Ride from flame azaleas to fern forests with mountain views
Trail Time is approximately 80 minutes
Guide, safety orientation, helmet
Ride the Flame Azalea–Fern Forest Trail on a working horse farm near Lake Glenville. Climb through hardwoods and white pines to an open meadow at 4,200 feet, then descend through a fern-filled forest back to the barn.
Plan about 45–60 minutes on-site for forms, helmet, and the safety program before the trail ride. Closed-toe shoes are required, long pants are recommended, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No double riding; walking-trail weight limit is up to 250 lb (weight must be proportional to height).
Vacation cabins: 15-day cancellation period; less than 15 days charged full rental cost. Horseback riding: cancellation fee is trail cost per horse cancelled. No refunds if an allergic reaction prevents you from riding.
Arrive at your booked trail time (not early). You’ll start with forms, a helmet fitting, and a safety program, which typically takes 30–45 minutes before you head out on the trail.
Wear closed-toe shoes with a smooth sole (no flip-flops, Crocs, hiking boots, or bare feet). Wear long pants if you can; knee-length shorts also work.
Ride in all weather conditions. Ponchos and rain gear are provided; if rain is possible, bring an extra T-shirt and a towel.
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