Follow a gentle horseback trail through fern-filled North Carolina woods
45–50 mins
Guide, horse, tack and helmet
Ride a gentle forest trail on a 200-acre working horse farm near Lake Glenville. Start with a safety orientation, meet your horse, and practice in the riding ring before heading out with a guide.
Cancel at least 48 hours before your reservation for no charge for groups of 7 or fewer. Groups of 8 or more need 2 weeks' notice; groups with multiple reservations need 30 days' notice. Later cancellations are nonrefundable and incur the reserved trail rate per person canceled.
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.
Arrowmont Stables, 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.
Very friendly staff horses were amazing and very nice trails with plenty of shade
Denis Baribeault
July 2, 2026
Very friendly staff horses were amazing and very nice trails with plenty of shade
Denis Baribeault
July 2, 2026
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