer parking. Campsites at Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Towstring in Cades Cove Smoky Mountains are open April through October. Reserve your spot on Recreation.gov (My Smoky Mountain Guide).
Ready to saddle up? The trails are calling your name!
Saddle Up for Your Horseback Adventure
Your Trail Map!
Planning a horseback adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains? Don’t forget the trail map. This pocket guide shows which trails are horse-friendly and the do’s and don’ts of riding in the park.
Grab your map for just a buck at any visitor center, or ring up 865-436-0120 for your copy. Also, see more info at My Smoky Mountain Guide.
Camp Out in the Backcountry
Want to stretch that ride into an overnight adventure? Backcountry camping is an awesome way to do it, but there are rules. First off, get a permit. Then, make sure you pitch your tent at designated backcountry sites—no random camping allowed!
Here’s what you need to know:
| What You Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit | Get one! |
| Campsites | Designated spots only |
| Camping | Absolutely no trail-side or off-trail camping |
For more advice on enjoying your trip, check out guides on Smoky Mountains wildlife and scenic drives.
Always stick to the park’s rules to keep the Great Smoky Mountains as stunning as ever. So, saddle up, stay safe, and soak in the stunning backcountry views!
Horse Camps in the Park
So you’re itching to saddle up and ride through the Great Smoky Mountains, huh? Picking the right horse camp can make or break your trip. Lucky for you, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a few gems that come with all the bells and whistles to keep both you and your horse happy.
What to Expect at the Camps
If you and your trusty steed are heading into the park, you’ll need to know what’s in store. These camps have you covered:
- Horse Boarding: Stables to keep your horse comfy overnight.
- Trailer Parking: Spots to park your horse trailer.
- Campgrounds: Places to pitch your tent or set up your gear.
- Horse-Friendly Trails: Direct access to trails perfect for riding.
Pro tip: You gotta snag a permit and lock down a spot at an official backcountry campsite. Head over to Recreation.gov to book. Camps are open from April to October, so plan accordingly!
For the scoop on booking and trail details, don’t miss our visitor guide.
Where the Camps Are
The park boasts five horse camps, each offering its unique vibe. Here’s the lowdown:
| Horse Camp | Location | Open Season |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Creek | Cades Cove | April – October |
| Big Creek | Big Creek | April – October |
| Cataloochee | Cataloochee Valley | April – October |
| Round Bottom | Round Bottom Road | April – October |
| Towstring | Towstring Road | April – October |
Each camp is set up so you can easily hit horse-friendly trails. Take the Cades Cove, for example; it’s packed with killer views and is a hit among riders.
For more vacation hacks and Smoky Mountain adventures, wander over to our vacation ideas section.
A heads-up: no rogue camping. Stick to the designated spots as marked on the official trail map and make sure you’ve got that permit handy.
Plan ahead, use the tools at your disposal, and you and your horse will have the time of your lives in the Great Smoky Mountains. For more cool stuff on amenities and must-see spots, browse our guide on overlooks in the park.
Other Fun Spots Near the Park
Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a blast, but wait—there’s more! From heart-pounding zipline rides to relaxing scenic drives and lively events, the area around the park is as busy as a beehive. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Ziplining Adventures
Feel like flying? Check out Smoky Mountain Ziplines—they’re open for their 2024 season and loving the sunny days. Ziplining is a wild way to see the Smokies from up high. Their Gatlinburg canopy tour promises awesome rides and stunning views.
| Ziplining Spot | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Smoky Mountain Ziplines | Gatlinburg | Open for 2024 |
| Climbworks Zipline Tours | Gatlinburg | Year-round |
| Legacy Mountain Ziplines | Pigeon Forge | Year-round |
Scenic Drives and Events
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Take a chill drive along the Foothills Parkway. Since 1944, it’s been offering 22.5 miles of pure eye-candy views of the Smokies (Smoky Mountain Ziplines). Perfect for snapping pics and soaking in the scenery without hiking.
| Drive | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Foothills Parkway | Great Smoky Mountains | 22.5 miles |
| Newfound Gap Road | Gatlinburg to Cherokee | 33 miles |
| Cades Cove Loop | Cades Cove Smoky Mountains | 11 miles |
Are you a fan of festive vibes? Don’t miss Winterfest. This place lights up with millions of twinkling lights, adding sparkle to the Smokies until February’s end. And early summer brings the synchronous fireflies to Elkmont. The magic light show they put on is like nothing else. But heads up, you’ll need a lottery-drawn vehicle pass to see it (Smoky Mountain Ziplines).
Of course, no trip’s complete without hitting up Dollywood—this year marks their 39th season! With rides, shows, and attractions galore, it’s open longer than ever: 280 days (Smoky Mountain Ziplines). It’s the perfect extra touch for your Smokies adventure.
| Event | Location | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Winterfest Lights | Great Smoky Mountains | November to February |
| Synchronous Fireflies | Elkmont | Early summer |
| Dollywood Season | Pigeon Forge | March to December |
Spend your mornings exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your evenings soaking up these other attractions. With so much to do, your Smokies trip is sure to be unforgettable.
