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
Arrowmont delivers an authentic mountain horseback riding experience that consistently impresses families and first-timers. The guides, particularly Joshua and Eric, earn repeated praise for their patience, knowledge, and genuine care in matching riders with well-trained horses. Guests appreciate the thorough safety instruction beforehand, something many note sets this operation apart from other stables in the area. The horses themselves get glowing reviews for being responsive yet gentle, with several riders mentioning how capable they felt even without prior experience. The trails offer more adventure than your typical beginner ride. Expect rocky terrain, creek crossings, and legitimacy challenging climbs with rewarding mountain views and meadow scenery. Families with kids as young as six have had great experiences here, with staff going the extra mile to help nervous children feel comfortable. One reviewer mentioned the terrain being the most challenging they'd encountered across North America, though in a positive way. The whole operation has that family-run, stepping-back-in-time feel that makes it memorable beyond just the ride itself.
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