Horseback Riding Near Helen
Guided trail rides in the Sautee Nacoochee Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains
The short answer
Where to ride
The closest stable to Helen is Chattahoochee Stables in the Sautee Nacoochee Valley, and it's the one most visitors book. Sunburst Adventures is a bit farther, in Clarkesville. The Blue Ridge stables are a real drive (about 80 minutes), so they suit a day in that area rather than a detour from Helen. Prices below were published by each stable in October 2026.
| Stable | Where | Drive from Helen | Rides and prices | Rules | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee Stables | 2180 Highway 17, Sautee | About 10 min | Regular ride $60 per person; private ride $80; pony ride $30; river ride $80 and private river ride $100 (Memorial Day to Labor Day only) | Ages 6+, 250 lb limit, single riders only | (706) 878-7000 |
| Sunburst Adventures | 251 Sunburst Lane, Clarkesville | About 25 min | Horseback rides of 1 to 3 hours from $109.95 per person; also zipline and ATV tours | Ages 7+ to ride alone; tours at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3:30 PM | (706) 947-7433 |
| Appalachian Trail Rides at S&T Stables | 4100 Cutcane Rd, Mineral Bluff | About 80 min | See the stable's prices page | All levels; rides by reservation only | (706) 374-0362 |
| Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides | 319 Hell's Hollow Rd, Blue Ridge | About 80 min | 1-hour rides $41 or $51; 1.5 hours $71; 2 hours $91; sunset rides $85 (1 hour) or $120 (2 hours) | Ages 8+, 230 lb limit, no double rides with adults; rides depart from 8:45 AM to 6 PM | (706) 408-7433 |
| Cowgirl Up Stables | North Georgia mountains near Blue Ridge | About 80 min | Beginner-focused rides; see the stable's site for prices | Ages 6+, 240 lb limit, helmets required under 16 | Book online |
Weight limits and age minimums are enforced, and they vary stable to stable. Check before you book, especially for kids.
Chattahoochee Stables
Chattahoochee Stables is on Highway 17 in Sautee, a short drive south of Helen. Winter hours are 10 AM to 4 PM and summer hours 10 AM to 6 PM. Reservations are strongly recommended 24 hours ahead, by phone or in person; walk-ups may be taken if there's room. It accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. The river ride runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day only. For more, see our Helen horse riding page.
What to expect and what to wear
Arrive early
Show up 10 to 15 minutes before your ride so the wranglers can fit you with a helmet and walk through the basics.
Dress for it
Closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants. Skip flip-flops, open-toed shoes and high heels.
Book ahead in fall
Foliage weekends and holidays fill up. Call a day or more ahead, and expect weather cancellations in storms.
Leave the dog at home
Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides says no dogs, and most stables have similar rules. Ask when you book.
Common questions
How much does a horseback ride cost near Helen?
A regular ride at Chattahoochee Stables is $60 per person, a private ride is $80, and a pony ride is $30. Sunburst Adventures rides start at $109.95 per person.
What is the weight limit?
Chattahoochee Stables allows riders up to 250 pounds. Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides allows 230, and Cowgirl Up Stables 240.
How old do kids have to be?
Chattahoochee Stables takes riders 6 and up, and Cowgirl Up does too. Sunburst requires age 7 to ride alone, and Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides requires age 8.
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