Horseback Riding Gatlinburg Tennessee: 5 Adventures That’ll Make You Say ‘Yeehaw!’

Take a break from the souvenir shops and hit the trails deep inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where Sugarlands Riding Stables offers scenic rides that feel like a behind-the-scenes tour of the mountains.

Just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, this outfitter serves up forested paths, babbling streams, and enough nature moments to temporarily forget your phone exists.

Don’t worry if you haven’t been on a horse since the 5th grade field trip—these are fully guided rides, and the wranglers know how to make first-timers feel like pros.

With 1- and 2-hour options available throughout the day (usually starting around mid-morning), it’s one of the easiest ways to explore the park without breaking a sweat.

For those who want to mix a little wilderness with their wanderlust, horseback riding in Gatlinburg TN isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Cades Cove Riding Stables in nearby Townsend.

Nestled inside a picturesque loop of the national park, this stable is the only one authorized to guide rides in the Cades Cove area—a major flex if you’re hoping for wildlife sightings.

Expect to trot past open fields, historic cabins, and the kind of views that make you wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.

Open seasonally from spring through late fall, it’s a perfect half-day adventure if you’re already planning a drive through the Cove.

Make the most of horseback riding Gatlinburg TN by heading to Big Rock Dude Ranch in Pigeon Forge, where the trail is only part of the adventure.

This place is basically an activity hub wrapped in a ranch—with horseback riding, a petting zoo, gem mining, and even a free museum for good measure.

Their 3.5-mile guided ride takes you through scenic hills and shady trails, making it a solid choice for families or anyone trying to squeeze in max fun without hopping from one place to another.

Open year-round and just a short drive from the Parkway, it’s a one-stop shop for old-school adventure with a modern twist.

Craving some thrill with your views? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Jayell Ranch in Sevierville, where riding in the Smoky isn’t just scenic—it’s part of a full-blown adrenaline lineup.

In addition to horseback trails with sweeping mountain vistas, this spot offers ziplining, ATV tours, and even extreme tubing in warmer months.

Rides here are suited for most experience levels, and the staff keeps things easygoing while still keeping you safe.

For shaded trails and easygoing terrain with just the right amount of mountain drama, head to Five Oaks Riding Stables—tucked behind a retail center in Sevierville but worlds away once you’re in the saddle.

Offering views of streams, wooded paths, and distant peaks, it’s one of the best-kept secrets among horseback riding stables in the area.

The 3.5-mile ride is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to reconnect with nature without needing to overthink gear or technique.

With combo packages that include ziplining, it’s ideal if your group includes both the “let’s relax” and “let’s fly through the trees” types.