Take A Carriage Ride Through The Mountains For A Truly Unique Tennessee Experience
By Meghan Kraft|Published May 21, 2021
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
There’s magic to be found in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, and no, it has nothing to do with top hats and fluffy white rabbits. The expansive beauty of the eastern side of the state is known around the globe and has actually made the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited in the nation. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for the fun and kitsch found in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, or if you’re craving a hike that takes you deep into the splendid natural heart of Tennessee. Cades Cove Riding Stables is tucked away in the aptly named Cades Cove, and it offers a series of outdoor guided adventures that will you teach you both the lay of the land and its deep history.
Cades Cove is located on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's known for its broad beauty, as well as the riotous swell of wildflowers that bloom in the springtime. It remains one of the most popular places to visit in the national park.
The staff at Cades Cove Riding Stables lead guided trail rides through the valley. You can choose to ride on horseback where you'll be paired with one of the calm horses on-site, or you can take part in a guided carriage ride. It's the best option for older and younger adventurers!
On the carriage ride, you'll be taken along the winding, verdant forest trails that span the Cove. You can expect quite a bit of banter and history from the drivers, each of whom is highly educated on the story of the area and passionate about its telling.
You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time, especially as you meet and get to know your friendly and beautiful carriage horses. Although reservations are not accepted, rides depart throughout the day. Each ride is roughly 30 to 45 minutes long.
Rates are roughly $22 per person for ages 13 and up, and $15 per person for ages 2 to 12. Prices will vary depending on your choice of a horseback or carriage ride.
If you're looking to experience Cades Cove on your own, you can head to Cades Cove Riding Stables from March 3rd to November 30th every year. The Stables are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What an adventure! You can learn more about the Cades Cove Riding Stables offerings with a visit to its official website or Facebook page. This is one experience that’s truly for all ages, and it comes highly recommended.
There’s beauty everywhere in Tennessee, but oh how we’d recommend an afternoon spent in Knoxville’s Market Square!
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