Equine Experiences
Saddle up and experience Monroe County from the heart of the saddle. While our local farms focus on quality riding lessons for those wanting to learn or sharpen their skills, Monroe County is also a dream destination for horse owners ready to explore. With miles of scenic horse trails winding through the breathtaking Cherokee National Forest, riders can enjoy peaceful woodland paths, mountain views, and the quiet rhythm of East Tennessee’s natural beauty. Whether you're taking your first lesson or bringing your own horse for a day on the trails, Monroe County offers space to ride, roam, and reconnect — one hoofbeat at a time.
Trail Ride in the Beauty of Cherokee National Forest
Title | Trail # | Length | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Hogback Spur Trail
| FS Trail 127 | 1.5 miles | Moderate |
Hogback Horse Trail | FS Trail 126 | 4.0 miles | Moderate |
Bullet Creek Spur Trail | FS Trail 124 | 0.6 miles | Easy |
Yellow Creek Trail | FS Trail 123 | 1.7 miles | Easy |
Burkett-Ivens Trail
| FS Trail 122 | 0.6 miles | Moderate |
Bullet Creek Horse Trail | FS Trail 121 | 3.0 miles | Easy |
Starr Mountian Horse Trail | FS Trail 120 | 2.3 miles | Easy |
Little Citico Horse Trail 3 | FS Trail 165-3 | 6.2 miles | Difficult |
Little Citico Horse Trail 2 | FS Trail 165-2 | 5.6 miles | Difficult |
Brookshire Creek Trail | FS Trail 180 | 5.7 miles | Moderate |
Pine Ridge Tail #99 | FS Trail 99 | 3.6 miles | Difficult |
Little Citico Horse Trail 1 | FS Trail 165-1 | 1.5 miles | Easy |
Fodderstack Trail | FS Trail 95 | 12.5 miles | Difficult |
Unicoi Mountain Horse Trail | FS Trail 117 | 7.9 miles | Moderate |
Unicoi Trail | FS Trail 82 | 5.8 miles | Moderate |
Hitch up the trailer, bring your horses to the mountains, and set out for a ride you’ll never forget — explore our horse-friendly trails designed for riders of all experience levels.
Got a fidgety horse? Click the button to explore our horseback-designated trails.
Please note: all other trails are shared with foot traffic, bicycles, and motorcycles.
For more trail maps, updates, and additional information, stop by or reach out to the Tellico Ranger District, located at 250 Ranger Station Road in
Tellico Plains, or call 423-253-8400
Lessons & Boarding
Legacy Ranch
Two beautiful East Tennessee locations — in Vonore at Rarity Bay and in Madisonville. Both sites offer quality boarding, training, and riding opportunities on scenic acreage, with arenas, trails, and expert care designed around the needs of horses and riders alike. Whether you’re looking for pasture or stall board, foundational training, or time in the saddle, Legacy Ranch brings passion and experience to every horse‑friendly service.
BellaSoul Farm
Meet & Connect: Spend hands-on time with friendly horses through guided activities.
Equine-Assisted Learning: Build confidence, trust, and leadership skills with the horses.
Private Sessions: One-on-one experiences focused on personal growth and connection.
Couples & Family Experiences: Strengthen relationships through interactive horse activities.
Team Building: Group activities focused on teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Workshops & Retreats: Wellness experiences combining horses, nature, reflection, and relaxation.
Guided Horse Experiences: Learn, connect, and work alongside the horses—no riding experience required.
Hull Performance Horses
Located in Madisonville, TN
Performance Training and Lessons.
Horse boarding available on a limited basis.
Donkey Ridge
Experience Tennessee glamping with a special twist—donkeys! Stay in a cozy glamping site on the farm and enjoy up-close time with friendly, trained donkeys. Feed them a treat, learn about farm life, or join a guided trail hike with a donkey. It’s a peaceful, memorable getaway where you can relax, explore, and make some four-legged friends along the way.