Growing up as a lower middle class kid in Georgia, horseback riding wasn’t really something me and my friends in Atlanta ever did.
But from the very first time we visited Blue Ridge GA, horseback riding has been one of our favorite things to do in North Georgia.
Though it’s been nearly 20 years, I can still remember the first time we went horseback riding in Blue Ridge, and the spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains we got along the way.
While the cost of horseback riding can be prohibitive for some people, it’s also a great way to explore the natural beauty around small towns like Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Clayton GA.
Read on for our guide to the best places for horseback riding in Blue Ridge GA, as well as some great suggestions for horseback riding near Blue Ridge.
READ MORE: 15 Great Places to Go Horseback Riding in Georgia
Blue Ridge, Georgia Horseback Riding Guide
(Arranged Alphabetically)
- Appalachian Trail Rides
- Blanche Manor at Blissful Owl Ranch
- Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides
- Brasstown Valley Resort (Young Harris/Hiawassee)
- Cohutta Stables
- Cowgirl Up Stables
- Daffodil Hill Farms
- Forrest Hills Resort (Dahlonega)
- Picture Perfect Adventures (Ellijay)
- Trackrock Stables (Blairsville)
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1. Appalachian Trail Rides
4100 Cutcane Road, Mineral Bluff GA • (706) 374-0362 • Official Website
Located 9 miles from Downtown Blue Ridge and 8 miles from Lake Blue Ridge, the family-owned S & T Stables offers guided horseback rides with amazing views.
This Blue Ridge GA horseback riding stable has opportunities for beginners and more advanced riders on their 260-acre farm, where visitors can see mountains, a cool creek, and lots of wildlife.
Visitors can choose a 1-hour or two-hour trail ride, and there are 3 specialty ride options, including dinner rides, pony rides, and romantic proposal rides.
The weight limit at S&T Stables ranges from a minimum of 50 pounds for children under 5 years old to 240 pounds for adults.
There’s an age restriction of 6 years old and up for the 1-hour trail ride, and the cost is $40. The 2-hour trail ride is $75, and all riders must be at least 8 years old. They also offer private and guided group rides.
Note that all rides are by reservation only, so be sure to call ahead to guarantee your spot!
READ MORE: The 25 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA
2. Blanche Manor at Blissful Owl Ranch
160 Blanche Manor Lane, Copperhill TN • (706) 455-7433 • Official Website
Offering year-round horseback riding for both new and experienced riders, Blanche Manor Horseback Riding takes visitors on trails through the Blue Ridge Mountains 0f Georgia.
Each tour is conducted on private wooded trails that offer amazing views of North Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Blissful Owl Ranch offers numerous trail ride options, including private rides, 2-hour rides, a sunset ride, $15 pony rides for kids ages 5 and under, and more!
Prices range from $42 to $190, with an average weight limit of 220-240 pounds. Some rides can accommodate heavier riders based on availability, but it is recommended to inquire by phone beforehand.
On top of amazing rides and views, Blissful Owl Ranch also offers cabin rentals for those who want to enjoy a weekend getaway near Blue Ridge GA.
The Bunkhouse can accommodate up to four guests for just $95 a night, while The Cottage can house up to 12 guests and costs $165 per night.
READ MORE: The 40 Best North Georgia Cabins to Rent
3. Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides
319 Hell’s Hollow Road, Blue Ridge GA • (706) 408-7433 • Official Website
If you’re looking to enjoy some Blue Ridge horseback riding, Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hells Hollow Adventure Outpost is a great option that offers 25+ years of experience.
We’ve taken horseback riding tours with them twice over the past 20 years, and have always enjoyed ourselves immensely!
Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides offers three different scenic mountain trail rides to choose from, with prices ranging from $39 to $79. Each of these is open to first-timers and experienced riders alike.
There is also a sunset horseback ride option starting at $110.
Note that all riders must be at least 8 years old, and children are not allowed to ride with adults. There’s a weight limit of 230 pounds, but mules may be available for heavier riders.
Hell’s Hollow Adventure Outpost also has a quaint B&B nearby, the Overlook Inn, offering visitors a quiet escape and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
READ MORE: The 13 Best Restaurants in Blue Ridge GA
4. Brasstown Valley Resort
6321 Highway 76, Young Harris GA • (706) 379-9900 • Official Website
The Stables at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris GA have offered horseback riding on 5 different trails since 2006.
It’s the only full-service resort and conference hotel in the North Georgia Mountains to offer trail-riding, so going horseback riding at Brasstown Valley Resort is an experience you won’t forget.
The 1,200-square-foot stable is open to resort guests and visitors alike, but there is a 245-pound weight limit for safety purposes.
You can choose between 1-hour and 2-hour rides, regardless of your experience level. There are also hand-led horseback rides in the riding ring available to kids ages 6 and under.
An hour of riding costs $57 per person, while a two-hour ride is $90 and private rides are available for $100. Fun activities such as axe throwing and archery are also available to enjoy at the stable.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
5. Cohutta Stables
Blue Ridge GA • (706) 851-5198 • Official Website
North Georgia Equestrian Tours at Cohutta Stables in Blue Ridge GA is another amazing, licensed outfitter for North Georgia horseback riding.
This family-owned stable offers private trail rides by appointment on 13 miles of terrain that’s part of the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area.
Note that Cohutta Stables offers private tours for experienced riders who weigh up to 240 lbs. It is recommended that you should be able to mount and control the horse on your own.
For a smooth ride, Cohutta stables features gaited horses, (i.e., Tennessee walkers, Missouri fox trotters, spotted saddle horses, racking horses).
The prices for a 3- to 4-hour trail ride start at $175 per rider, and the stables are open every day.
Cohutta Sables can also help you train and board your own horse (for a short term), as well as outfitting guests for trail riding in the Chattahoochee National Forest. A rental cabin will available soon.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Blue Ridge, Georgia Cabins to Rent
6. Cowgirl Up Stables
327 Cashes Valley Road, Cherry Log GA • (706) 258-2276 • Official Website
If you’re seeking a great Blue Ridge Mountains horseback riding experience, check out Cowgirl Up Stables.
Located 8.5 miles from Downtown Blue Ridge and offering great views of birds and other wildlife, this stable can accommodate riders of any experience level.
Cowgirl Up offers several different trail riding options, including picnic rides, sunset rides, and valley river rides.
The cost of horseback riding varies from $30 for a novice ride to $160 for a 4-hour ride.
Note that no one under 6 years old or over 240 pounds is permitted to ride on the trails, and all riders under 16 years old must wear helmets on the trail.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge GA
7. Daffodil Hill Farms
53 Fox Run, Blue Ridge GA • (706) 851-4430 • Official Website
Located 5 miles from Downtown Blue Ridge and 7 miles from the Expedition Bigfoot Museum, Daffodil Hill Farms offers an experience the whole family can enjoy.
They offer a package that includes a 1-hour private horse-drawn carriage ride and a 90-minute farm tour where you can interact with the animals. It costs $300 for 4 people, with additional guests $80 a person.
There’s a charming carriage house on the property that’s perfect for a romantic getaway in the North Georgia Mountains, with 5-star amenities and breakfast provided.
Note that a 2-night minimum stay is required, and prices range from $185 to $395 per night. Beginner pony rides for children are always included with your reservation.
This farm is available to book for small weddings and parties for those with 30 people (or less) in attendance. There is even a mountainside chapel right on the property!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Treehouse Rentals in the Georgia Mountains
8. Forrest Hills Resort
135 Forrest Hills Road, Dahlonega GA • (800) 654-6313 • Official Website
Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Conference Center offer guests numerous different activities to enjoy, and it’s one of the most popular places for horseback riding in Dahlonega GA.
Offering guided rides for different experience levels, the mountain resort’s Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides is open to guests and the general public alike.
Their hour-long ride for beginners ages 8 and above costs $50, while their 2-hour ride for more experienced riders is $100.
For those who have experience and really love horseback riding, there’s also a 4-hour ride with lunch included for $200.
This Dahlonega GA riding stable also offers half-hour romantic carriage rides starting at $60 and seating up to five riders at a time for $60.
The resort has numerous other amenities as well, including a spa, restaurant, a general store with gem mining, a hot tub, and an outdoor pool for guests to use.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega GA & Lumpkin County
9. Picture Perfect Adventures
1632 Old Northcutt Road, Ellijay GA • (888) 307-0722 • Official Website
Sitting on 80 acres just 12 miles west of Blue Ridge, Picture Perfect Adventures is a great place to experience horseback riding in Ellijay GA.
Riders ages 3 to 10 can enjoy a 30-minute rope-led ride, where parents can walk alongside to ensure maximum comfort for their kids. Helmets are required, and this experience costs $65 per rider.
Beginners and intermediate riders over age 10 can participate in a 30-minute tour of the beautiful equestrian estate. There’s a weight limit of 250 pounds, and helmets are required.
The Ellijay stable offers private riding lessons with one of their professional instructors for $55.
If you plan on having a group larger than four people, be sure to contact the stables beforehand to make sure they can accommodate your entire party.
Picture Perfect Adventures also offer guided ATV tours of the property, with prices starting at $50.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County
10. Trackrock Stables
202 Trackrock Camp Rd, Blairsville GA, 30512 • (706) 745-5252 • Official Website
Part of the Trackrock Campground & Cabins area, Trackrock Stables is located in Blairsville GA and bordered by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
With 250 picturesque acres of woodland and wildflower meadows, the property has earned a designation as an Appalachian Botanical Sanctuary.
Trackrock Stables offers a unique 90-minute “Learn and Ride” horseback riding adventure every Monday through Saturday at 10AM and 1:30PM.
Guests may see a variety of wildlife (including birds, deer, and wild turkeys) and lush, colorful foliage.
The minimum age for these tours is 8, and they have a maximum weight limit of 220 pounds. Their horseback riding tours cost $80 per person, plus tax.
Advance reservations are recommended, but they’re not required. –by Samantha Dickens & Bret Love; lead image via Canva
