For a Unique View of the Smokies' Fall Foliage, Saddle Up and See it from Horseback

Are you planning an autumn visit to the Smokies? If so, you’ll love the peacefulness of the season. The summer crowds have departed, and colors of fall are settling into the region. Look up at the peaks and you’ll see the first hints of red, gold and orange, and along with those colors comes a wonderful change in the weather. Cool and sunny days make it easier than ever to spend most of your time outdoors in the amazing landscape.
And while there are many amazing trails, drives and attractions to visit, you don’t have to walk or drive to all of them. In fact, one of the best ways to take in the views of the autumn season are from the back of a horse!

Smoky Mountains Activities

A lot of travelers think of spending their time in the area in their cars, on foot, on bicycles or even floating in a boat or inner tube, yet the beauty of the autumn season can also be experienced via horseback riding. There are many different stables available, and all of the horses are well-accustomed to first-time riders as well as experienced travelers.
There are not many options for unguided journeys, but if you wish to go on your own along the trails, it is possible. Either way, whether as part of a group and guided ride or on your own, you’ll find the woods remarkably quiet and peaceful and the experience unforgettable.

Horseback Riding Stables in the Smokies

For those eager to see for themselves just how wonderful a visit to the Smokies might be when a horseback riding adventure is included, we suggest the following stables:

Next to Heaven Mountain Adventures

This is for those who want an unguided experience. You are carefully matched with your horse and you can then follow the existing trail that leads into the mountains surrounding the stables. The horses are so clever that you just cannot possibly get lost, and even if you get confused, they’ll take you right back home! The site also makes ziplining available in the canopy of trees overhead.

Cades Cove Riding Stables

This is one of the most familiar and famous because it is the only option within the actual Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are fully guided trails, and riders can rest assured that the horses are incredibly gentle and patient. You can also book a hayride or a carriage ride.

Davy Crockett Stables

Another of the stables open to people of all riding levels or skill is Davy Crockett Stables. You can take half day rides or shorter adventures, and most of the tours lead into the woodlands and beautiful, natural areas.
You can also book your accommodations at a ranch, the Twin Valley Horse Ranch and enjoy full or half day rides, and if you don’t yet know how to ride, why not enjoy a day spent in the autumn landscape at the Rolling Hills Farm Equestrian Center or the Mountain Meadow Equestrian Center?
The fall colors come and go quickly, and you can really make the most of them when you enjoy them from the comfort of a calm, friendly horse’s back!