Best Gatlinburg Horseback Riding and Stables!
The Great Smoky Mountains region offers picturesque landscapes, rustic trails, exciting wildlife, and an opportunity for adventure at every turn. What better way to experience the natural beauty of the area than on horseback? Horseback riding in Gatlinburg is a must when you are looking for an excursion for the whole family. Take a look at what awaits you below!
6 Gatlinburg Horseback Riding Options
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables

Photo provided by Smoky Mountain Riding Stables In Gatlinburg
One of the top two stables for Gatlinburg horseback riding, the Smoky Mountain Stables offers guided backcountry excursions for every member of your party, including children.
As an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service, the staff will help you every step of the way, including getting you saddled up and ready on your trained horse from their stable.
The 45-minute tour covers three miles of the park where you will see streams, trails, bears, and more led by an experienced rider and guide.
Check The Smoky Mountain Riding Stables website and Facebook page below for prices on Gatlinburg horseback riding options.
Sugarlands Riding Stables

Photo provided by Sugarlands Riding Stables in Gatlinburg
The second of the top two stables for Gatlinburg horseback riding is the Sugarlands Riding Stables.
Family-friendly, their professional tours and well-trained horses provide safe, exciting guided adventures through the National Park. Deer, bears, wild turkeys, and more await on your one-hour, four-mile ride. Want more?
Try the 1.5-hour ride that covers six miles or the two-hour ride that traverses eight miles. Experienced riders can even opt for a four-hour, 15-mile excursion.
For information on Sugarlands, horseback riding options for the Gatlinburg TN area check their website below.
Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa

Photo provided by Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg horseback riding also extends to nearby top spots in the Smoky Mountain region such as Pigeon Forge. The first is Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa, located just north of Gatlinburg.
With options seven days a week, riders experience a 3.5-mile tour that takes you back to the days of the early settlers crossing the mountains and valleys of the area.
There are also ATV and horse/ATV combo tour packages. After the ride, stop by the ranch’s other offerings such as Chow Boys Cafe, various picnic areas, gem mining, a petting zoo, a fishing pond, a general store, the Heritage Museum, and horseshoe pits.
Gold Rush Stables and Heritage Carriage Rides

Image provided by Gold Rush Stables and Heritage Carriage Rides
Located in the Pigeon Forge region and near Dollywood, Gold Rush Stables and Heritage Carriage Rides uses five different trails for varying levels of riders.
While horseback riding is a great way to see the gorgeous views, you can also book a romantic carriage for a more intimate experience.
Five Oaks Riding Stables
This stable is part of Adventure Park at Five Oaks, where you can book a one-hour horseback ride on a 3.5-mile trail while planning other family fun activities such as laser tag, ziplining, go-karts, and more. In addition, this location is one of the only riding stables that allows tandem riding for children and adults.
Deer Farm Riding Stables

Image provided by Deer Farm Riding Stables
Similar to the above stable, Deer Farm also provides tandem riding as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 250 lbs.
You can also bring your backpacks, which other stables do not allow, and children who are too small for full-size horses have pony ride options. After the trek, check out the petting zoo on the property.
After a ride on the wild side of Gatlinburg, you’ll need a great place to stay and take a load off. Check out our Luxurious Gatlinburg Vacation Cabins.
Have questions? Contact us, we’re here to help you plan your Gatlinburg Vacation!