happyly approved

Big Rock Dude Ranch

909 Little Cove Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

9-5

$$

outdoor-adventures, horseback-rides

Horseback Riding in the Smokies

If you are in the Smokies and wanting to trail ride horses as beginners, Big Rock Dude Ranch is a great way to spend an afternoon.  My family spent a lovely autumnl November day doing the 3-mile, ~1 hour long trail ride that went up a ridge about 30 minutes and then back down.  The guides and staff were friendly and kind, especially to the kids.  My five year old, who was terrified of horses previously, did fine on her on horse (!!!) and my 3.5 year old rode dual-saddle with me.  There were helmets for the girls to use and the operation was casual but felt safe (none of the horses seemed the slightest bit wild, etc).  We had a great time enjoying the ride and the view / foliage.

Depending on when you arrive, you could wait for the next batch of horses to be ready for ~30 minutes, so be prepared or ask in advance about timing.

Included in the ride was the option to feed several animals (llamas, mini-horses, peakcocks, ostrich, goats, etc) post-riding.  We did this.  I'm not an animal expert but they appeared happy and healthy so I felt good about joining in the feeding.

If you are staying at "Under Canvas", the dude ranch is very close and convenient

Guides are paid via tips.  No cameras on trail (if dropped, they can spook horses).

Features

Good for All Ages Horse Riding Nature
Thoughtfully captured by:
Emily O'Grady
Emily O'Grady lives with her daughters Eloise (5) and Charlie (3.5), husband Mick, and their two senior dogs Porter and Francie, in Nashville. They’ve called Music City home for 7 years this September. After Emily and Mick met in New Zealand over 15 years ago, they’ve hiked and backpacked extensively across the globe for months at a time. In their new roles as parents, they’ve hit pause on their most extreme adventures for now, but they are consciously raising their daughters to love and appreciate nature, getting outside and exploring as much as they can in the hills of Tennessee and beyond. During the weekdays, you can find Emily leading teams across Asurion’s Product Development team, bringing the company’s service strategy to life across carrier clients. Before joining Asurion, Emily was an Engagement Manager for McKinsey & Company for 4 years, as well as held Analyst roles with Telephia (Nielsen) and Bank of America Global Corporate and Investment Bank. Emily holds a BBA in Finance, French and European Studies from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management.
More activities by Emily
Burgess Falls State Park and Playground
An impressive waterfall a short drive east of Nashville.
Nashville Zoo
An urban zoo that feels out there.
Edley's BBQ (Sylvan Park)
A friendly, neighborhood barbecue spot.

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