One of the most popular activities when visiting Blue Ridge, Georgia and the nearby area is to go on a horseback riding adventure. That’s because of the stunning scenery in the region, complete with rolling hills, rivers and creeks, mountain views and lush forests.
Along with that, horseback riding has a rich history in the North Georgia mountains that, when you ride, can transport you to a time and place that feel eons away from your daily hustle and bustle.
If you’re looking to experience horseback riding Blue Ridge GA is the place to be. Here are 9 spots in and around Blue Ridge you should check out for your next horseback riding experience.
COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN BLUE RIDGE GA
- Best Downtown. With an ideal location in downtown Blue Ridge, Hampton Inn Blue Ridge is the place to be in the heart of all the fun. Kick back with food and drinks at their rooftop bar, overlooking the town and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Free breakfast.
- Best Near The Railway. The Comfort Inn & Suites hotel is located just one mile from the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway historical train ride. This hotel is minutes from Lake Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge City Park, the Baugh House historical home and Mercier Orchards, a popular family-owned and operated apple orchard. Free breakfast.
- Private Home Rental. Featuring a hot tub and a game room, the Blue Ridge Barn Retreat is set in Blue Ridge. Guests will love the free WiFi throughout the property, and the privacy. This home has three bedrooms and sleeps 7.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL RIDES AT S&T STABLES
Appalachian Trail Rides offers guided horseback trail riding for anyone from beginner to advanced. They’re located at S&T Stables (named after the owner’s children), just a few minutes from downtown Blue Ridge.
Appalachian Trail Rides will take you across creeks and along lakes with experienced guides who will point out wildlife along the way on their 250-acre farm.
They offer a variety of packages and are eager to share their horses and land with you. They can take you on buckaroo rides, proposal or romantic rides, dinner rides, and family or corporate outings, but you do need to make reservations with them in advance. Their goal is to create a family-oriented environment where you can create memories of a lifetime.
Read More: DOWNTOWN BLUE RIDGE GA: 17 BEST SPOTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
COWGIRL UP STABLES
If you’re looking for a place where the ladies take the lead, Cowgirl Up Stables is your spot! It’s a family friendly horseback riding company and they can help with total beginners all the way to experts.
They get a special kick out of helping someone overcome their fear of horses and riding for the first time, but their goal is to make sure everyone is safe and happy, including the horses. Because of that, they do limit riders to people six and older, and under 240 pounds.
They offer riding options for just 35 minutes to an hour for true beginners. That just involves a stroll by the creek and through the pasture. The rides grow longer and more involved as you go up.
An intermediate ride fits someone more adventurous than just a novice, and offers up the chance to do a little trotting. For a little more money, you can make them private rides where your party is just those with you and the guide.
My favorite option is the sunset ride, which ends with a gorgeous sunset, of course. But you can also do picnic rides if you want to combine a meal with your fun. If you are thinking about proposing, they offer that as an option, too (you still do the asking, but they handle the rest). They’ll work with you to make sure it’s a romantic evening just like you envision.
They also have longer options, like the Valley River Ride, which can last 2-, 3-, or 4-hours. They offer some river crossing and cantering along the way. You can even add in a short hike to a waterfall.
DAFFODIL HILL FARM & CARRIAGE
If you want to take a step back in time to wagon or carriage rides, this is the company for you.
Daffodil Hill Farm & Carriage actually offers what they call “Express Wagon” rides, similar to the carriage rides of centuries ago. In fact, they use a restored 1800s express wagon to transport you. They believe they help the past meet the present on this 3-acre mountain view mini farm.
When riding with them, you can see an 80 foot man-made waterfall, feed a fainting goat and chickens, brush a miniature donkey and see peacocks, too. And after all that, you can stop into their chapel filled with American history.
They offer private tours and take photos along the way that you are given at the end. They’ll even help you with a proposal ride if you’re looking to lock in your love. Or, you can use the chapel to renew your vows if you’re feeling especially romantic.
They claim to be the only carriage ride in North America that walks, trots, gallops, and cantors with a team of horses.
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN TRAIL RIDES AT HELL’S HOLLOW
Hell’s Hollow doesn’t exactly sound like a welcoming place, but they promise safe and fun outdoor family adventure at the Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hell’s Hollow.
It’s open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and they invite you to “let your inner cowboy, cowgirl or ‘lil buckaroo SHINE!!!” They’ve been at it for 25 years and know how to keep it safe while making it fun.
Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides offers a Scenic Mountain View Ride, and you can choose between the 1.5- or 2-hour option. You do need to be at least 8 years old and no more than 230 pounds. They don’t allow children to ride with parents, so keep that in mind. And you have to have on appropriate footwear (no high heels, flip flops or open-toed shoes).
They really want people of all levels to connect with the animals. And they invite you to stay awhile, planning a picnic or quiet time in the wilderness.
Read More: 50+ BEST ADVENTUROUS THINGS TO DO IN BLUE RIDGE GA
COHUTTA STABLES
Cohutta Stables is a family-owned and operated horse farm with over four decades of experience in the horse industry. They specialize in working with gaited horse breeds and people of all skill levels.
You can find the stables right in Blue Ridge and the rides take you through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
At the stables they’ll help train, board, or sell horses, too. They believe “the key to a great ride is a comfortable, safe, and sensible horse.” And they make it their mission to make sure the horse fits the rider so the experience is memorable in all the right ways.
You can take private riding lessons at the stable if you want to prepare for a longer trail ride later. If you want to go on a trail ride, consider the North Georgia Equestrian Tours from their stables (more below).
NORTH GEORGIA EQUESTRIAN TOURS
The trail rides from North Georgia Equestrian Tours at Cohutta Stables will take you into the mountains of the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area. They’re really targeting a more experienced rider hungry for a true horseback adventure, someone who can control the horses they’re riding without help.
They have personalized trail rides that’ll take about three to four hours, riding through 13 miles within the massive wildlife management area. Count on going up the mountain and into the wild from the ridgeline to the river. You’ll need to cross rivers and creeks and navigate around obstacles. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch mid-trip.
If you’re up to the challenge, they’re open year-round.
BLANCHE MANOR HORSEBACK RIDING
Blanche Manor is based in Copperhill, Tennessee, and even though it sounds far away, it’s just 15 minutes from Blue Ridge.
Beginners can ride here on an easy stroll, or more advanced riders can go on more challenging rides. They promise wildflowers year-round and, of course, the unspoiled beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Because they’re open year-round, you can take that ride in the snow in the winter or when the fall colors are at their brightest.
The rides are all through private wooded trails, and start at an hour and 15 minutes. It allows for walking and trotting if all of the riders can handle it. You do need to be 6 and up and weigh under 240 pounds. If you do weigh more, they may be able to still accommodate you, so be sure to call for availability in that case.
They also have a 2-hour ride with more challenging trails. For these, you need to be at least 8 and weigh no more than 220 pounds and have some horse riding experience. If you want a private guide for your group, you can pay more.
If your days are booked, they also offer evening rides and some where you can catch sunsets. And, if you want to pop the big question, they have proposal packages, too, where the ride ends at a secluded stream on a private hill, complete with champagne. (Side note–so far, they have a 100% success rate! Just sayin’.)
Blanche Manor has something special for the younger kiddos; they have an arena where 5 year olds and younger who weigh less than 40 pounds can ride a few circles in the arena. And, they have a really cool option that involves not just horseback riding, but also rafting and a ziplining trip! You have to be at least 12 to do this. If you have teens, this is something they’ll never forget.
Blanche Manor also has a cottage if you decide you want to stay a little longer. It even sits on a stocked pond where you can do some catch and release, along with seeing some ducks, turtles and frogs. It’s ideal for a remote getaway.
TRACKROCK STABLES
The trail rides at Trackrock Stables are going away April 30th of 2023 after 57 years, so if you’re going on these trails, go soon!
If you’re just looking to use the stables or attend horse camp, that will still be an option. It’s located on over 250 acres just outside Blairsville, Georgia, running adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Read More: BLAIRSVILLE GA: A STUNNING MOUNTAIN TOWN FILLED WITH FAMILY ADVENTURE
BRASSTOWN VALLEY STABLES
If you want more than a trail ride, but a full-service resort hotel experience, complete with a spa, this is your spot. The Stables at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa offers up a full ride featuring 5 miles of trails. They work with all skill levels and you’ll have a trail guide for 1- or 2-hour trips.
You’ll get to make your way through open fields, forests, and trout streams where you can actually see the fish. And the riders six and under can actually sit on a horse too, around the facility’s riding ring. Total bonus: They also have archery and axe-throwing at the stables. Fun, right?
Read More: 13+ SPECTACULAR SPA RESORTS IN GEORGIA PERFECT FOR PAMPERING
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO BLUE RIDGE
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- HOTELS: 5 Best Blue Ridge GA Hotels And Bed & Breakfasts You’ll Love
- TREEHOUSES: 7+ Dreamy Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals You’ll Adore
- BRSR: Your Essential Guide To Spring And Fall On The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
- RESTAURANTS: These 27 Blue Ridge GA Restaurants Showcase Culinary Delights In The Mountains
WHERE TO STAY IN GEORGIA
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