cades cove riding stables

I would recommend arranging your horseback riding at another stable before visiting Cades Cove. The Cades Cove Riding Stables do not take reservations, and using their first-come-first-serve system will likely have you waiting hours for a ride. If you decide that waiting is no big deal and ask the person behind the desk about the wait time and/or their progress, be prepared to catch an ear full, as they do not like when you ask questions, and make it very clear that it's "not their fault."I have two young children, so I made sure to call well in advance to inquire about reserving a time. The gentleman who answered the phone made it clear that they do not make reservations. He stated that if I could be there in the next 15min, I would not have a long wait. I advised that I was staying over an hour away and was trying to plan ahead. I asked about the afternoon, and if they had been busy, so I could better gauge the potential wait. The gentleman advised I should have no problem, I would get right in. We knew we wanted to visit Cades Cove and also take a horseback ride during our vacation, so based on the information he provided, we decided to do both that day. When we arrived the woman behind the counter told a different story. At first, she advised us that it was a 90min wait. I acknowledged that I had been told it was a first-come-first-serve system, but that I also been told not to expect a wait. But I get it, they can't control if it suddenly gets busy, so I tried to compromise. I asked if me and my family could put our names down, go drive the Cades Cove loop, and come back once done so we didn't have to wait at the stable. The is where the woman began getting angry at us. She advised we could leave our name, but if they got to us, they would skip us, and we would have to go to the back of the line once we returned.I started working out the math in my head, trying to determine if the gamble to get through the loop in 90min and be back in time was feasible, when the woman angrily stated that it was now a 2hr wait. I stopped doing the mental calculations and began trying to understand why this woman was directing her anger at me. As I told her that this situation was not going to work for my family and that we would be going elsewhere, the woman continued to let me know that it was my fault for expecting a shorter wait time, despite my earlier call to their business where I was told otherwise. She actually came outside after us as we were walking toward our car to yell at us.This is the only stable in Cades Cove, so my family and I drove back to into the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area and located a stable where we could make a reservation. The experience at the alternate stable was fantastic and what we would have expected from any stable wanting to attract and maintain business. I am sure they have their reasons, but I cannot fathom how any stable does not take some form of reservations. My only guess is they don't want to tell anyone that they are full, so they can get you there. Once you are there, you are kind of stuck, since they are the only stable in a 25 mile radius. On top of that, I also assume they think they can treat potential customers anyway they want, as was evidenced by my encounter. If riding is a priority experience while in the Smokies, my advice would be to make a reservation at another stable. It will save you the uncertainty and the possibility of having the same terrible experience that my family had.

I love horse-back riding, but this...was....okay? I went to Davy Crockett Riding Stables..and it was just....better...More places to go there, and the experience was just better at Davy Crockett Riding Stables.

Did the carriage ride. Guide was knowledgeable and funny. He even took pics of us in the carriage after the ride. Price was ridiculously cheap.

This was an Ok experience. Only went a short distance through the woods. It would be better to take the hayride. It's only on Tuesdays but goes through the entire park

We enjoyed a 1 hour tour with Cade's Cove stables. We are experienced riders but this was a trip for my daughters 10th birthday and all she asked for. We had a great guide Leo and his horse Sunny! They were both entertaining. We will defiantly do it again! Great family fun for all!Thank you from TeamJohns :)

I read all reviews for stables in Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg on TripAdvisor and decided that the Cades Cove Riding Stables (the only one park of the National Park) had the best reviews as far as staff, cleanliness and treatment of their horses and overall value. So glad we did! We drove the Cades Cove loop in the morning and ended our day at the stables. Our guide was JP (Jessica P.) :D I cannot say enough nice things about her!!! She is so personable and knowledgable, not only about horses but the area and the history of the area and just life in general :) She was hilarious and entertaining. We have 3 kids (13, 10 and 3) the 3 yr old and my husband went on a carriage ride, which she was allowed to sit with the driver and help "drive". All the staff is very friendly and patient. I and the two older kids took the hour long horseback ride, guided by PJ. Very relaxing and beautiful ride, saw some deer. My son was at the front and our guide became concerned about his eye, which was swelling--he had some kind of allergy from touching the horse then rubbing his eye. She was so attentive to him. When we got back to the stables she went out of her way to find us and make sure that he was taken care of--got his hands and face washed and then gave us her brand new unopened bottle of Visine. She even offered to call a park ranger (apparently they are all trained EMT's, good to know!) Other than his eye swelling for 2 days, he has been talking non stop about his great experience riding a horse---something he has been wanting to do for a long time. Thank you to Cades Cove Stables for a great time and the heart you put into your work and to PJ for your heart, entertainment/stories & advice to my kids and extensive knowledge of the park and it's history. Awesome!

Leon and Sammy (horse) took us on a fun and informative tour. They were a great team. Leon really connected with our teen.

My wife and I came across this horse stable by accident while visiting Cades Cove in the Smoky's.It's a great diversion from driving and the trail is about an hour long going through a river and hills deep in the forest. Most of the horseback riding is a trot with an occasional gallop. Our instructor was great both with telling us how to ride a horse and leading us on the trail. If you keep your eyes open you might see deer or a black bear. Great for the entire family. Don't forget to tip the your instructor.

Me and my husband decided last minute to do the trail ride. So glad we did! Guide was awesome. Reasonably priced. Definitely recommend!

We took a trail ride based on a recommendation of a family friend. We have a six year old son who has never ridden before, so we weren't sure what he would think. As we waited, we lined up so they could match horses to us; they brought out the biggest horse, Rose, and put her in front of my son. I was a bit taken aback, but she was a wonderful horse for my son. A tad on the lazy side that day, she had to be encouraged to walk faster because the horses behind her were getting antsy. There were 8 of us on the ride, and I was thankful we were the first three behind the guide. He talked to us the whole time and gave us information about the park and the area. Unfortunately for the family of five behind us, they got none of that information. It might be nice to have two guides so that the people bringing up the rear don't miss out. The ride was about an hour, and I wish it had been a tad longer. It was so peaceful and beautiful. It was the most expensive thing we did on our vacation; even the white water rafting was cheaper. But that being said, it was an experience that could not have been better. Highly recommended--the staff was very courteous and great with kids.

We arrived at 9am and although there was only the 2 of us, this wasn't a problem for the staff. Ron chatted with us whilst our horses were getting saddled, then Kevin introduced us to our horses, Cindy and Mindy. We were given a brief orientation before Gerry took us out, While we were getting ready to leave Ron took our camera and took loads of pictures for us and Gerry took pictures while we were on the trail. This is a really great touch. Gerry chatted all the way round and was very knowledgeable about the cove and the animals - we even got to see a bear!You could tell the horses are really well cared for and clearly loved by the staff there. We would definitely recommend taking a ride whilst your staying in Gatlinburg.

My 10yr old grandsons first time on a horse and my first time in 20+ years. Wonderful ride through the Smokies. Horses are matched up to the size of the rider. We were given a brief but good orientation and then we were on our way. I liked the way both the riders and horses were treated. Our guide was great taking extra care with the little guy and helping all of us to feel comfortable. It lasted a full hour and we went up and down a few inclines and through a stream. All the horses were clean and well behaved. I would highly recommend these stables and guides.

We went on a Friday afternoon and had only a short wait till we could go. Gerry did a good job leading our ride with some scared members of another family on the ride. Horses were very suitable. Pleasant way to enjoy Cades Cove. Helmets available, required for under 16.

On Tuesday July 29, my family drove (3 carloads of us) to the stables just for the hayride. Upon our arrival around 2pm, we were told by another customer that they were closed because they had "too many people." The website states this company offers 3 different services. The families that were waiting were there for horseback riding. How does a group of hay-riders versus horseback riders equate to too many people. The website says the hayrides can include up to 65 people. There were maybe 20 people in que... for horseback riding. We waited thinking an employee would eventually show up to greet us for the 3:00 hayride. Again, a waiting customer informs us the office staff packed up and left for the day. This was a big disappointment especially for the kids and after such a long drive out to this location.

Mid morning ride yesterday with Jerry as our guide. One of the best horse backing trips we've had. The trail was great going up and down the hills through the creek. The woods were quiet and peaceful. We didn't see any bears but the group before use did. Jerry was really good with the kids on the trail and entertaining. Would definitely good riding again.