Horseback Riding

Bring Your Own Horse to the Park

Approximately 500 miles of the National Park's hiking trails are also open to horses. Horseback riding is restricted to trails specifically designated for horse use. If you desire to bring your own horse and ride in the park, obtain a copy of the park's trail map, which clearly indicates the trails on which you may ride, and describes rules and regulations concerning horse riding in the backcountry, including info about backcountry camping, and associated permit requirements. To obtain an official trail map, stop at any park visitor center or order trail maps here in advance for planning.

Note that off-trail or cross-country horseback riding is not permitted. Some backcountry campsites must be reserved in advance. These sites are clearly shown on the park's trail map.

There are also 5 drive-in horse camps that provide quick access to backcountry horse trails. Horse camps are located at Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, Big Creek, and Towstring. Horse camps are open April thru October.

Rent a Horse in the Park

You can also rent a horse, available at stables in several locations within the Park. Horseback riding by the hour is available from mid-March through late November at four commercial stables and rates are currently $20 per hour (subject to change). Please call one of the following for rates and operating hours.

Smokemont Horse Stables, near Cherokee, North Carolina (828) 497-2373
Cades Cove Stables, near Townsend, TN (865) 448-6286
Smoky Mountain, near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-5634
Sugarlands Stable, near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-3535
Triple Creek Riding Stables, near Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN (865) 428-7506

Smoky Mountain Arabian Horses

Besides some great opportunities to ride horses in the Park, you can visit one of the Arabian horse farms in the area in conjunction with your Smokies trip. For example, Smoky Mountain Park Arabian Horses welcomes visitors who come to the area, but asks that you call for an appointment

Smoky Mountains National Park • Trail Maps • Backcountry Camping