I almost don't want to write this review because I don't want to give up this hidden gem. We come…read moreto the smoky mountains every year and always make a family horseback riding day. The place that we typically go to closed forcing us to look for a new one. Low and behold this hidden gem fell in our laps. The owner is really something special with her outgoing and friendly personality. She makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door. The building is small and doesn't look like much but the employees and horses really make up for it! Everyone that we dealt with was friendly and you could tell they loved the animals and their jobs. Our tour guides were great! We couldn't have asked for anything more. The horses were all very healthy and well behaved. The ride itself was beautiful. We passed through a few creeks and rode all through the smoky mountains. We had a group of 4, ages 15-43 and everyone enjoyed the ride. Just shy of an hour ride. We can't wait to come back next year!

My wife and I have been together for 24 years. In that time we've gone horseback riding 3 times,…read moretwo of which have been here in Pigeon Forge. Our most recent excursion @ Goldrush Stables and the other @ Big Rock Dude Ranch. Naturally, I can't help making comparisons between the two. Simply put, after this experience we've come to the conclusion we really don't like riding horses, even though we love them! It's just not for us, but we are so glad for all the opportunities. . [ THE RIDE ] We arrived 15 minutes early as requested by the stables to sign waivers and prep for the ride. Our trail guides were saddling several horses as we watched from outside the fence. Once ready, we were summoned to the mounting platform, which makes it much easier for beginners like us. Because COVID-19 has given me a little extra girth, I was given one of the larger horses named Blondie, while my wife rode Fanny. It was Blondie's first ride in weeks (they tend to rest their horses for long periods), so she proved to be rather eager on the trail. Fanny, as my wife soon discovered, doesn't like to get her feet wet. Once all the riders were mounted & instructed, we walked across a wooden bridge to a field and began our ride. Normally the ride would begin by walking the horses through the creek, but rain from the night before had water levels up, so we bypassed it via the bridge. We also bypassed another creek walk further down the trail, which was disappointing since it was one of the main reasons we chose this stable over Big Rock. It was one of the best selling points. We then arrived at a smaller, more narrow creek crossing that both Blondie and Fanny decided to jump, startling both me & my wife. Immediately after the creek the terrain goes uphill, which my horse decided to run. She headed straight into some low-lying branches, almost knocking me off. Her eagerness caused her to not listen very well when pulling back on her reigns and my inexperience handling her didn't help. My wife's horse ran her knee into a tree just after jumping the small creek, so clearly we were having a few issues! LOL Our guides yelled out after my wife's accident "steer your horses", but even after 3-minutes of instruction it's hard to do that properly when the horse seems to have other plans. At this point the trail follows a path into the woods and up and down a fairly good-sized hill. On a dry day I think this would have been a very pleasant ride, but because the trail was muddy, my particular horse kept sliding... BADLY, like something you'd see in a cartoon! It was very nerve racking and made it difficult to relax and enjoy the experience. In truth, I felt sorry for my horse. She was seriously soaked in sweat by mid ride and seemed to walk under every low branch along the way! I believe she was intentionally trying to get me off her back, fo'realz... hahaha! Poor thing. My wife remained frazzled most of the ride as she wrestled with her own fears of not feeling in control. At midpoint the trail loops back into itself and we follow the same path back to the beginning. . [ THE VERDICT ] We learned something about ourselves that I suppose we've always known. Some of the experiences we've had were greatly enhanced because of the joy we felt showing our children how to live life. We did so many things in the name of giving them great memories and now we must reprogram to pursue our own like as a couple, not just as parents. We thought we would enjoy the more open fields & smaller slopes @ Goldrush versus the mountainous trail @ Big Rock, and probably would have if not for the muddy conditions. That being said, the ride time was far shorter and there is little else to do here. Overall we felt like Big Rock was the better value. So why 4 stars you ask? Well, for one I believe most of our dislikes for this ride were either OPERATOR ERROR or just conditions that couldn't be helped. It's just the luck of the draw when dealing with nature. Secondly, I think despite the shortness of the trail, it is perfect for beginners and families with children old enough to ride on their own. [ NOTE TO OWNERS ] I would like to suggest regularly trimming low lying branches along the trail, adding colorful signage reminding riders to watch their knees in at least TWO critical areas and/or add a guide rail to deter the horses from walking so close. Most of us city folk just don't know how to handle a horse!!! Also, since the trail is short and most people these days love photo opportunities, why not build a second mounting/dismounting platform at the top of the hill where riders can have a chance to pause & take pics on or beside their horses. I personally think this would go a long way in improving the experience. TIP WHEN PLANNING A VISIT: Currently they do not allow doubles, so smaller children or kids fearful of riding alone cannot ride (unlike Big Rock which allows small children to ride with parents). ENJOY 2020 / 71

1000% worth it, book the reservation and enjoy the beauty of nature with great people…read more We were running late, Davy Crocketts were amazing. We had 4 first time riders, Davy Crocketts were great! Our girls started out nervous but by the end of the ride their confidence was sky high, you could see it on their faces! The best way to celebrate or just be out in nature. We spent an hour walking through before woods and pastures with wildlife to see! The guides/owners of Davy Crocketts are truly incredible people that have both yours and the horses best interests in mind! Now quit reading this and go book your trail ride!

Exactly what I was seeking. As a horseback rider from Florida we were wanting to see the mountains…read morefrom a horse. Our guide Siera was great. It's hard to do this for a living and then go on vacation and pay to ride horses. This was the second time in my life I've ever paid to ride at another stables and I have no regrets. We chose the 1.5 hour ride. The first hour we were with two other families and the last 1/2 hour was just our family. Horses were great as well. We had Copper, Scooter and BoJack. I will definitely book again in the future.

What a wonderful experience. Everyone is so kind and helpful. We had a great guide and very relaxed…read morehorses to ride. We chose the 1 hour tour and enjoyed all the beauty around us. Will definitely do again

My husband and I was visiting Gatlinburg Tennessee for my birthday weekend. We booked a birthday…read morehorseback ride with Smokemont in Cherokee NC a month before for Oct 17 2026, my birthday. We own horses (4) We have been all over the world riding horses cross country on 5 day treks. We have NEVER had someone whip out a scale and ask us to weigh in!!!! My husband is 6 foot and looks like a quarterback. He is not fat!! The lady behind counter already had a resting bitch face when we walked up. It was chilly so my husband had on 3 layers including thick sweater, jeans breeches and boots and half chaps . He weighed in at 246. She informed us , no ride for us cause he was over the 240 pound never taking consideration on height, clothing which she could not see as she was sitting in a box behind a counter. We just stood there in disbelief for a minute not believing she was basically saying he was too fat to ride a horse. He is not fat. There was no sorry. No well we will make sure we give you a bigger horse. There was nothing!!!! A blank fuckin stare. We drove an hour and half from Tennessee to ride on my birthday and we get this treatment over 6 pounds that was clothes . I let her know what a miserable biatch she was and we left. Ruined most of my whole day as ride was booked for 1 p.m. She is a total biatch. Unprofessional pos Do not waste your time or money!!!!!!!!

Visiting from CA and we wanted to go horseback riding. This place was amazing. The views and…read moreterrain were absolutely beautiful. Candie was our guide and she was great. Definitely would recommend and will come back again. Thank you for a wonderful time

Tried to cancel three times by , & once my phone. Emails never returned and when I called it stated…read morethat the voicemail had not been set up. Really?? How long have they been in business, and not set their voicemail up. Just very unprofessional!!!

We always have to have a cone while driving around the cove. While it's most always very busy, the…read morestaff is kind and quick. Lots of souvenirs to choose from as well.

Extremely disappointed with the service and ended up not riding at this stables. We went to Davy…read moreCrockett in Townsend instead. First off upon arrival on Monday we were going to simply do a walk up and reserve a ride for the coming up Thursday. As we were walking up to the office, a silver haired lady that we crossed paths with in the parking lot asked us if we had a reservation. I stated 'no' and that we were coming to book one for this Thursday. She apparently did not listen to my response because she proceeded to tell us to go inside and sign the release forms on the kiosk and pointed at my son and said he could not sign himself and must wear a helmet. I did not say anything in return as I could see she was heading out to a wagon ride to help them and was clearly not paying attention so we proceeded inside where another family was signing in. Same woman comes in the office and said "Who's next?" The family at the kiosk signing releases were there first but didn't speak up so I said they are here to ride we can wait. She responded very rudely with basically the same thing back to me. She then told the teenage girl from that family to go over and pick out a helmet from the wall. The young lady walked over to the wall but looked very nervous and then looked back for further assistance. A few moments later the snarky-rude woman said to the girl she must pick out a helmet before going on the ride. The young lady looked about ready to cry. Her family was still checking in and paying so they didn't notice her getting upset. I stepped over and offered to help her find a helmet and explained how they are sized and the fit she needed. Once we found her a helmet she thanked me and looked so relieved. At that point I realized the lack of customer support we were dealing with from staff. Let me stop here to add that I do this for a living; 35 years of horse riding, 26 years as a trial guide and 20 years as a cattle rancher. My husband was silently standing by witnessing/judging . Fast forward to making a reservation (again she didn't listen and was trying to book for the wrong day) and then we stepped outside. We witnessed a young petite girl about to take a ride out that vaguely gave a set of instructions. It's like she was a robot talking to air instead of a guide talking to customers. Upon witnessing a few more unsafe and concern-able things I decided to go back in the office and ask a few more questions. The snarky-rude woman also seemed to be on auto pilot with answers. Never once made eye contact with me and quite frankly I'm sure never even listened to my actual questions. She too responded Luka an AI robot with things like we only walk on our trails, we only offer a one hour and we don't do private rides. Lady you were so far off base! We know how the industry works and how insurance regulates you. We were NOT asking for exceptions. My final straw was her pointing at my son and telling him he couldn't wear his knife on the trial ride. Really? You won't look at me and talk but you can point that out. He is a teenager that has a leather belt with a leather sheath and a knife secured inside that he wears EVERYDAY. Again we are cattle ranchers. He is homeschooled and he totally knows when it's not acceptable to have the knife. I was done then... Absolutely not. I did not say anything and we walked out. I will not be returning and will not be recommending this location EVER.

We arrived after 3pm; beautiful drive from pigeon forge. All staff were so kind and knowledgeable…read more The chairlift ride was so fun, more exciting than I imagined and I felt safe. The ride up and down was comfortable and views are stunning! Peaceful with gorgeous Mountain views as you glide up a lush path through the trees Once at the top the views are panoramic we were given cold water bottles and moon pies! We played bean bag toss then sat on a swing that seemed on top of the world! I've been on other chair lifts in the area and like this one best Do yourself a favor and spend a couple hours experiencing this gem!

Stumbled across this experience when we visited the Harper Bros. General Store (which is also a…read moregreat shop with tons of home decor, gifts, and even fresh coffee). The skylift was $20 per person for an all-day pass. This meant we could go whenever we wanted before they closed, so we didn't have to rush or worry about a specific time. The staff was friendly yet professional, but they will talk and hangout with you as long as they aren't busy. It created a relaxed and comfortable environment. The ride was smooth and incredibly peaceful, with amazing views. Once you reach the top, there is a large place to hangout, play games, or just sit in one of the many chairs or swings and take in the view. You can spend as much or as little time as you want at the top, which was so nice! Also, the restrooms are clean and they offered us cold waters and a Moon Pie. Really just an awesome experience for a lazy afternoon!

We wanted to take the kids horseback riding for the first time while on vacation in Gatlinburg…read more Great friendly, knowledgeable staff. The tour guide was very helpful especially with our 8yo son, a first time rider. The ride takes you back into the forest on a trail that crosses over a creek. He loved it. Prices are very reasonable!

We rode the 45 minute trail ride with a group of young (7yrs) kids. One child was autistic, and the…read moretrail boss (Wayne) went the extra mile to make his experience amazing. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants a different experience. It's close to town, takes 60 mins total, is fairly priced, is scenic and the horses are gentle. One of the best run horse trail rides we've been on. I would recommend to anyone.

My daughter's and I had a great time.. the horses are very gentle. The fresh air and no phones in…read moreour faces was the best part. I grew up with horses and to enjoy a little bit of quiet time with my girls was the best.

Tiffany and her team do an amazing job. I learned during my visit that she has taken in resuce…read moreanimals, some in very poor health, and through many months of care nursed these gentle beasts back to their rightful majesty. Go check them out and show them love.

What a sweet experience. Amazing views of the Fontana Gorge and even caught a Train go by…read more Family owned stable, grandpa, daughter, and grandson (Cole) who was great at picking the perfect horse for each rider. The horse are beautiful, healthy and young, each with their own character. Great value, warm staff, spectacular views, sweet horses, made it a wonderful time, and must to experience.

Sorprendí a mi esposo para su cumpleaños y Fue una experiencia genial dos horas a caballo con una…read morevista al río nos encantó nos tomaron fotos y video de esta experiencia amamos 10/10

A few bumps when we first got there, but they immediately attended and fixed everything. The…read morepersonal service was great meals were fantastic and Cara de Somalia is a wonderful addition to their staff. We enjoyed horseback riding a wine tour ut ride.

Loved our stay here. Recently underwent renovations and joined the luxury chain Relais and Chateau…read more We stayed in the Haywood cabin which was perfect for our group of 5. Two king bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, porches, living area with pull out couch, and fireplace. Modern decor and comfy touches throughout like the heated floors in the bathroom. We also had an amazing view of the mountains. We had the pleasure of trying all the menus at Switchback Restaurant - breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Food was local and tasty. Vibe was lodge chic. Took advantage of the hiking trails as well. Did the Salamander Falls and Meadow trails. Great scenery and went right past the pasture with horses, which were so sweet. Most importantly, the staff were all incredible. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating. They made it so easy to communicate requests both before and during our stay. Thanks for a great time!