Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
The flame fern trail ride combines the Majestic Flame Azalea and the lush Fern Forest for a really enjoyable trail ride for everyone. You start up the mountain traveling through a hard wood forest filled with wild Flame Azaleas. After the hardwoods, you enter an enchanting white pine forest just like in the Star Wars movie.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Plan an extra 50-60 minutes, in addition to your trail time, for your safety and training program.
Please Note, This Starts at your stated trail time, not before it. Your Trail immediately follows your safety program.
Your Safety Program consists of a video or live demonstration covering the horse's training, safety and horse personality.
You are given a chance to try your horse in the ring before departing. If needed, your horse can be changed before your trail.
All passenger ages must be advised at time of booking
Closed-toe shoes are required. NO ROUGH SOLED BOOTS/SHOES.
Long pants recommended
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Use of helmet mandatory for under 18 years old
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
If it looks like rain, bring an extra T-shirt and towel
You will try your horse out in the ring before going on your trail
The Safety Program Starts at your stated trail time, not before it. Your Trail immediately follows your safety program
If you have a cast or a brace of ANY type on any part of your body, "EVEN IF the doctors says you can", you will not be permitted to ride
If you have allergies to horses, you will not be permitted to ride.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
What To Expect Upon arrival at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins in Cullowhee, North Carolina ... you complete an Assumption of Responsibility form for each rider. Then you begin the safety program that includes a video or live horse riding and safety demonstration. Next meet the horses. Get to know your horse’s personalities and try your horse out in ‘the ring’ before departing. If necessary, we can provide you a different horse before leaving on your guided ride. Helmets (as well as raincoats/ponchos) are provided at no charge. Trail times are approximate. It is hard to "push button" a horse to be exact. Depending on your skills, your group and horses, it may take more or less time for your trail ride. Weight Limit is 250 pounds. Some RIDING TIPS: • Horses don't know they are big. That's why we can control them with the bit in their mouth. • Horses think like little children and expect you to protect them. • You NEED to know this. Whoever is most stubborn wins. YOU need to be more stubborn than the horse.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Use of all equipment (horse, tack and helmet)
Ponchos or Rain coats provided for inclement weather
Horseback Ride (based on option selected)
Majestic Trails with a variety in terrain from 4200 feet elevation at the top to 3400 feet in the valley
Helmets are mandatory for all riders
Safety orientation
Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)
Options
Azalea & Fern Forest
FLAME-FERN TRAIL - 1 HR 15-20 MINUTES + Safety Program. This ride combines the Majestic Mountain Top, Flame Azalea Trail and the lush Fern Forest for a really enjoyable trail ride for everyone.
Reviews
69 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolute Nightmare
239trishah,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00My experience here was absolutely horrific. I have ridden horses several times and had no problems. The second I got on the horse, Minnie, at Arrowmont, she took off running. I told her woah and pulled back on the reins. She got in line at that point and proceeded to do this a second time when we started walking again. The trainer, Joshua, proceeded to yell at me in my face and tell me “I’m going to tell you ONE MORE TIME. Pull back on the reins, etc.” (He had never even actually explained anything.) I think he made the horse, Minnie, extremely nervous at that time and I most definitely was. He made me feel like I was an incompetent idiot. The horse continued in line after that and as we were descending down the mountain, Minnie decided to bolt for whatever reason, and I immediately fell off. I fell in a safe place and it’s a complete miracle that I didn’t land on rocks or off the side of the mountain. It was terrifying beyond words. Outside of a sore and swollen tailbone, I was ok. The trainer said he had been working with Minnie for three to four months and that she is normally calm. She definitely needs more training and so did the guide!! I HIGHLY do not recommend this place!!!
Thanksgiving / birthday trip in November
Jane T,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful well cared for horses, and very friendly and professional staff!! Highly recommended for the most amazing views of the mountains... Additionally be sure to read the "about us" information on the Arrowmont website as it just adds to visit knowing the history of the family and the area 💗 also for directions be sure to use the directions links, also on the Arrowmont website... Google doesn't always give the best advice, lol
Perfect and guides are...
Crystal O,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect and guides are great. The tide was a little longer than we thought but we enjoyed it all. It was a bit of a drive for us coming from asheville, but it was worth the drive.
Spectacular …safe … amazing beauty
Y2658ZUrobinh,,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was soooo beautiful. The horses acted perfect. The guide was very knowledgeable about all the landscape and trees. I felt like we climbed that mountain with horse straight to heaven. Nature equals pure peace. It was my husband and myself only. Another couple was trotting so they went before us. It was my first time in 30 years and I would def do again.
A mountain forest trek.
Boat T,,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our ride with our guide Joshua. The 3 mile ride through the lush mountain forest was serene and peaceful. Make sure not to bring hiking boots. I had to borrow a pair of boots to ride. The horses are well groomed and cared for. My daughter rode Victor and I rode Whiskey. During the ride, Joshua provided narration about the area history and flora and fauna of the region. We stayed in Sapphire, which is a short drive away. I would definitely do this ride again.
Fun day trip.
Austin S,,Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely ride on the mountain with an excellent guide. Everyone was friendly and the views on the mountain were breathtaking taking. Even got to see some wild animals while on the ride.
GREAT FUN trail ride on horseback in the NC mountains.
Adventurer666672,,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely delightful trail ride through the mountains! The scenery was breathtaking. The horses were friendly, well-trained, and clearly loved/cared for. The Arrowmont staff were extremely personable, safety-conscience and they took the time to match the rider’s ability with the right horse (my friends included beginner to experienced). HIGHLY recommend for anyone looking to enjoy nature and a good ride!
Disappointed
I6851UIkayc,,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Just returned from a wonderful Fourth of July weekend in Franklin, NC with family and friends. Horseback riding was the grand finale before we made our way back to the Virgin Islands.🐎 Unfortunately, the trip wasn’t without its bumps — literally. On our very first day, one of our family members took a fall during the electric bike tour and was injured, which prevented her from participating in the rest of the scheduled activities — including horseback riding. We were especially disappointed that the horseback riding company showed little to no empathy and refused to issue a refund, despite the circumstances being clearly explained. It was disheartening to experience that kind of rigidity during what was meant to be a joyful time. A heads-up to future riders: If you book with this company, make sure you have zero mishaps (😉) — or better yet, do what a few of the other families we met did and book the same day. Wish we had done the same, instead of booking in advance and being locked in. Otherwise, Franklin was lovely, and the memories we made will still be cherished.
Awesome tour, great horses, nice trail!
413bethanyp,,Jan 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on our tour. The guides were very patient and knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable. They worked really well with my kids (12 and 11) who had never ridden a horse before. The horses were very well trained and well behaved. Would definitely recommend and would like to come back.
Great experience!
Amanda B,,Dec 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Great for novice riders! The staff made us feel very comfortable with the horses! What a delightful day!!
From US$109.50
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Operated by Arrowmont Stables & Cabins