Horses can be rented from four stables located within the park from March until November. Fees average $20.00 per hour. There are approximately five hundred fifty miles of trails open to horses and these are designated. If you wish to ride your own horse, be sure to pick up a trail map, which shows the trails open to horses and states rules and regulations for back country riding. Maps cost $1.00 and are available at all visitor centers.
There are five drive-in horse camps that provide access to back country horse trails. Reservations must be made. Fees are $20.00 and have to be paid when the reservation is made. Campsites are limited to six people and four horses. Two trailers and two vehicles are allowed at each site. If reservations are cancelled, there is a cancellation fee.
Water Recreation
Swimming and other water activities are not recommended within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains, because of dangers and hazards. The leading cause of death in the park is drowning. Remember, it takes hours to get a person who has been injured to a medical facility. There are no lifeguard monitored swimming facilities in the park. Water levels in rivers and streams can rise rapidly if areas upstream get a lot of rain. This creates swift currents that can sweep you downstream. Use extreme caution and never leave children unattended for any reason.
Wildlife Viewing
Great Smoky Mountains offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Wildlife sightings are common. More than sixty-five mammals call the park home. Bobcats and coyotes are reclusive but deer are often seen, as are red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, opossums, bats, skunks, raccoons and red or gray fox.
Amphibians
It is very common to see salamanders, frogs and toads in the park. The Smokies have been dubbed the Salamander Capital of the World because at least thirty species of salamanders live there. One subspecies is not found anywhere else in the world.