Cades Cove Riding Stables is near the campground entrance road, before the one-way Loop Road begins. It offers guided horseback rides, hayrides and carriage rides. The National Park Service identifies it as the cove’s authorized riding stable.
Choose the experience that fits
- Horseback ride: A guided ride on park trails. The park says concession rides range from about 45 minutes to several hours; ask the operator which route, duration and age or weight limits apply to the ride you book.
- Hayride: The park describes a roughly 1.5 to 2-hour open-air ride around the Loop Road. Reservations are generally required.
- Carriage ride: A shorter horse-drawn outing on a park trail. Confirm the current route, group capacity and accessibility details with the stable.
Check the season and price directly
The National Park Service lists guided rides at park concession stables from mid-March through late November, but daily weather and operating schedules can change. Prices, reservation rules and rider limits belong to the operator’s current listing. Do not rely on an old rate quoted in a travel article.
Find the stable near the campground access road and allow time to park and check in. If you plan to drive the Loop Road afterward, remember that it is one way and can take at least two to four hours even without a long stop. A parking tag may be required if your vehicle is parked in the park for more than 15 minutes.
Use the Cades Cove maps to orient the day and the Loop Road guide to choose stops after your ride.