Take a 2-hour guided combo trail ride to mountain meadows and valleys
2 hours
Guide, horse, helmet
Ride the Flame Azalea, Fern Forest, and Scenic Valley trails in one guided outing from Arrowmont Stables. Climb from the stables up Cullowhee Mountain, then descend into a valley of streams, meadows, and a small lake.
Plan at least 3+ hours total, including a 45–60 minute safety program and prep time. Closed-toe shoes are required; long pants are recommended. Weight limit is 250 lb on walking trails, and double riding is not permitted.
If you need to change dates 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). After you arrive, you complete forms, get your helmet, and do the safety program and horse tryout in the ring (about 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; otherwise, wear shorts that reach your knees.
The trails operate rain or shine. Ponchos and raincoats are provided; bring an extra T-shirt and a towel if it looks like rain.
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