Horseback riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Trot through fern groves, past rows of wild flame azaleas, and into a white pine forest on well-trained, gentle horses. This tour includes a safety training, too, making it a good choice for beginner horseback riders and children.

Blue Ridge Mountain horseback riding tour from Asheville
Explore Blue Ridge scenery without having to hike
Guide leads you to forests and meadows you might miss on your own
Beginner horseback riders welcome—training is included

What's Included

Safety orientation
Horseback Ride (based on option selected)
Use of all equipment (horse, tack and helmet)
Helmets are mandatory for all riders
Ponchos or Rain coats provided for inclement weather
Majestic Trails with a variety in terrain from 4200 feet elevation at the top to 3400 feet in the valley
Local guide

Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

276 Arrowmont Trl, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA
For the Meeting Point, go to Cullowhee North Carolina. At the 4th stop light on hwy 107 turn right on to Cullowhee Mountain Road and go 9 miles to the top of Cullowhee Mountain. Turn left onto our driveway, Arrowmont Trail. Go 1/4 mile on our driveway and meet us at the Stables.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 3 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Plan an extra 50-60 minutes, in addition to your trail time, for your safety and training program.
Please Note, This Starts at your stated trail time, not before it. Your Trail immediately follows your safety program.
Your Safety Program consists of a video or live demonstration covering the horse's training, safety and horse personality.
You are given a chance to try your horse in the ring before departing. If needed, your horse can be changed before your trail.
All passenger ages must be advised at time of booking

Closed-toe shoes are required. NO ROUGH SOLED BOOTS/SHOES.
Long pants recommended
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Use of helmet mandatory for under 18 years old
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
If it looks like rain, bring an extra T-shirt and towel
You will try your horse out in the ring before going on your trail
The Safety Program Starts at your stated trail time, not before it. Your Trail immediately follows your safety program
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Karen_O

The scenic views were incredible! Felt at one with nature! Cutest thing ever was the goat following my daughters horse the entire trails with the dog trying to herd it back home! Very entertaining! Had a great time! Would definitely come back!!

Reviews

4.5

49 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 49 reviews

Thanksgiving 2023

Karen_O, Nov 2023

Very nice …! It was lovely

Sarah_H, Nov 2023

The way I felt on the horse riding , brought back memories when I use to ride, I do have a suggestion though, are guide was tell us about the old barn turning it in a chicken coop great idea.. (we have chickens and love it) they could use their eggs for some kind of egg breakfast afterwards… like a ride in the mountain and the a country breakfast (meat substitutes ) for those who don’t eat meat…. My husband in I had a great time… thanks you!! Sincerely the Hennings!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thanks so much for your comments and suggestions. Both are very much appreciated. Blessings from the Crew at Arrowmont!

Joshua was a great guide!...

Caleb_D, Oct 2023

Joshua was a great guide! Gorgeous trails and views, and the horses were very well trained and easy to ride.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

It was so kind of you to take the time to let us know about your ride and your guide. Both comments are very much appreciated. Blessings to you!

A nice leisure stroll through the mountains.

Russell_B, Oct 2023

We loved riding the horses through the woods. The views of the valley were spectacular and the weather was perfect.

Super fun!

Tricia_T, Aug 2023

Awesome day!! The safety video was very thorough and the guides matched us with great horses - we had an amazing ride and recommend this 100%!

Grateful

Ellen_C, Aug 2023

Some of the kindest people on the planet. I had a medical emergency on the trail and the trail guide responded with calmness and surety. They got me down off the trail without incident. …the horses the chose for us were perfect for our individual riding abilities. Professionals.

Amazing Experience

Bohdan_A, Aug 2023

The tour was beautiful and riding the horse as a first time rider was incredibly rewarding. It's an awesome experience I recommend to anyone especially to people who've always wanted to try it.

Arrowmont stables is wonderful.

Marcelle_D, Jul 2023

This was my husband’s first time on a horse and it was during our annual anniversary trip. We have such a great time. The horses were just beautiful and amazing and we loved our guide.

Exceptional views and very professional

Blair_D, Jul 2023

My daughter is a beginner and pretty shy. She is very into riding and loves horses. This was her 4th ride. It was beautiful and safe. My 8 year old told me it was the best experience of her life! It was magical for me as well. Our guide Josh kept us safe and had fun facts about the trail. We will definitely come back again.

Peaceful riding therapy!

jonathan_r, Dec 2022

My wife and I enjoyed a peaceful, and beautiful horse ride. 🐎 we are planning to experience this again! Josh was an excellent guide!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

We are so grateful you took the time to share your story with us and others. Thank you!

Wonderful time

Leonora_L, Nov 2022

Is absolutely beautiful and the people are very helpful and knowledgeable. The horses are super nice and gentle souls.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

So happy you enjoyed your ride and the staff (people and horses). Yes, we are blessed with great staff who work their hardest to make sure your ride is a great one!

Great experience

Janean_G, Oct 2022

First time riding and Spike (the horse) was a wonderful host. Went during the fall and had a wonderful of the mountain side. Recommend for everyone.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Thanks for sharing and we are grateful you had a wonderful time! Yup, Spike is a sweety.

We unfortunately had a...

Jessica_B, Oct 2022

We unfortunately had a flat tire on the side of the mountain and were not able to make it. They were very rude and not helpful at all about the situation. Things happen but they were not willing to work with us at all. Would not recommend.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Jessica, I'm sorry you thought we were rude and uncooperative. We certainly didn't intend or try to be. We did offer to reschedule you anytime during the next 3 months without any additional charge. You also could have come later that day. I regret you thought that is not trying to work with you. Our offer to reschedule still stands with another 3 months to use it. Blessings to you.

Great guide and beautiful...

Jesus_C, Sep 2022

Great guide and beautiful scenery, very calm and relaxing horse ride through the mountains. Learned a bit of history as well. Horses are very nice.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

These mountains are definitely "God's Country". We are so glad you see it too! Also happy you enjoyed the horses as well.

Worth the drive

Amy_M, Sep 2022

It was much further out from Asheville than we expected but definitely worth the trip. Josh was an amazing tour guide.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

So happy you feel the drive is worth it. That makes our day! And, yes, Josh is an amazing Guide and person.

Way to long of a trip. The video was at least 30 minutes

Sharon_P, Sep 2022

Ride was nice. The into video was ridiculously long and could have been told to us while getting on the horses. 3::30 trip wasn’t done until 6:45.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Grateful you thought the ride was nice and sorry you felt the video was too long. We try hard to do a great job but sometimes we miss some people's mark.

Beautiful, serene, comfortable

kyle_z, Aug 2022

My wife and I came on our honeymoon all the way from Texas, and not only was the horseback riding fun, but the whole experience was beautiful, serene, and quite comfortable. Our guide, Joshua, was very knowledgeable and spoke up for people in the back. We also weren't expected to do much that you couldn't learn during a quick walk-through. Even the drive up the mountain was wonderful, though a little scary if you obey the speed limit😅 (Lots of switch-bqck curves)

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Kyle, it was so kind of you to take the time to let others know about your ride. We're so grateful your entire experience was "beautiful" as well as serene!

5 STARS

Julie_K, Aug 2022

Fabulous experience, beautiful trails and professionally run business. The drive there was gorgeous too.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Hi Julie, thanks for such a great comment (even about the drive). Blessings

Great fun and safe experience

Laura_G, Jul 2022

Beautiful trail tour in the forest. Horses where great and so was our guide. We highly recommend this tour, great fun and safe experience!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Laura, what an awesome comment and it is very much appreciated!!

Very fun

Garrett_F, Jun 2022