Riding Stables in Cades Cove, Tennessee

Cades Cove Riding Stables of the Great Smoky Mountains offers several horse-led activities for all ages and skill levels. Nestled in a valley in the east Tennessee area of the Great Smoky Mountains, the stables on this 6,800-acre park offer natural beauty for the soul and low-impact activities for everyone.

  1. History

    • The history of Cades Cove dates back to 1819, when settlers arrived there from Virginia and North Carolina. By 1850, the population peaked at 685, but by 1860 only 269 people remained, with settlers migrating to more fertile territory. Today, Cades Cove is the most popular tourist destination of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, drawing 2.5 million visitors annually. Many tourists visit the stables where they can enjoy guided trail rides, carriage rides and hayrides.

    Guided Trail Rides

    • The horses provided by the stables are well-trained and chosen for their calm temperament and athletic ability.Guides choose horses based on the participant's skill level. The nearly one-hour ride will take participants across a rippling stream and to the base of a 5,500 mountain peak. Amid lush forests, various wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey and even a black bear or two might appear.

    Carriage Rides and Hayrides

    • For a bit of nostalgia, visitors will get a glimpse of life long ago through Cades Cove's carriage and hayrides. The 30- to 45-minute guided carriage ride will take visitors back in time and teach them about plant and animal life. Cades Cove hayrides take visitors on the 11-mile Loop Road where they will see and learn about a preserved 18th and 19th century farming community. On special occasions, a 1 1/2- to two-hour ranger-led hayride is offered and scheduled by the Park Service.

    Considerations

    • Cades Cove, near Townsend, Tennessee, offers one riding stable. With all activities offered by Cades Cove Riding Stables, reservations are required. The minimum age is 6, the minimum height is 4 feet and the maximum weight is 250 pounds. No cameras or cell phones are allowed during the horseback rides. For cancellations, participants can expect a fee. For two-week notice cancellations, participants can expect half of applicable charges or may reschedule within one year. For one-week cancellations, no refunds are available or you may reschedule within one year.