This full-color book includes:
- Detailed description of the entire route from an experienced horseman's perspective.
- Safely navigating and trailering on the park roads to the trail heads.
- Information about the trailhead parking areas (with pictures).
- Lists of rules and regulations and where to find others.
- Rider skill level assigned to each route for their safety.
- Horse exertion level assigned to each route for the animal's safety.
- Pictures and listings of dangers and hindrances on each trail route to help avoid accidents.
- Emergency and non-emergency contacts listed.
- Nearby stables, feed stores, and other horse related contacts listed.
- Camping information.
- References to help visitors find park literature and programs.
- Articles about First Aid for riders and horses, tack, equipment, and navigation.
- Articles about horse trail preservation and trail etiquette.
- Introduction to the physiographic region to help visitors understand the landscape.
- Articles for farrier and hoof related topics interesting to horsemen.
- Historic information about equines utilized in the park.
- Many other helpful points and suggestions not found in any other literature.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world-renowned for its diverse forests. Within its beautiful range, there are 550 miles of trails for equestrians to explore. Cades Cove is one of the most popular and scenic regions, and you can explore its backcountry on horseback.
Horseback Riding in the Great Smoky Mountains provides equestrians a detailed description of the horse trails found in the Cades Cove area. The safety of both the rider and the horse is of utmost importance, as are trail and land preservation. The unique dual difficulty ratings found exclusively in this guide will help you decide which trails are best suited for you and your horse.
Additional information within this one-of-a-kind guide also covers many other helpful topics, such as how to monitor horse vital signs, first aid, pre-ride checklists, equipment, trail preservation tips, park donations, and local emergency contacts. You'll also find trail pictures, locations of equestrian camping areas, and where to locate boarding facilities near Cades Cove. Equipped with this information, you'll be prepared for the trip before ever leaving home.
Experience the Smoky Mountains in a way most visitors never do--from the front-row seat atop your trusty steed in the most visited national park in the country.