Tag: horseback riding

A Great Way to Travel: See the Smokies on Horseback

Posted on August 6, 2018 by - Activities, Blog

One of the great things about being on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is just how much the animals appreciate the peace and quiet, too. That’s one reason there are so many great stables and outfitters that can get you riding in Blount County: horses like it here. Check out the different options and start planning your next ride!

Next to Heaven Mountain Adventures

The only unguided horseback ride in the Smokies begins when you’re matched with a horse great for you, and continues up an hour-long trail into the Smoky mountain woods. Don’t worry about getting lost; the horses know the way! Ziplining through the trees is also available.

Cades Cove Riding Stables

Cades Cove Riding Stables offers the only national-park-authorized stables in Blount. They offer guided trail rides in Cades Cove, as well as private guided carriage rides and guided hayrides for large groups. All levels of riders are welcome!

Davy Crockett Riding Stables

Townsend, Tennessee’s Davy Crockett Riding Stables offers rides to people of all ages, and also includes half-day rides that take you off the beaten path into the Tennessee wilderness. Not a bad way to become King of the Wild Frontier!

Rolling Hills Farm Equestrian Center

If you’re looking for serious riding lessons, Rolling Hills Farm is one great place to look. The riding school offers instruction in the basics of equestrianism, like Western and English riding, horsemanship, and showmanship. Horse day camps and birthday parties are also available.

Twin Valley Horse Ranch

Twin Valley Horse Ranch is actually Twin Valley Horse Ranch and Bed & Breakfast. Those just visiting for the day can choose half-day or full-day rides on their private mountain trails, and if you’re staying overnight, you’ve got a choice between upscale Lodge and Ranch house rooms, a private cabin, or rustic outdoor shelters. Bringing your own horse? No problem. Even visiting horses can bunk down in the stables at Twin Valley!

Mountain Meadow Equestrian Center

Maryville’s Mountain Meadow Equestrian Center offers a little bit of everything. Day camps, riding instruction, trail rides for riding students, a 4-H club, boarding for horses, and a 24-hour on-site manager. If you’re looking to get more instruction on everything from trail riding to showjumping and 3-day eventing, Mountain Meadow is a great choice.

Don’t Hold Your Horses — Ride While You Can!

The horses may be ready to go any day of the year, but the weather won’t always cooperate. Don’t be afraid to check out the stables you’re interested in and book a trail ride or a riding lesson on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies today.

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

Posted on November 21, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

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!

Go Horseback Riding at Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend

Posted on June 15, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Townsend

Are you looking for a new way to enjoy parts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that you simply won’t be able to see from the windows of your car? Interested in finding a way to get out in the fresh air and take trails that go deep into the woods and up to the wildflower-covered meadows that can only be seen from horseback? If you are and you happen to be in the Townsend, TN area, then you need to check out the Davy Crockett Riding Stables located at 505 Old Cades Cove Road.
Into the Backcountry
There is nothing more relaxing than heading off into the backcountry astride your own mount. Ride into Cades Cove or off into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at speeds that give you plenty of time to relax, enjoy the scenery, even take pictures if you feel inclined. The Davy Crockett Stables offer instant access to a number of backcountry riding trails in the Smokies.
Riding on horseback is a wonderful way to get back in touch with nature while at the same time enjoying some serious high-quality family time. You can experience the trails in much the same manner as the early explorers and mountain men did when they first discovered the area, by traversing the trails on horseback.
No Worries About Getting Lost
At the Davy Crockett Riding Stables, the finest mountain guides are on duty to ensure you find your way. The guides can answer your questions about the local flora and fauna. Each has countless hours of training and experience that guarantees you will enjoy your ride.  
During the summer months, you can come for an “on the spot” ride or you can make reservations that guarantee the number of horses you need are ready and available. During the summer, the stables tend to be very busy, so reserving your spot makes good sense, especially if you know when you are going to be in town.
Winter Rides Too
During the winter months, guided rides are still available, but you must book your ride in advance. Peak season at the Davy Crockett Riding Stables is between March 15th and November 15th. Outside of these dates, reservations are required so be sure to plan your trip and book early.
The stables are open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, and have been in business since 1962, providing tourists and locals with the ultimate horseback riding experience. They offer access to more than 15 miles of trails where you never have to worry about the traffic or crowds; there is nothing to do but sit back and enjoy the journey.
At the Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend, TN, you can book your ride for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1-1/2 hours, 2 hours, or a half day. Bring the whole family and create the kind of vacation memories that are sure to last a lifetime. Come once and we guarantee you will visit again and again.

It’s Camping Season: Places to Stay in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on October 10, 2022 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

With cooler temperatures and the emergence of vibrant red and orange hues, fall is upon us, which means camping season is here. Bundle up! These are the top places to camp in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Make it a family vacation.

Big Meadow Family Campground (RV only)

It’s no surprise the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds named this RV park its National Small Park of the Year in 2013 and 2019. They offer easy in, easy out pull-through campsites on concrete pads and patios, protected by 24/7 security. Their full hook up sites include water, sewer, major cable, Wi-Fi and 30/50 AMPs. And with a dog park, workout room, splash pad, basketball court and corn hole, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

Townsend Great Smokies KOA (RV, tent and cabin)

With recreational activities abounding, including an outdoor cinema, a playground, a basketball court, wagon rides, a pool, bike and tube rentals, tie-dyed t-shirts and more, Townsend Great Smokies KOA is a great family vacation destination. Rough it in a tent, park an RV and plug into 50 AMPs, or book a cabin. Deluxe cabins feature private bedroom(s), bathroom, patio with a grill, and full linens. You can even stay right on the Little River.

Little River Campground & RV (RV, tent and cabin)

Little River Campground is a great place to make memories with your family. Go tubing in the Little River, swim in the pool, or play in the game room. There are arts/crafts to do on Fridays, including souvenir t-shirt decorating, and there are hayrides on Saturdays. The campsite has 30/50 AMPs, Wi-Fi and Direct TV.

Go on an adventure.

Twin Valley B&B Horse Ranch (Cabin and primitive shelter)

If you’re down for an adventure, consider camping at Twin Valley B&B Horse Ranch. They offer horseback trail riding and miniature horse hiking, and you can swim and fish in a spring fed pond on your own time. Lodge in a fully furnished cabin, or backwoods “rough it” in a one-room, four-sided primitive shelter. To make things easy, they can even pick you up and drop you off at the airport.

Keep it simple.

Riverstone Campground (RV and tent)

Perhaps, you aren’t about the razzle dazzle of most campgrounds. Riverstone Campground offers a more rustic experience. It has shaded and riverfront campsites, which come with a fire pit a picnic table and a nearby bathhouse, It also has places to park your RV. Tent sites start as low as $25 a night, with discounts available for extended stay.

Keep it classy.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort (RV, tent and cabin)

If you like glamping, you’ll like Little Arrow. You can bring your tent or RV, or you can stay in a heated platform tent, Airstream trailer, cabin or tiny home. The resort has a full calendar of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy, as well as a Spa, community garden, pool/hot tub, cabana, dog park, food truck area and gift shop.

Dancing Bear Lodge (Cabin)

If glamping is still too rustic for you, Dancing Bear Lodge provides the “in nature” experience, without the hassle. Dancing Bear is a full-service Lodge with hotel-like amenities, like daily housekeeping and complimentary snacks. Their cabins and cottages have access to two miles of hiking trails, so you’ll never be too far away from outdoor exploration.

Stay on the Little River.

Mountaineer Campground (RV, tent and cabin)

If you’re looking for the full Smokies experience, Mountaineer Campground is just a half mile from the entrance to the national park. There are a variety of sites to choose from, including ones right on the trout stocked river, with 30/50 amp service. If glamping’s more your speed, there are also cabins with kitchen and bath. In your downtime, enjoy the wildlife photo gallery, playground, pool, pavilion, cable TV and Wi-Fi.

Whispering River Resort (RV, tent and cabin)

Whispering River Resort has more direct river access than any other resort or campground in the area—and it’s yours to enjoy. Go kayaking, enjoy the swimming beach or simply walk the trails. Then, kick back at the bonfire area or pool. Tent and 30/50 AMP RV sites, as well as cabins, are available. There’s even a meeting room and an event center.

Lazy Daze Campground & Motel (RV, tent and cabin)

This family-owned and operated campground has a mix of cabins and campsites—including ones right on the river. Take a splash in the pool, or let your kids get their wiggles out on the playground. Wind down with complementary cable and Wi-Fi. With 24/7 laundry, bathhouses and 30/50 AMPs, this Lazy Daze has all the essentials.

For some fun camping ideas, check out the blog posts below:

Visit Cades Cove

Gourmet S’more Ideas

Next to Heaven Ranch Offers Horseback Rides and Zipline Adventures

Posted on April 26, 2019 by - Activities, Blog, Townsend

If you are looking for a great family adventure or two while vacationing on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, look no further than the Next to Heaven Ranch. You can find this spectacular ranch between Pigeon Forge and Townsend on Wears Valley Rd. They have a nice big sign out front; you can’t miss it. Here you will find fun activities for everyone in the family from the youngest to the oldest!

Breathtaking Views

Perhaps one of the reasons so many visitors to the area visit the Next Heaven Ranch, is the breathtaking views as your horseback ride takes you up to the lookout point oat the top of the trail. You never know what you might see on your ride, people report seeing bears, deer, raccoons, and numerous other critters scurrying around in the woods.
What better way to take in all this beauty than from the back of a horse? An outfitter will match each member of your party with a horse and from this point on you’re in the hands of your equine companion for the one-hour long unguided tour. Not to worry, all the horses know exactly where they are going (they have built-in GPS) and won’t let you get lost.  
Enjoy the gentle pace, the fresh air, and the chance to let everything go as you take in the beauty of the Smokies. Bring your camera and be sure you take lots of photos to put in your scrapbook or family photo album. When you get stressed-out at home, bring out the pictures and let them take you back to that feeling of complete relaxation!

Let’s Pick Up the Pace a Little

The horseback ride to the top of the mountain is relaxing and should leave you ready for something a little more adventurous. The Next to Heaven Ranch has not one, not two, but no less than nine ziplines for you to check out. Their trained staff will kit you out with all required safety gear, explain how it all works and send you on your way.
In no time at all, you will be soaring out through and over the trees as you fly along one of the longest ziplines in the Smoky Mountains. The views as you zoom along between mountains are spectacular. Depending on which line you take, you may see horseback riders as you cruise over the trail.
If there is one common thread in the comments made by those who have visited the Next Heaven Ranch, it has to be how much they love the staff here. Everyone who works here from the people in the office to the ranch hands helping with the ziplines and horses is very friendly and seems to have an endless supply of patience, especially when it comes to working with the younger guests.
While the horseback rides are unguided, a guide does check in on you during the ride to make sure everything is okay. This is one of the top-rated activities in the Pigeon Forge and Townsend area and somewhere you should plan to visit while you are here.