There is something special about seeing the North Georgia Mountains from horseback. Instead of watching the scenery pass through a car window or concentrating on the trail beneath your hiking boots, horseback riding lets you slow down and take in the forests, creeks, valleys, and mountain views from an entirely different perspective.
For families, couples, and groups staying in Blue Ridge or Ellijay, Georgia, horseback riding is one of the most memorable outdoor activities in the North Georgia Mountains. Even better, you don’t have to be an experienced rider. Several area stables specialize in first-time riders and families, while more adventurous trail rides are available for experienced equestrians.
Whether you’re visiting for a summer family vacation, a romantic weekend, fall leaf season, or a quiet winter getaway, here are some of the best places to go horseback riding near Blue Ridge and Ellijay.
Horseback Riding Near Ellijay, GA
Guests searching for horseback riding in Ellijay may be surprised to discover that many of the area’s visitor-oriented trail rides are located just north of town toward Cherry Log and Blue Ridge. That actually works well for vacationers. Cherry Log sits between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, making it an easy activity to combine with a day exploring either mountain town.
Cowgirl Up Stables – Cherry Log, GA
327 Cashes Valley Road, Cherry Log, GA 30522
706-258-2276
For many visitors staying in Ellijay, Cowgirl Up Stables is one of the most convenient choices for a traditional guided horseback trail ride.
Located in beautiful Cashes Valley, Cowgirl Up is especially welcoming to beginners. Riders can choose from several different experiences, including novice and intermediate rides as well as specialty rides. Trails wind through rolling pastureland, wooded areas, and creek crossings, giving riders a wonderful taste of the North Georgia countryside.
Their shorter novice rides are a particularly good option for families or anyone climbing into a saddle for the first time. More adventurous riders can choose longer experiences with additional terrain. Trail riders must currently be at least six years old, and reservations are recommended. Rider requirements can vary by experience, so check directly with the stable before your visit.
Cabins nearby: Cowgirl Up Stables is just minutes from Sweet Serenity Creek, Laughing Waters, and A River Runs Through It. It is also very convenient for guests staying in Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals properties in the Lake Buckhorn area.
What riders say: “You could tell right away that the horses were happy and healthy and that this was a stable that cared about the animals and the riders. My granddaughter, who is 12, had only been on a horse once before, and she absolutely loved it!”
Horseback Riding Lessons in Ellijay
Visitors looking for riding instruction rather than a vacation trail ride can also find equestrian opportunities directly in Ellijay.
Willow Tree Farm & Riding School, located on Sunlight Road, offers English and Western riding instruction along with horsemanship and horse-care education. It is primarily a riding school rather than a tourist trail-riding attraction, so travelers should contact the farm in advance regarding availability.
Horseback Riding in Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge offers several excellent horseback riding options, from relaxed beginner rides to longer mountain adventures with creek and river crossings.
Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hell’s Hollow
319 Hell’s Hollow Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-408-7433
If your idea of horseback riding in North Georgia includes wooded mountain trails and water crossings, Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hell’s Hollow is worth putting high on your list.
The stable offers several guided experiences of different lengths. Beginners can start with an easy ride through peaceful woods and open areas, while longer adventures venture farther into the mountain landscape and can include creek and river crossings. There are also longer excursions and sunset rides for visitors who want to spend more time in the saddle.
The stable advises guests to make reservations in advance and to follow its current driving directions carefully. Mountain roads and occasional roadwork can affect GPS routing, so allow extra time when heading to the outpost.
Cabins nearby: Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hell’s Hollow is less than 10 minutes from Cozy Creek, Creekside Hideaway, and Wild Forest Lodge, making it especially convenient for guests staying in this part of the Blue Ridge area.
What riders say: “My husband and two children decided to try horseback riding for the first time while visiting Blue Ridge. We were all a bit nervous, but the staff here was so friendly and knowledgeable they made it easy for all of us. The kids loved that the horses walked through the creek, and the winding path through the woods to the top of the mountain was a lot of fun.”
Blanche Manor Horseback Riding – Copperhill, TN
160 Blanche Manor Lane, Copperhill, TN 37317
706-455–7433
Don’t let the Tennessee address fool you. Blanche Manor is located just across the Georgia state line and less than 15 minutes north of Blue Ridge, making it another popular choice for visitors vacationing in the Blue Ridge area.
The private trails travel through wooded mountain terrain, across streams and toward scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains. Blanche Manor offers rides for different experience levels along with private rides, seasonal evening experiences and pony rides for younger children.
Their standard trail ride is available for riders ages six and older, while more challenging rides have additional age and experience requirements. Another advantage is that horseback riding is offered throughout the year, making this an activity that doesn’t have to disappear when summer vacation ends.
Cabins nearby: Blanche Manor is also close to Wild Forest Lodge, Cozy Creek, and Creekside Hideaway. If you are staying in one of these cabins, both Blanche Manor and Hell’s Hollow are easy horseback-riding options to consider during your North Georgia getaway.
Appalachian Trail Rides at S&T Stables – Mineral Bluff, GA
4100 Cutcane Road, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559
706-374-0362
Located just outside Blue Ridge in Mineral Bluff, Appalachian Trail Rides at S&T Stables offers guided horseback riding through privately owned North Georgia mountain property. The scenery is part of the experience. Depending on the ride, guests may travel through wooded trails, cross creeks, climb to higher elevations, and watch for wildlife along the way.
One-hour trail rides are available for riders ages six and older, while the stable recommends its more challenging two-hour ride for ages ten and older. Private rides and specialty experiences are also available, and younger children may enjoy a pony ride. Reservations are required, and age and weight restrictions vary by ride.
Cabins nearby: Appalachian Trail Rides at S&T Stables is close to Mountain Memories, Meadow Creek, and Bear River Cabin, giving guests in the Mineral Bluff and Blue Ridge area an easy way to add horseback riding to their vacation plans.
Horseback Riding for Experienced Riders
Not every North Georgia horseback ride has to be a quiet beginner trail. North Georgia Equestrian Tours at Cohutta Stables offers a considerably more adventurous experience designed for experienced riders. Their rides venture into rugged mountain country where riders may cross rivers and creeks and encounter natural obstacles along the trail. This is a better choice for experienced equestrians looking for a true backcountry riding experience rather than a first-time family trail ride. Reservations are required.
One couple shared: “It can be difficult to find a horseback riding outfitter that caters to more experienced riders. We loved the three-plus-hour ride to the top of the mountain and appreciated having the freedom to ride at a pace that matched our comfort and experience level. Highly recommend it!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horseback Riding in Blue Ridge Good for Beginners?
Yes. Some of the most popular horseback riding stables near Blue Ridge and Ellijay specifically cater to beginners and first-time riders.
Cowgirl Up Stables offers novice rides, while Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides has an easy introductory trail. Appalachian Trail Rides and Blanche Manor also offer experiences appropriate for newer riders.
When making your reservation, let the stable know if anyone in your group has never ridden before. Guides can help match riders with an appropriate horse and trail experience.
Can Children Go Horseback Riding in North Georgia?
Yes, although minimum ages vary by stable and by trail.
Several area stables allow children around age six and older to participate in guided trail rides. Some also offer pony or hand-led experiences for younger children who aren’t old enough for a full trail ride.
Always check the current age, height, and weight requirements when reserving because policies vary among stables and sometimes between individual rides.
What Should You Wear for Horseback Riding?
Dress for comfort and for the mountain weather.
Closed-toe shoes that stay securely on your feet are a good choice, and long pants are usually much more comfortable in the saddle than shorts. During spring and fall, dressing in layers makes it easy to adjust as temperatures change.
If rain is in the forecast, contact the stable before leaving your cabin. Conditions can be very different in the mountains only a few miles apart, and trail rides may be adjusted or canceled because of weather.
What Is the Best Time of Year for Horseback Riding in North Georgia?
Every season offers a different experience.
Spring brings new leaves, wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures. Summer fills the mountains with deep green foliage, and an early trail ride can be a wonderful way to start the day. Fall is especially beautiful when the Blue Ridge Mountains turn shades of red, orange, and gold. Winter opens views through the trees that are hidden during the leafier months.
Several area stables operate year-round or for much of the year, although weather conditions can always affect individual rides.
Do You Need Reservations for Horseback Riding in Blue Ridge?
Reservations are strongly recommended and are required by some stables.
Weekends, holidays, and the busy fall season can fill quickly, so don’t wait until the morning you want to ride. If horseback riding is one of the activities everyone in your family is looking forward to, make the reservation when you’re planning the rest of your North Georgia vacation.
Make Horseback Riding Part of Your North Georgia Cabin Vacation
A morning or afternoon on horseback fits perfectly into a Blue Ridge or Ellijay getaway. Spend a few hours riding through the mountains, then return to your cabin to soak in the hot tub, relax by the fire pit, or watch the sunset from the deck. The next day you can explore downtown Blue Ridge or Ellijay, visit one of North Georgia’s wineries or apple orchards, hike to a waterfall, go tubing or simply enjoy doing absolutely nothing.
Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals offers Blue Ridge and Ellijay cabin rentals throughout the North Georgia Mountains, putting you close to horseback riding and many of the area’s favorite outdoor activities. Choose your North Georgia cabin, reserve your trail ride and get ready to experience the mountains from an entirely new point of view.
