Tours/Asheville/Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest
Viator · group up to 6 pax

Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest

4.7(73)Asheville1 hour
VIATOR4.6(42)TRIPADVISOR4.7(31)

Description

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.

Tour 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.

Highlights

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

What's included

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
Not included
Gratuities
DVD (available to purchase)

Traveller Ratings

4.7
73 reviews
5
61
4
5
3
4
2
0
1
3

Important Information

  • 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.

Reviews(73)

J
jdesousa1976
June 29, 2026
Weekend horseback ride adventure

Our guide was amazing, believe her name was Gina and our horses were so well behaved. Totally worth it

R
Rotanhome
June 27, 2026
Repeat Customers

Dena is a fabulous guide. She indicated points of interest along the trail (rare mushrooms, berries, plants, trees) and how the property’s 200+ acre terrain differs from highlands to lower lands. Our horses Buddy and Minnie were great. This was our second time riding at Arrowmont and we were just as happy afterward. Thanks, Arrowmont!

M
Markeith_W
June 13, 2026
Yes and yes

Drove 6 hours from VA, and it was the absolute best experience! So much fear and respect of such muscular creatures and yet their gentle spirit calmed everything immediately! Well trained and easy to maneuver the horses. The guide (Joshua or Johnathan) was very informative and made sure our comfort was up to par. The scenery was breathtaking and unmatched. Will definitely return!

J
Joseph B
December 28, 2025
Fun Time on Horseback

It was a great experience. Nice calm horses and good guides. Beautiful scenery as well. We would definitely do it again.

2
239trishah
December 1, 2025
Absolute Nightmare

My 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!!!

J
Jane T
November 30, 2025
Thanksgiving / birthday trip in November

Beautiful 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

1 people found this helpful
C
Crystal_O
October 17, 2025
Perfect and guides are...

Perfect 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.

Y
Y2658ZUrobinh
August 31, 2025
Spectacular …safe … amazing beauty

It 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.

Operator response

Thanks so much for your kind comments. God definitely outdid Himself here with majestic views!

B
Boat T
August 14, 2025
A mountain forest trek.

We 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.

Operator response

Thanks for sharing your trail ride experience. Your kind words are very much appreciated, especially by Josh. Many Blessings to you both.

A
Austin_S
August 12, 2025
Fun day trip.

Lovely 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.

Operator response

Thanks so much for taking your time to tell others about your experience. Many blessings,

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