Horseback ride through creeks, meadows, and forest trails
Plan at least 3 hours
Guide, ride, helmet
Ride from Arrowmont Stables into Scenic Valley, where hardwood forests open to creeks, streams, and meadows. Follow your guide along mountain trails with a safety program built into your total time at the stables.
Closed-toe shoes are required. Double riding is not permitted, and the walking-trail weight limit is 250 lb. Gratuities are not included (guides generally receive about 20%).
For horseback riding, the cancellation fee is trail cost per horse cancelled.
Arrive at your booked time. After you arrive, expect about 30–45 minutes for forms, getting your helmet, and the safety program 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, or shorts that come down to your knees.
Trails operate rain or shine. Ponchos and raincoats are provided, and 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