The mountains near our Sautee Nacoochee Inn are some of the prettiest in Georgia. If you’d like to experience them in a whole new way, sign up for a horseback riding trip.
Photo: Raphael Wicker/UnSplash
There are several great outfitters within easy driving distance. The closest is Chatahoochee Stables in Sautee, just outside of Helen, Georgia. The family-owned business offers one-hour guided rides that last 3.5 hours and meander through the lush valley along the Chattahoochee River. During summer hours, the trip takes you through the river as well, adding even more fun to the ride.
Chatahoochee Stables
2180 Highway 17, Sautee, GA
706-878-7000
Summer hours: daily, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Winter hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Dahloneega, Georgia, is Gold City Coral & Carriage Company. This operation has it all: trail rides, carriage rides, dinner wagon rides, and hay rides. The guided rides are designed to satisfy both beginners and experienced riders, including 1-hour rides, 2-hour rides, and half-day rides. Chuckwagon rides, complete with BBQ chicken and all the fixings are a great option for families or groups.
Gold City Corral & Carriage Company
49 Forest Hill Road, Dahlonega, GA
706-867-9395
Open daily with reservations
Trail rides, $40 – $50/person
Chuckwagon dinner: $29 – $39/person
You’ll find Sunburst Stables in Cleveland, about 15 miles southeast of Lucille’s Mountaintop Inn. Its guided rides are beautiful, taking you through the Chattahoochee Forest on 4,000 acres of mountain trails. In addition to 1-hour and 2-hour rides, Sunburst offers a Sunset Ride and a Lunch Ride, both three hours long.
Sunburst Stables
251 Sunburst Lane, Clarkesville, GA
706-609-5840
1-hour ride, daily at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. $49.95/person
2-hour ride, daily at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. $79.95/person
Sunset ride, $109.95 (call for time)
Lunch ride, daily at 10:00 a.m. $109.95/person
After a few hours in the saddle, head back to the Spa at Lucille’s where you can enjoy a little well-deserved TLC. Happy trails!