Horse Camps in Great Smoky Mountains National Park ...Horse Camps at Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, and Towstring open April 1st and reservations are only available through NPRS. Horse site fees are $20 at all horse camps except for Big Creek where it is $25. Five drive-in horse camps provide ready access to back-country trails for equestrians in the national park. They are located at Cades Cove in Tennessee and at Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom and Towstring in North Carolina. Auto access horse camps are open. For reservations, call (865) 436-1231. Horse Rentals are available at five horse concession operations in the Park. Rates are $12-$15 per horse per hour at the following stables: McCarter's and Smoky Mountain are open. Cades Cove begins on March 17, Smokemont on April 1, and Deep Creek on May 1. At the Cades Cove horse concession, buggy rides ($8 per person) and hayrides ($6 per person) are offered. (Rates subject to change)
Horse Camps at Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Towstring, and Round Bottom opened March 17. Horse site fees are $30 at all horse camps except for Big Creek where it is $35. Rates are $12-$15 per horse per hour at the following stables: Sugarlands and Smoky Mountain open on March 11, Cades Cove on March 17, Deep Creek on May 1, and Smokemont on April 1. Buggy rides ($7 per person) and hayrides ($6 per person) are available at the Cades Cove horse concession. Bringing Your Horse to the Park About 550 miles of the park's hiking trails are open to horses. Horses are restricted to trails specifically designated for horse use. If you wish to ride your own horse in the park, please obtain a copy of the park's trail map. This map indicates the trails on which you may ride horses and explains the park's rules and regulations concerning horse riding in the backcountry. It also provides information about backcountry camping, and permit requirements. To obtain an official trail map, stop at any park visitor center or call (865) 436-0120. The cost of the map is $1. You may also download a trail map here. Caution is advised in the backcountry. The park's backcountry is managed as a natural area where the forces of nature determine trail conditions. Please be prepared for swollen streams, bridge washouts, downed trees, and trail erosion—riding is not recommended from early December until May due to the seasonal nature of the trail maintenance program. |
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