2 Places

Carriage Rides

Take a horse-drawn carriage through the pastoral scenery of Cades Cove or along the Gatlinburg strip. Guided rides offer a calm, unhurried way to experience the landscape.

National Park

Cades Cove Carriage Rides

Guided horse-drawn carriage rides

★★★★★ 4.7 (654 reviews)

placeCades Cove Loop Rd, Great Smoky Mountains NP

scheduleDuring Cove Hours

phone(865) 448-9009

View Details →

Pigeon Forge

Heritage Carriage Rides

Charming horse-drawn carriage rides

★★★★★ 4.8 (654 reviews)

place2530 TN-71, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

scheduleEvening Hours

phone(865) 286-9012

languageVisit Website View Details →

Plan Your Visit

What to Know

Best Seasons

Cades Cove carriage rides are most popular spring through fall. Winter operates when conditions allow. Evening carriage rides on the strip are festive during Christmas season.

What to Bring

Dress in layers; carriages are open air and mountain evenings cool down quickly even in summer. Comfortable shoes. Camera for wildlife sightings at Cades Cove.

Who Is This For

Finding the Right Carriage Rides for Your Group

For Couples

An evening carriage ride through Gatlinburg or Cades Cove is one of the most romantic activities in the Smokies. Book a private carriage for two for a special experience.

For Families

Cades Cove carriage tours are excellent for families; kids love the horses and the open-air ride while adults enjoy the historical commentary and wildlife sightings.

For Seniors and Those with Limited Mobility

Carriage rides are a great way to experience Cades Cove without a lot of walking. The seating is comfortable and the pace is relaxed.

Insider Knowledge

Tips and Getting There

Insider Tips

The Cades Cove carriage ride is the most peaceful way to see the cove, especially in early morning when fog sits in the meadow.
Evening carriage rides in Gatlinburg are particularly romantic in fall with the leaf colors and at Christmas with the Winterfest lights.
Ask the driver about wildlife they have seen recently; Cades Cove drivers know exactly where to look for deer, foxes, and black bears.

Getting There and Parking

Cades Cove is about 25 miles from Gatlinburg; plan 45 minutes. Arrive early as the cove can get congested by mid-morning. Heritage Carriage Rides is on the Pigeon Forge strip with easy parking nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are carriage rides wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies by provider. Contact the specific venue directly; Cades Cove Carriage Rides and Heritage Carriage Rides can often accommodate mobility needs with advance notice.

How long are the rides?

Cades Cove tours are typically 30-45 minutes. Gatlinburg strip rides vary from 15-minute neighborhood tours to 30-minute extended routes.

Are the rides guided?

Yes. Both Cades Cove and Heritage offer narrated rides with historical information about the area.

Is it cold on the carriage?

Carriages are open air. Evenings in the mountains can be cool even in summer. Bring a light jacket in spring and fall and a warm coat in winter.

Do I need to book ahead?

Walk-ups are sometimes available but booking ahead is recommended, especially for groups and during fall foliage season.

Can we see wildlife from the carriage?

Cades Cove is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the national park. Deer and wild turkeys are common sightings. Black bears and foxes also appear regularly.

Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide

Carriage Rides

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through historic Cades Cove or along the Gatlinburg strip. A relaxed and scenic way to experience the Smoky Mountains.

Scan for live
hours & details

2 places2 areasvantagestays.com/explore/carriage-rides.html