Autumn is my favorite time of year, with the vibrant beauty of the leaves changing and the crisp, cool weather, it’s hard not to enjoy being outside. One of the best ways to enjoy the full effects of autumn is to take an old fashion hayride. Hayrides are offered throughout the year in and around Gatlinburg.
What better way to bring back childhood memories and create some new ones than a hayride? Grab your kids, dress comfortable and enjoy the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains!
Downtown Gatlinburg offers hayrides from September 1st through December 31st. Climb in the back of a hay filled wagon reminiscent of the old tractor pulled hayrides of the past. Not only can you enjoy the beauty scenery of Gatlinburg and the changing foliage, but beginning November 1st, Gatlinburg will be decorated with its Winter Magic lighting display adding to the spectacular beauty. The hayrides run Sunday-Thursday from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. from Traffic Mall at Light #6, every 45 minutes. Admission is $4.00 and benefits the United Way. If you have any questions, you can call (865)436-0535.
Just a short drive away in Walland, TN, Apple Valley Riding Stables offers tractor-drawn hayrides along its scenic 1200 acres, beside the Foothills Parkway. Jump on the back of an old, wooden hay wagon and enjoy the relaxing ride along the property and through the creek. The ride will take you to a small meadow and back. Special requests are always welcome and the friendly staff can build a bonfire for you. Apple Valley Riding Stables is open 7 days a week from 9-5 weather permitting.
Echobrooks Farm, also located near Walland, TN, offers a collection of carriages and horses for hayrides and carriage rides. They have horse drawn vehicles to accommodate families and groups from 6-30 in size. Sturdy Belgian and Percheron horses will pull the carriages down shady lanes, or through the beautiful countryside filled with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and streams. An authentic horse drawn hayride is a great way to enjoy a group outing, a family picnic or to celebrate a special event. Along the way, the drive will share stories and information about the history of the area. Special group rates are available.
Cades Coves Riding Stables in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers hayrides from Mid-March to October 31st. Visitors can enjoy 1.5 to 2 hour hayride around Cades Cove in a hay filled trailer pulled by a truck. Regular un-narrated hayrides are available during the day. The cost is $6.00 per person and reservations are generally required. Park Rangers provide narrated nightly hayrides that last approximately two hours and are conducted in all weather unless it is deemed too unsafe. Space is limited on the wagons and advanced reservations are required. The cost is $8.50 per person two years and older. Visitors should dress comfortably for the weather and bring a flashlight for the parking and bathroom area. To get more information or to make reservations, call the Cades Cove Stables at (865) 448-9009