Posted in North Carolina Nature May 31, 2019 by

The Horseback Waterfall Tour In North Carolina That’s Simply Unforgettable

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. And what better way to experience some waterfalls within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (on the NC side) than on a guided horseback waterfall tour? Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

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Smokemont Riding Stable in Cherokee offers two different horseback waterfall tours and they are as magical as they sound.
Chiang Cheng Ju/Google
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.
Before the tour starts, your friendly and experienced tour guide will go over a few of the essentials of horseback riding with you.
Samantha Barry/Google
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.
Kristin Wieland/Google
The two waterfall tours vary in length, with one of them lasting 2.5 hours and the other lasting 4 hours. The one you choose will determine which waterfalls you'll see.
There are a number of beautiful falls along the trail, including falls that cascade down the hillside, and more horizontal cascades within mountain creeks.
Smokemont Riding Stable
But waterfalls won't be the ONLY water feature you'll get acquainted with on the tour.
Jason Potts/Google
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.
Lisa Murphy/Google
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!
Smokemont Riding Stable in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park/Facebook
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!
Jenna McGonagle/Google

Are you ready to book a tour asap? So are we! Tours start at $87.50 per rider (for the 2.5-hour tour). The 4-hour tour is $140 per rider. The fees cover everything you’ll need for a relaxing and enjoyable ride in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see waterfalls by way of horseback. Everyone who is at least five years old can enjoy this adventurous day trip. Learn more on the official website of Smokemont Riding Stables, and follow their Facebook page here!

Heading to the Cherokee area in WNC and want more things to do in North Carolina? Check out this mile-high campground that’s the perfect base camp for your trip – and this Christmas-themed amusement park that’s open all summer long!

Address: 135 Smokemont Riding Stables Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA