You’re driving up Highway 441, the air starts getting that crisp, mountain bite to it, and suddenly there’s a sign for Dillard. Most folks pull over because they’re starving for a plate of that legendary fried chicken or those buttery yeast rolls at the resort. But honestly? If you just eat and leave, you’re missing the best part of the property. Tucked away on the lower end of the grounds is Dillard House Stables, and it’s not just some touristy pony ring. It’s a legitimate operation that’s been around for decades, and it offers one of the only places in the Southeast where you can actually ride a horse through the middle of a river.
People always ask if it’s "worth it."
Listen, I’ve seen enough "trail rides" that are just twenty horses walking in a bored circle around a dusty paddock. This isn't that. You’ve got the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop, and the trails here cut through 100-year-old pastures and along the Little Tennessee River. It’s got that old-school North Georgia soul that hasn’t been polished away by modern resort vibes.
The River Ride Myth (and Reality)
If you look up dillard house stables dillard ga online, the first thing you’ll see is the River Ride. Most people think it’s just a trail that looks at the water. Nope. You are literally in the water.
Pam Thompson has been running the show here since 1989. She’s an expert who doesn't do things halfway. When you book the one-hour or 1.5-hour river ride, your horse is going to step right into the Little Tennessee River. It’s exhilarating. Kinda scary at first if you’re not used to horses, but these animals are professionals. They know exactly where to put their hooves.
The water usually gets up to the horse’s belly or your calves, depending on recent rainfall. You won't get soaked unless your horse decided to take a bath (which they don’t), but you'll definitely feel the spray. It’s a 2-in-1 experience because you get the scenic farm views on the way out and the river trek on the way back.
Why the horses are different here
Horses are smart. They can also be grumpy if they’re overworked. One thing you'll notice at the Dillard House Stables is that these horses have personalities. Take Griffin, for example—one of the regulars who famously hates mud and will go out of his way to step around a puddle like a refined gentleman.
These aren't "dead heads." They are well-cared-for animals that actually seem to enjoy the trail. This matters because it makes the ride safer and way more fun for beginners.
Choosing Your Ride: Don't Overthink It
You don't need to be a rodeo star. Seriously. They have rides for everyone from "I’ve never seen a horse in person" to "I own three of them."
- The Scenic Farm Ride: This is the "chill" option. It’s about 50 to 60 minutes. You skirt the pastures, look at the mountains, and basically just breathe in the fresh air. It’s perfect for families with kids (minimum age is usually around 7).
- The River Ride (1 Hour): This is the flagship. Half the ride is in the water. It’s for ages 10 and up usually.
- The 1.5-Hour River Ride: If you want more "adventure" trails and longer stretches of water, this is the one. It’s slightly more taxing on your legs, so be ready for that.
- Parent-Led Rides: For the tiny humans (3 to 6 years old), they offer 15-minute rides. It’s basically a core memory for a kid, and it costs way less than a full trail ride.
The Practical Stuff No One Tells You
The address is 478 Franklin Street, but basically, if you find the main Dillard House, you’re there. Just follow the signs down the hill.
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Reservations are non-negotiable. Don't just show up on a Saturday in October expecting a horse to be waiting. This place gets slammed. Especially in the winter, they operate on a reservation-only basis to make sure they have staff and horses ready for the mountain weather.
Speaking of weather—it’s the mountains. It rains. If it’s just a drizzle, the ride usually goes on. If it’s a monsoon, they’ll call it. Wear long pants. Seriously. I don't care how hot it is in Atlanta; your legs will thank you when you’re rubbing against a leather saddle for an hour. Boots are best, but sneakers are fine. Just no flip-flops.
The Total Dillard Experience
You can’t talk about dillard house stables dillard ga without mentioning the food. It’s a local law or something. The smartest move is to book a morning ride when the air is still misty over the river, work up an appetite, and then head up to the main dining room for lunch.
The restaurant serves family-style. You don't order; they just start bringing food. Fried chicken, country ham, pole beans, creamed corn—it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to take a three-hour nap afterward.
If you’re staying overnight, they often have packages. Staying at the Dillard House Inn or one of their cottages sometimes gets you a 10% discount on the stable rides. It’s worth checking the current specials because those savings add up if you’re bringing a whole family.
Is it safe for beginners?
Honestly, yeah. Pam and her crew are incredibly attentive. They spend a lot of time matching the horse to the rider. If you’re nervous, tell them. They’ll give you the "bomb-proof" horse that could walk the trail in its sleep.
The guides are also great storytellers. They know the history of the land, which dates back to a land grant from the Revolutionary War. Captain John Dillard settled here in the 1790s, and the family has been here ever since. You’re riding on ground that’s been in the same family for over 200 years. That’s not something you find at a suburban riding academy.
What to do next
If you're planning a trip to North Georgia, don't just put "horseback riding" on the list—put "Dillard House Stables" specifically.
- Call them first. (706-746-2038). Ask about the water levels and availability.
- Check the age limits. If you have kids under 7, they’ll be doing the parent-led ride.
- Bring a camera with a strap. You’re going to want photos in the river, but you don't want to drop your phone in the Little Tennessee.
- Budget accordingly. Rides usually start around $70 per person for the hour. It’s an investment, but for the river experience alone, it’s a fair price.
The stables are open year-round, seven days a week (weather permitting). Even in the "off-season," the mountains have a weird, quiet beauty that makes a trail ride feel like you’ve stepped back into the 19th century. Just you, the horse, and the sound of the river.