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About Us.

Established in 2022, Cherokee Trail Riding (LLC) provides guided trail rides in the southern part of the Cherokee National Forest. Cherokee Trail Riding (LLC) operates under an outfitter's permit from the National Forest Service. All rides will be conducted on trained horses with experienced guides. Please see information below on the trails, guides, and horses. Trail rides are planned to begin in August 2022 at the following locations:

Miller Ridge Trail System in the Indian Boundary Lake area located near Tellico Plains, Tennessee.
Starr Mountain Trail System located around the entrance of the Hiwassee Ocoee State Park near Delano, Tennessee.

Please note that there are only a total of 200 individual ride tickets that have been made available by the National Forest Service through December 2022.

LOCATIONS
Rides are offered on a rotating basis at two locations. Please see our reservation portal and calendar for the riding days and times for each location.

INDIAN BOUNDARY: this trail system is located in the Indian Boundary Lake area near Tellico Plains, Tennessee. The ride departs from the Miller Ridge Trail parking lot and directions are marked by National Forest Service "horse trail" signs.

Distance: The departure location is approximately 5 miles (15 minutes) from the parking lot of the Indian Boundary Lake General Store or 15 miles (25 minutes) from the Tellico Beach Drive-In on the Cherohala Skyway.
Directions: To reach the departure point for riding, 0.3 miles from Indian Boundary Lake Road, turn off the Cherohala Skyway (HWY 165) onto Raftner Road. Raftner Road is a gravel road. Head straight and follow the road for approximately 1.6 miles until you reach a sharp left turn. Follow the road left and continue driving for another 1.4 miles until a sign for Miller's Ridge appears. Turn right and follow this road a short distance to a large gravel parking lot.

STARR MOUNTAIN: this trail system is located near Starr Mountain around the entrance of the Hiwassee Ocoee State Park near Delano, Tennessee. The ride departs from the Coffee Branch Trail parking lot at Lost Corral Horse Camp and directions are marked by National Forest Service "horse trail" signs.

Distance: The departure location is approximately 1 mile (3 minutes) from HWY 411/Spring Creek intersection or 7 miles (11 minutes) from Starr Mountain Outfitters in Etowah, Tennessee.
Directions: To reach the departure point for riding, south of Delano, Tennessee turn off the HWY 411 onto Spring Creek Road. Head toward Hiwassee Ocoee State Park for 1 mile. Immediately after passing the Hiwassee state park building on your right, turn left and follow the road, crossing the railroad tracks, until entering the Lost Corral Horse Camp. The trail head is up a short gravel road, the first right immediately after crossing the railroad tracks.

DEPARTURE TIME
Riders must be present at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure at the trail head location. This pre-departure time will be used to complete paperwork, review basic horsemanship, and to be provided a safety briefing by a guide. Riders who are late may not be allowed on the ride at the discretion of the guide. If you are having difficulty locating the trail head, please call us at (865) 268-6834.

RESERVATIONS AND REFUNDS
Reservations are required. Reservations cancelled or changed at least 2 business days in advance of departure will receive a full refund or a full credit applied to the changed date and time. No refunds will be provided for cancellations or changes made less than 2 business days in advance of departure. If a rider fails to be on time for their assigned departure, or does not appear for the reserved time, no refunds will be given. Please contact our office (865) 268-6834 with any questions regarding a reservation, cancellation, or change. If Cherokee Trail Riding (LLC) cancels a scheduled ride for any reason, riders will be offered the choice between a full refund or a new date and time.

FORMS OF PAYMENT AND PRICES
Reservations can be made online using a credit or debit card. Reservations can also be made by phone at 865-268-6834. The price for a ride is $40 plus applicable tax per rider. Helmets are provided free-of-charge when requested by adult riders and are required for riders under the age of 16.

WEATHER
Cherokee Trail Riding (LLC) will automatically cancel and reschedule or refund rides in the event of a severe weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service for for the date, time, and location of a scheduled ride. Depending on the timing of the advisory, riders will either be notified via email or in-person of the weather advisory. Otherwise, all rides will proceed in all weather conditions provided the guide deems it safe for riders and horses to proceed. Rides may be delayed by weather conditions. If rides are delayed for more than 1 hour due to weather, riders may request a refund or to be rescheduled. If possible, rescheduling may be for a new time on the same day, or for another date and time. Priority will be given to subsequent rides leaving on-time and as scheduled.

RIDER LIMITATIONS
To ride, individuals must:

Be at least 6 years of age. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed to ride under any circumstances, including in the lap of a parent or legal guardian.
Weigh less than 250 lbs.
Be physically and mentally capable of mounting a horse from a platform, maintaining balance in the saddle, and following the instructions of trail guides.
No previous riding experience necessary.
All riders ride at the discretion the guide based on safety standards for riders and horses.

RIDER SAFETY AND LIABILITY
Riders should understand that while every precaution is made to have a safe and enjoyable ride, they are engaging in the activity at their own risk. As such:

All riders are required to sign a waiver.
Riders under the age 16 are required to wear a helmet, which will be provided at no charge.
Riders over the age of 16 will be offered a helmet at no charge to be worn at their discretion.
Riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present, be available to sign the waiver, and to ride with the minor.
Any electronic devices, such as phones and cameras, must be secured. Any damage to personal items is the responsibility of the rider.

Under Tennessee Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participation in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, title 44, chapter 20. 1992 Pub. Acts, c.974,§ 6.

RIDER RECOMMENDATIONS
For safety, guides recommend riders wear pants and closed-toe shoes, although it is not required. Guides also suggest riders to bring insect repellant, sunscreen, a hat, jacket, water and a snack with them. Please use the restroom before you arrive as there are no facilities at the trail head.