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Regular
Posts: 51
Location: Mt. Horeb, WI | Has anyone been to these campgrounds? Input wanted? |
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Regular
Posts: 99
Location: Pleasant Plain, Ohio 45162 | Deep Creek is run by a man named James Clark who is a very knowledgeable camp host. Knows all the trailheads and can direct you to what type of riding you would like to do. We stayed there a week and it is necessary to trailer out but he has plenty of stock trailers to use which there is no charge. You can ride down the road about 2 miles without trailering to get to a trailhead but this road was well used and offered very little grass to ride on while staying off the road. Unlimited riding all within an easy 30 minute drive or less to other trailheads. Trails all well maintained. We had out campsite right behind our stalls close to the horses. Loved all the rushing streams and waterfalls. We also enjoyed the little town of Bryson City for some shopping and eating. |
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Regular
Posts: 91
Location: Waverly,Oh | We have stayed at Orchard Cove 3-4 times. The owners are as nice and helpful as you will find. Have not seen better/cleaner stalls. The camping is clean with water and electric but not very big. The trail goes out the back of the camp into Great Smokey Mountains. The trail branches off out about a mile. You can ride as far as you want or they have a couple stock trailers that you can use to trailer over into the Cades Cove area to other trail heads. Word of Caution, riding in the mountains can be dangerous. Trails can get very narrow and if a horse goes over, it will probably be bad. You are a long way from help. Highly recommend Orchard Cove though. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Brooksville, Fl | I have stayed at Deep Creek many times. James is the best host and worked for the park service for over 30 years. He was born in the area and knows the trails inside and out. The stalls are not fancy but safe, there is short term turnout and campsites with water/elect close to your horses/mules. He has trailers you can use to get to the various trail heads, most of which are no more than about 15 minutes away. There are many options for many rides there. We have been going for several years and always manage to ride something new. We have not stayed at Orchard Cove but stayed at Melodee's place (I'm never good with the name, something Horse Retreat). The riding on this side of the park is nice but you have to ride a fair distance to get to it. I think they have trailers you can use to go into Cade's Cove to ride. We enjoyed the riding there very much, but I think you have more options on the NC side. Both are worth going to. When we stayed on the TN side we rode for a few days and then drove across the park to Deep Creek and stayed there for a while. You can't go wrong in the Smokies just make sure your horse is fit as most of the rides (but not all) are on the longer side. |
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| I stayed there a few times. There was old hay in the middle of barn one and there were rats. Did not like the situation and did not stay there again.
The riding was great, but dangerous at times. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 656
Location: Rayne, LA | Randemtam, you said the trails are long. About how many miles? Are you riding gaited? |
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Deep Creek Stables Bryson City NC Vs Orchard Cove TN
