Western North Carolina is home to waterfalls galore - many of which are accessible via trails on public lands, including within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is undoubtedly one of the most incredible national parks in the country, and we're lucky enough to call it ours. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by taking a guided waterfall horseback riding tour in North Carolina. Sounds perfect, doesn't it? Let's go chase some waterfalls in North Carolina on horseback, shall we?
Smokemont Riding Stable in Cherokee offers two different horseback waterfall tours and they are certainly as magical as they sound.
You won't need to be an experienced equestrian to take part in this awesome tour, either. Just make a reservation in advance, then show up ready to ride. They'll take care of everything you need to know.
Before the tour starts, your friendly and experienced tour guide will go over a few of the essentials of horseback riding with you.
You'll learn a few of the basics about mounting, and maintaining control of your new best (four-legged) friend, and then...
You'll get paired with a skilled and competent friendly trail horse for the excursion.
The two waterfall horseback riding tours vary in length, with one of them lasting 2.5 hours and the other lasting four hours. The one you choose will determine which waterfalls you'll see. Be sure to bring along a good water bottle so you won't get dehydrated, especially on warmer or more humid days!
There are a number of beautiful falls along the trail, including falls that cascade down the hillside, and more horizontal cascades within mountain creeks.
But waterfalls won't be the ONLY water feature you'll get acquainted with on this scenic horse riding tour in North Carolina.
You may need to duck to clear the tunnel on the trail...
But don't worry, it's not a long tunnel and most people don't come anywhere near reaching the top.
You may be pleasantly surprised to see how relaxed your horse companion is when it comes to traversing the many shallow streams and water crossings on this tour. These horses are pros!
And you soon will be too!
Will your waterfall tour include crossing over this bridge — on a horse?? Or will you opt to cross the creek in the water? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wondrous place to explore with incredible discoveries awaiting at every turn.
And this waterfall tour in North Carolina is a sure bet for discovering some of the best-kept hidden secrets via horseback!
Wow -- what a unique and enchanting North Carolina day trip! Are you ready to book a tour asap? So are we! Learn more on the official website of Smokemont Riding Stables, and be sure to follow the Smokemount Riding Stables Facebook page.
Wondering about more waterfall adventures in the Tar Heel State? Before you ask Siri "what are some waterfalls near me in North Carolina," check out this guide to 19 (yes -- 19! North Carolina is a waterfall lover's paradise!) of our very favorite falls in North Carolina! Now go chase some glorious North Carolina waterfalls.
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