6 places to ride horses in North Georgia

Looking to explore North Georgia’s trails from a slightly higher vantage point? Horseback riding is a fun way to enjoy scenic areas around Atlanta and beyond. Plan to call ahead for reservations and also ask about cancellation fees.

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides

The staff at this stable about a half-hour from the town of Blue Ridge boasts 25 years in the business and consists of trails with views of the Cohuttas. Horseback riding options range from an hour to two hours. The minimum age to ride is 8, and participants can also interact with baby goats and, in spring, do gem mining and fishing.

Location: 319 Hells Hollow Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513; Website: blueridgemountaintrailrides.com; Contact: 706-408-7433

JD’s Horse Ranch

Would-be riders looking to stay close to home can do so with a short jaunt outside the perimeter. Make memories with someone special on a guided, one-hour trail ride for either one or two participants Pricing for one rider begins at $65, and two riders start at $120. The barn also offers bookings for special events like birthday parties and photo shoots.

Location: Southwest Atlanta - 4189 Tell Rd SW; Website: jdshorseranch.com; Contact: 404-981-2361

Sunny Farms North

Weather permitting, the guides at this Dahlonega farm are ready to take riders out every weekend year-round. The facility, open since 1973 and family-owned, offers a look at the Longbranch area at the end of state Route 400. Pricing begins at $50 per hour. Follow detailed directions on the website, and don’t miss the boiled peanuts for sale at its entrance.

Location: 1332 Long Branch Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533; Website: sunnyfarmsnorth.com; Contact: 706-867-9167

Track Rock Stables

Sadly, after 57 years Track Rock Stables will be closing their trail rides effective April 30, 2023, so now is the time to get there! Situated on 250 acres near Blairsville, trail rides at Track Rock Stables often yield wildlife sightings, particularly deer and turkeys. The one-hour guided rides are $50 for adults and $47 for those 17 years old and under. Two-hour guided rides are $100 for adults and $94 for those 17 years old and under. They leave each day at set times and offer the participants the option to move up into a trot. While the trail rides will be ending next month, stables and horse camp will remain open.

Location: 202 Trackrock Camp Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512; Website: trackrock.com; Contact: 706-745-5252

The Stables at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa

This facility, per its website, bills itself as “the only full-service resort and conference hotel in the North Georgia Mountains to offer guests a horseback trail-riding experience.” At The Stables at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, you can book a one or two-hour guided ride or a leadline ride for kids under seven. Five miles of trails take riders through woods, fields and stream crossings.

Location: 6321 US-76, Young Harris, GA 30582; Website: brasstownvalley.com

Serenbe Trail Riding

This facility in Chattahoochee Hills serves riders 12 and up. One hour is $85 per rider. There are picnic rides for $110 a person and a proposal package ride at $500 that accommodates two people and includes champagne and a visit to a waterfall.

Location: 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Palmetto, GA 30268; Website: serenbetrailriding.com; Contact: 770-463-2610

If you’re looking to experience a new setting with your own horse, check out the following trails, all of them a day-trip distance from the city: