Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Asheville, USA
- 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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
1
Arrowmont Stables
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
- If you have a cast or a brace of ANY type on any part of your body, "EVEN IF the doctors says you can", you will not be permitted to ride
- If you have allergies to horses, you will not be permitted to ride.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for 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
4.6
based on 70 reviews
Crystal_O, Oct 2025
Perfect and guides are great. The tide was a little longer than we thought but we enjoyed it all. It was a bit of a drive for us coming from asheville, but it was worth the drive.
Austin_S, Aug 2025
Lovely ride on the mountain with an excellent guide. Everyone was friendly and the views on the mountain were breathtaking taking. Even got to see some wild animals while on the ride.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks so much for taking your time to tell others about your experience.
Many blessings,
Amanda_B, Dec 2024
Great for novice riders! The staff made us feel very comfortable with the horses! What a delightful day!!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
It was a great day! Thanks for sharing it with us as well as others.
Blessings,
The Arrowmont Crew
Eric_M, Sep 2024
Due to the weather with flooding and downed trees I was unable to go enjoy the horseback riding. I hope that maybe next time I vacation I will be able to go.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
We hope you'll be able to ride next time as well. Helene was a pretty devasting storm. Wish it didn't happen.
Blessings to you,
Scott_R, Aug 2024
We had a very relaxing and peaceful ride through the first and along the way had excellent commentary about the area and its flora.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Hi Scott, we try to let our guests know about the local history as well as animals/plants and we're so happy you appreciated the effort
gevasquez, Aug 2024
This was a family excursion. None of us had prior riding experience. Our guide, Joshua, provided concise instructions that helped all of us feel more confident. The trails were picturesque and peaceful. Joshua provided historical information about the area. Overall, the entire event was memorable and appreciated. Thank You!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
It was a pleasure to serve you and your family and we're grateful you took the time to share your experience.
Larry_S, Jun 2024
Beautiful view from highest elevation during the ride, but most of it was through woods with little variety of scenery. One of our horses repeatedly stopped, delaying the whole tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for taking your time to review our trail ride. I regret it wasn't as enjoyable as you had hoped. The terrain you experienced went from 3800 feet elevation at the stables through a hardwood forest to the top of the mountain at 4200 feet through a unique white pine forest with views from the pines then out to an open meadow with more views out to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Without doing a complete clear-cut of the forest, it would be impossible to experience long-range views throughout the entire trip. That's not what we advertise. So I will try to make the description more clear for future riders.
I'm also sorry someone in the group was having difficulty managing their horse. I regret that on occasion, some individuals don't understand that any animal may choose to take advantage of their inexperience and good nature. Horses think like children who try to convince you to let them have their way. The rider, definitely, needs to exercise their authority.
Sylvia_R, Jun 2024
Guides and horses were phenomenal! Best trail ride experience ever! Just the right amount of challenge to make it fun but not overwhelming. Guides were patient, encouraging and entertaining. Ferns and azaleas were worth the drive! Would highly recommend the experience!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Sylvia, thank you so much for letting everyone know about your experience.
We, definitely, appreciate your time and value your opinion.
Gratefully, the Staff
Karen_O, Nov 2023
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!!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Hi Karen, we are delighted you enjoyed your ride, the views and the farm animals!
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!
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!
Russell_B, Oct 2023
We loved riding the horses through the woods. The views of the valley were spectacular and the weather was perfect.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
God certainly outdid Himself here in these mountains. We are truly blessed.
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%!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Tricia, you are so thoughtful to take your time to let us know about your trail ride and experience.
Thanks!
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Ellen, What a beautiful comment. We try our best to take care of everyone with respect and love. So glad you noticed.
Blessings, the Staff
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thanks, you're right. It is a rewarding experience for novice and experienced alike. We really appreciate you taking the time to let everyone know about your experience with us.
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
We are so delighted your anniversary trip was a success. Thanks for taking your time to let everyone know.
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.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
So happy your family had such a great time. We do work hard to make sure everyone has such a good experience.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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!!
Garrett_F, Jun 2022
Getting on and riding the horse for the first time and seeing the view of the blue ridge mountain thx
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hey Garrett, so happy your first time seeing the Blue Ridge was a fun one for you.
Christine_P, May 2022
The experience was overall a great time. The horses were well trained and clean, all equipment was well maintained. The only thing that could have been better is that my husband and I were in a pack of maybe 13-15 riders not including the 2 guides that were on each end. I could not hear either guide well . We had extra people in our group because I guess their ride got rained out a day or 2 before. We were pretty squeezed together the whole time which made the horses a bit more feisty (biting the rumps in front and evil eyes to the rear). The view was great and the guides were helpful always checking in to make sure all was ok. Lovely area for a trail ride.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Sometimes the group may be more than you would like. Sorry about that. But I'm glad you saw that the Guides were always checking on you to make sure you were ok.
Jason_H, Apr 2022
Had a really great time! My Wife and I really enjoyed our time at Arrowmont Stables. The guided horseback ride was very enjoyable. the guide was reassuring and very helpful. Thank you all at Arrowmont stables for a Great Experience!
The trail was muddy, the riders mostly newbs (me). but with the help and guidance from the staff at Arrowmont Stables we all had a Great time!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Sometimes we have a lot of rain (most don't know this is a rain forest) and, occassionally, that can play havoc. But happy you had a great time!
From $109.50
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