| The creak of a saddle, the soft sound of hoofs | | | | With more than 10,000 species of flora and fauna |
| on the trail, the tangy scent of a campfire after a | | | | identified in the park, you'll have plenty of |
| long day's ride. All this awaits you when you book | | | | opportunities for a photo, so don't forget to bring |
| a horseback tour of the Great Smoky Mountains. | | | | your camera. |
| Covering more than 800 square miles of | | | | Weekend Camping Excursions |
| wilderness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park | | | | The truly adventurous will thrill at the chance to |
| is the perfect vacation spot for nature lovers. | | | | spend the night in the wild, listening for the hoot |
| The size of the park and the amazing diversity of | | | | of an owl and sleeping under the stars just like |
| plants and animals that call the mountains home | | | | the early settlers. Your guide will introduce you to |
| ensure that each visit is a new adventure. | | | | the history of the mountains while you follow |
| Choosing to see the park on horseback is just | | | | along on trails few others visit. Prepare dinner |
| one more way to make your vacation a | | | | over the campfire before drifting off to sleep |
| memorable one. | | | | amid the night sounds of the forest. Morning |
| Horseback Riding by the Hour | | | | brings breakfast, and then it's time to saddle-up |
| If your time is limited, or if you're new to | | | | for the ride down the mountain. Enjoy the crisp |
| horseback riding, you might want to start with | | | | early-morning air and the clean scent of the |
| hourly rentals. Many area stables offer guided | | | | mountains - it's a treat you'll never forget. |
| tours of one or two hours. You'll see the | | | | Enjoy your mountain vacation even more by |
| mountains much the way your ancestors did: | | | | spending nights in a private cabin nestled among |
| from atop a horse, and with no pavement or cell | | | | the trees. Cabins and chalets sleep several people |
| towers in sight. The park has designated more | | | | comfortably, and unlike tents, they feature the |
| than 500 miles of trails as suitable for horseback | | | | modern niceties to which we've grown |
| riding, so quiet reflection and peaceful solitude | | | | accustomed (like indoor plumbing!). You'll enjoy |
| among the trees is readily available, even on a | | | | your surroundings, while still taking advantage of |
| short outing. | | | | life's little conveniences. |
| Day Trips on Horseback | | | | Horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains |
| Want more? Take a day trip and delve deeper | | | | are available from April through November. You |
| into the old-growth forests that cover the Smoky | | | | can chose to watch spring unfold, camp out in the |
| Mountains like a thick green blanket. Follow winding | | | | warmth of August, or take in the stunning beauty |
| creeks and trails through the valleys and | | | | of an autumn day, all from the saddle. Whatever |
| meadows of this mountain paradise. Enjoy a picnic | | | | your preference, you'll find a tour and a season |
| lunch served trail-side while watching the wildlife. | | | | perfectly suited for you. |