Horseback Riding Near Helen
Guided trail rides in the Sautee valley and the hills around Clarkesville
The short answer
Riding is one of the best ways to see parts of this country you can't reach by car. The flat bottomlands of the Sautee Nacoochee Valley sit under the Blue Ridge, and the stables around Helen use both. Pick the valley for an easy first ride, or head toward Clarkesville for longer rides in the hills.
Stables, rides and prices
From each operator's website, October 2026
| Stable | Where | Rides and prices | Rules | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee Stables | 2180 Highway 17, Sautee | Regular ride $60; private ride $80; pony ride $30; River Ride $80; private River Ride $100 (per person) | Ages 6 and up for trail rides; 250 lb weight limit; River Rides run Memorial Day through Labor Day; reserve at least 24 hours ahead if you can | Winter 10 AM to 4 PM; summer 10 AM to 6 PM |
| Sunburst Adventures | 251 Sunburst Lane, Clarkesville | Horseback rides of 1 to 3 hours from $109.95 per person; double riders (ages 4 to 6) $199.95 | Ages 7 and up ride independently | Open year-round; summer daily, winter hours vary (check the booking schedule) |
| Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides | 49 Forrest Hill Road, Dahlonega | Public trail rides from $55; private trail rides from $80; private carriage rides from $65; group dinner wagon rides from $1,380 | Group dinner wagon rides are priced as group bookings | Contact the stable |
Prices are per person and can change. Details: Chattahoochee Stables, Sunburst Adventures, Dahlonega Carriage and Horse Rides. None of the sites stated 2026 status, so call before you drive out.
Which ride is right for you
First-timers and families
Chattahoochee Stables is the nearest to Helen and the lowest price. Kids 6 and up can ride; a pony ride is $30.
Cool-off in summer
The River Ride at Chattahoochee Stables runs Memorial Day through Labor Day at $80 per person.
Longer outings
Sunburst Adventures offers rides from one to three hours, and it also runs ziplines and ATV tours if the group wants variety.
Groups who don't ride
The Dahlonega stable lists group dinner wagon rides from $1,380, a group price, which can suit a party where not everyone wants a saddle.
Before you go
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with a small heel, and check the stable's weight limit when you book. Chattahoochee Stables recommends reserving at least 24 hours ahead, although walk-ups may be possible. If you want more riding in the region, our North Georgia horseback trails page covers trail options, and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest site has rules for riding on public land.
Getting there and timing
Chattahoochee Stables is the quick one: roughly 10 minutes from downtown Helen up Highway 17 into the Sautee valley. Sunburst Adventures in Clarkesville is around 25 minutes, and Dahlonega is about 40.
| Stable | Drive from Helen | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee Stables | About 10 minutes | A first ride, families with kids 6 and up, and summer River Rides |
| Sunburst Adventures | About 25 minutes | Longer rides of one to three hours |
| Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides | About 40 minutes | Carriage rides and group wagon rides |
Summer is the busy season for the River Ride, which runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outside that window the stable posts shorter winter hours (10 AM to 4 PM), so book the morning if you can. Looking for more riding? See horseback riding across North Georgia, and while you're in the valley, the Sautee Nacoochee Valley guide has the stops worth adding.
Horseback riding questions
Where is the closest horseback riding to Helen, GA?
Chattahoochee Stables at 2180 Highway 17 in Sautee, about 10 minutes from downtown. Call 706-878-7000.
How much does a trail ride cost?
At Chattahoochee Stables a regular ride is $60 per person, a private ride $80, a pony ride $30, and a River Ride $80. Sunburst Adventures rides start at $109.95 per person. Prices can change, so confirm when you book.
How old do you have to be to ride?
Chattahoochee Stables trail rides start at age 6, with a 250 lb weight limit. At Sunburst Adventures, riders 7 and up ride alone and ages 4 to 6 ride as double riders.
When does the River Ride run?
Memorial Day through Labor Day at Chattahoochee Stables.
Do I need to reserve?
Chattahoochee Stables recommends reserving at least 24 hours ahead if you can. None of the operators' sites stated 2026 status, so call before you drive out.
