Ride a gentle fern forest trail with a guide
45- to 60-minute
Guide, horse, helmet
Ride on horseback along the Fern Forest Trail in the North Carolina mountains, with a guide and a safety orientation before you head out. This gentle path is suitable for all skill levels and starts at Arrowmont Stables.
Plan extra time for the safety program, helmet fitting, and ring practice. Weight limit is up to 250 lb for walking trails (weight must be proportional to height). Double riding is not permitted, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Extra charges: Gratuities are not included (recommended; many guests tip about 20%). A private guided trail ride has an additional fee—confirm the amount with Greetwell before booking.
Changes without cancellation fees: 2 days for groups of 9 or less; 14 days for groups of 15 or more. Cancellation fee for horseback riding is the trail cost per horse cancelled.
Arrive at your booked trail time (not early). The safety program starts at the stated trail time, then you complete forms, get fitted for a helmet, watch a safety program, and try your horse in the ring before you head out.
Plan extra time beyond the ride itself. Preparation typically takes about 30–45 minutes, plus about 45–50 minutes on the trail (trail times are approximate).
Wear closed-toe shoes with a smooth sole (no flip-flops, hiking boots, or bare feet). Wear long pants if possible, or knee-length shorts. If rain is possible, bring an extra T-shirt and a towel; ponchos or raincoats are provided.
276 Arrowmont Trail, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Joshua, Eric, and Gina consistently stand out across reviews as knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely enthusiastic guides who take the time to pair riders with the right horses and make everyone feel comfortable before heading out. Pre-ride safety instruction gets a lot of praise too, with several riders noting it's more thorough than anything they've experienced elsewhere. The trails themselves are a big draw. Rides wind through mountain terrain with sweeping valley views, creeks, rocky climbs, and meadows, and options range from 45 minutes to two hours depending on your group. Families with young kids, first-timers, and experienced riders all seem to find something that works for them here. The horses are consistently described as well-trained and responsive, which clearly puts nervous riders at ease. One thing worth knowing before booking is that the stable holds firm on its reservation policy, so if your plans change unexpectedly, flexibility is limited. That said, the overwhelming majority of visitors leave raving about the experience, and many mention wanting to return.
My daughter and I went on the Scenic Valley Trail ride. The ride was an hour and a half of absolutely beautiful scenery! Our guide and the owner were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They made us feel completely comfortable and made sure we felt confident about riding. I have experience riding but daughter did not and they made sure she was relaxed and ease so we were both able to thoroughly enjoy our ride! I highly recommend booking a trail ride!
Jinna Smith
March 25, 2026
My daughter and I went on the Scenic Valley Trail ride. The ride was an hour and a half of absolutely beautiful scenery! Our guide and the owner were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They made us feel completely comfortable and made sure we felt confident about riding. I have experience riding but daughter did not and they made sure she was relaxed and ease so we were both able to thoroughly enjoy our ride! I highly recommend booking a trail ride!
Jinna Smith
March 25, 2026