Sugarland Riding Stables
Sugarland Riding Stables, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Address, Phone Number, Sugarland Riding Stables Reviews: 4.5/5
Sugarland Riding Stables
Sugarland Riding Stables
4.5
Horseback Riding Tours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
959 reviews
Excellent
724
Very good
151
Average
44
Poor
18
Terrible
22
Cody K
Bellefontaine, OH27 contributions
This was some of our favorite horseback riding we have done. We went as a large group of 8 with two 13 year olds, an 8 year old and a 10 year old. We arrived around 10am and had to wait until 12:30 as this place does not accept reservations. My suggestion would be to get there right when they open at 9:00 to get your riding time. We killed time by going to the Sugarland visitor center that is right down the road and doing a short hike there.
The stable hands were friendly and helpful with everyone. We had one guide go with us and he made sure to put the 8 and 10 year old closets to him, he actually held a lead for the 8 year olds horse the entire ride. We went on the 1.5hr tour and really enjoyed ourselves. There were a couple water crossings, uphill climbs, and some steep downhill areas. Overall the ride was great and we got some really nice views of the mountains. The guide was not to worried about the horses spreading out and we were actually able to stop the horses on our own to get some pictures. Most other places we have been like the horses to be nose to butt and yell at you if you try to stop the horses. Not here and it made for a much more enjoyable ride.
The horses appeared to be well cared for and would respond when you wanted them to stop, gallop, or turn to avoid brush or tree limbs sticking out. Most of our group was first time riders and the rest of us were experienced riders. We all had a great time and really enjoyed the ride. It was a great way to see the mountains and get away from all the people and traffic of downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
A great place for all levels of riders and all ages!
The stable hands were friendly and helpful with everyone. We had one guide go with us and he made sure to put the 8 and 10 year old closets to him, he actually held a lead for the 8 year olds horse the entire ride. We went on the 1.5hr tour and really enjoyed ourselves. There were a couple water crossings, uphill climbs, and some steep downhill areas. Overall the ride was great and we got some really nice views of the mountains. The guide was not to worried about the horses spreading out and we were actually able to stop the horses on our own to get some pictures. Most other places we have been like the horses to be nose to butt and yell at you if you try to stop the horses. Not here and it made for a much more enjoyable ride.
The horses appeared to be well cared for and would respond when you wanted them to stop, gallop, or turn to avoid brush or tree limbs sticking out. Most of our group was first time riders and the rest of us were experienced riders. We all had a great time and really enjoyed the ride. It was a great way to see the mountains and get away from all the people and traffic of downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
A great place for all levels of riders and all ages!
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pinkukfan
Franklin, TN39 contributions
Family
Our family of four did the one hour ride and it was by far the best thing we did on our fall break trip. It’s really reasonably priced, too, for what you get. The horses know the trail so even for beginner riders it wasn’t overwhelming. Joe was our guide and he was good. If you’re further back in the group you won’t be able to hear him, but for those of us in front he pointed out landmarks, bear and deer tracks and even spotted a black bear in the trees! We tried going on a Sunday afternoon but they were closed even though I’d checked the website ahead of time and it said they should have been open. We tried again the next day (Monday) and put our name in around 2pm and had to come back about an hour later to ride. We killed time by visiting the nearby Sugarlands visitor center. They do take photos of your group and recommend you leave your phone in the car. Photos were reasonably priced, too. I would definitely come back and come riding here again.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sdhigbee
Louisville, KY64 contributions
Highly recommend Sugarland. This was our 3rd time riding with them and each time we have thoroughly enjoyed our ride. Lucas was our guide this time for a 2 hour ride. We paid $80 per person (other places charge almost that much for 1 hour). The staff is fabulous and really work to make sure you have a great time and are treated with respect. You will not be disappointed (unless you ride somewhere else). Thanks to all at Sugarland for making another great vacation memory.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jan G
Sarasota, FL46 contributions
My husband and I stood in line for about 20 minutes before our chance to speak to the woman who was putting names on a list to ride and collect the money. We were there about 2:00PM and wanted to pay and make a reservation for the next morning. She very rudely told me that she does not take reservations and that we would have to show up early the next morning and she would put us on a list. I said that I would go ahead and pay now so that we would have a time for the next day but she again said that she does not take reservations. She said that I would need to show up early and if my wait is over an hour we could leave and come back but if not that I was not allowed to leave. There is basically no shade or place to sit. Unfortunately, they have a captive audience there as they are located right outside of Gatlinburg and in the park so manners seem to not be important to them. With so many riding stables in the area I would definitely avoid this one.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aiia21
Daytona Beach, FL24 contributions
Family
First, we went to another horseback riding stables and after a very long wait only to be told it'll be a few more minutes and more wait, we ended up leaving.
This Sugarland stables was great. We paid for hour ride for my husband and 2 kids, 10 and 7,no prior experience, was told the wait time will be 45min. Almost Exactly in 45min they called us and after quick instructions they were gone into the trails.
Kids had great time. The guide was awesome. Highly recommend this place for horseback riding.
This Sugarland stables was great. We paid for hour ride for my husband and 2 kids, 10 and 7,no prior experience, was told the wait time will be 45min. Almost Exactly in 45min they called us and after quick instructions they were gone into the trails.
Kids had great time. The guide was awesome. Highly recommend this place for horseback riding.
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephanie Nieszel
Inverness, IL159 contributions
Family
We took the suggestion of other reviews at got here early at 8.30am. They took our name and we're on the list for the first ride out of the day. A girl in our group told us she had come the day prior at 10am and the wait was 3 hrs so coming early pays off. They have 65 horses and the guides work hard. Be sure to tip! We bought two of the photos. The 1 hr/4 mile ride was plenty. We had fun even though it rained.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karla F
1 contribution
My family always takes time to do some horse back riding when we go to Pigeon Forge, we went last year to Sugarland twice, we love the horses. Unfortunately this go around was a little different and really got under my skin. The owner of the stables was very rude and hateful not only to his employees but his customers. He actually hit my horse Cutter in the stomach with his fist three times really hard and I spoke up to him why he did that it wasn't right and to hurt the horse. He told me to shut up in his own words I cant say and that I didn't know nothing about horses and then proceeded to say a woman cant ride any how and other choice words, So I spoke to the gentleman how I was raised on a farm had several horses myself and worked at a riding stables. He laughed and said there is know way you know how to ride no woman does. I was very upset not over the comment but for hitting the horse. I would recommend visiting Sugarland for the adventure of the beauty you will see of the mountains and the beauty that god made which are the horses. I hate that this gentleman was so hateful and ugly, I know our god will deal with him on what he speaks and does. The rest of the staff was fantastic and I hate that they have to deal with such a hatred man. Our guide he was great
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
William C
Sarasota, FL20 contributions
This was one of our favorite trail rides ever! The trails are beautiful and the ride was very scenic, and we encountered 4 bears, including a mom and 2 cubs. Our guide was actually the owner, and he was very knowledgeable about the area and the park. My wife is normally a little nervous on horseback rides, and she said that this was the most comfortable she'd ever been, largely due to the guide's demeanor. We had a great time, going on the 1.5 hour ride across six miles of mountain trails and crossing numerous streams. We would highly recommend this experience for anyone in the Gatlinburg area. One piece of constructive criticism --- they don't take reservations. So, if you don't get there early, you will be assigned a time later in the day. We got there at around 10:30am, and our scheduled time was 2:55pm. We took advantage of the time to head up to Clingmans Dome and then eat lunch, but it would have improved the experience if we could have reserved ahead of time. A minor complaint, and certainly wouldn't deter us from returning to Sugarlands again in the future!
Written August 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Crystal H
7 contributions
Family
Amazing experience! Everyone was very polite and helpful. We had our kids (10,8,5) with us and they have the youngest lead with the guide holding a lead strap to the child’s horse. Some reviews mention being narrow and along the ridge, I was never worried about the trail or the kids safety. It is an authentic horse ride through the park. We look forward to our next trip to town and revisiting the stables again. The picture packages are super affordable too! We did the skybridge yesterday and this was money better spent hands down!!! Five thumbs up from our family.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jayneg635
Sterling, IL138 contributions
We arrived about 30 minutes prior to opening and were able to secure a 9:30 a.m. , 1 1/2 hr ride. We could have gone on the first ride and not waited but we wanted a longer trip. By the time we returned there were 2 1/2 hr waits for rides so we were glad we came early. Dave our guide was great and our kids enjoyed chatting with him at the front of the line. He did a good job at helping us keep our horses moving. We encountered a down tree in our path and Dave and the staff he called in to help were very efficient in getting us moving again. The scenery was beautiful and the ride relaxing. We would definitely do this again.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Camille Ellis
Winnsboro, LA
Are they open during the first week of February? And do you have to be experienced or can anyone ride?
Ava
Niles, OH77 contributions
How is the terrain is it flat or do you go around cliffs? the last place we went to I don't think it was sugarlands but we were scared to death because the trail was rocky, and although the horses were sure-footed you felt like you could fall off a cliff at any moment if they stumble.
Adam E
Lafayette, IN100 contributions
No cliffs, just up hill and down hill.
We took the 1-1/2 hour trip, was a nice ride.
Horses were great - I've been riding horses all my life.
nneal530
Toledo, OH1 contribution
I'm going mid July, is there any particular day of the week better to go and when is the best time of day to go to avoid long waits??
Kristen G
Saint Charles, IL12 contributions
I don’t know what day of the week is better but get there early because they take you on a first come first serve basis and I imagine it would be very hot in the afternoon.
How much did it cost?
casouthern
7 contributions
$35 per person for the 1 hour tour
Can a 6 month pregnant woman ride? If not os there a ace for her to sit and wait?
jackie a
Michigan33 contributions
I don't know if the stables allow pregnant women to ride. I personally, would not recommend it because even though these horses do the exact same job day after day, they are still living beings with minds of their own and you wouldn't want to risk your baby's health. There are benches outside to wait or the parking lot is right next to the stables to wait.
Aren't there any regulations about resting the horses between tides?
Ashley M
22 contributions
I don’t believe so. But I don’t think that’s an issue here. We went in the afternoon and two other rides came back before we left to go out on ours. The horses are cycled throughout the day so they do get breaks between rides. All of the horses that were standing tied when we got there were relaxing and even yawning bored. The horses that came back from the two rides before us hadn’t broken a sweat nor were they breathing heavily.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sugarland Riding Stables
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