Cades Cove Riding Stables: Horseback, Carriage and Hayrides in the Park

About

Cades Cove Riding Stables is the authorized concession stable in Cades Cove, the broad valley of 1800s homesteads, forest and open fields that is one of the park's best places to watch wildlife. It sits beside the Cades Cove campground near the start of the Loop Road. Along with guided horseback rides, it offers two gentler ways to see the cove: horse-drawn carriage rides and open-air hayrides.

Guided trail rides last about an hour, with up to nine riders per group, and cost $50 for ages 13 and up or $40 for ages 6 to 12. Carriage rides of 30 to 45 minutes hold up to six passengers, have no age or weight limits, and cost $27 for ages 13 and up or $15 for ages 2 to 12. Hayrides of about 1.5 to 3 hours circle the Cades Cove Loop at scheduled departure times, with stops to spot deer, wild turkeys and black bears.

Horseback riders must be at least 6 years old, 4 feet tall and under 300 pounds, riders under 18 need an adult along, and younger riders wear helmets, which are provided. Closed-toe shoes with a small heel and long pants are recommended. Some rides can be booked online; the rest are held for walk-ups, and the National Park Service advises reserving hayrides. The stable is inside the park, so plan your drive around Cades Cove traffic; the season runs from March into late fall.

Photo: Cades Cove Riding Stables

Did You Know

• Hayrides around the Cades Cove Loop Road last about 1.5 to 2 hours and carriage rides about 20 to 30 minutes (National Park Service).
• Carriage rides have no age or weight restrictions and seat up to six passengers (Cades Cove Riding Stables).
• Each day's ride times are split between online reservations and walk-in guests (Cades Cove Riding Stables).
• Trail riders must be at least 6 years old and able to control a full-size horse without assistance (Cades Cove Riding Stables).