Friday, April 4th – We kicked off the weekend a little early with a much-needed escape from the city and headed north to Dahlonega, Georgia. The mission? Horseback riding through the peaceful mountain trails with Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides inside Forest Hills Resort.

Both Bex and I have riding experience, and while we were hoping to find a place that would let us go off on our own, most trail companies understandably require a guide. That said, we found a great compromise with a private ride — or so we thought.

We left Atlanta around 7:30 AM and made it just in time for our 9:00 AM ride. The stables were well-kept, with a large number of healthy-looking horses and a serene mountain backdrop. After signing waivers and getting assigned our horses, we were met by the son of the owner who now helps run the family business. He was friendly and knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the animals.

Though we had booked a 2-hour private ride, we were asked if we could accommodate one additional rider — not a deal-breaker, but worth noting for anyone booking a private experience expecting true one-on-one time.

The ride itself was beautiful. The horses were clearly pros — they knew the trail and followed each other without fuss. We wound through forested trails, up and down hills, even got a few chances to gallop a bit. The weather couldn’t have been better — cool, clear, and just right for riding.

By the time we dismounted, we were a little sore but all smiles. After the ride, we took a stroll through Forest Hills Resort — a quaint, woodsy spot with a cozy gift shop full of local knick-knacks and mountain trinkets. Definitely worth a browse.

Booking the Ride

While their website is simple to navigate, some of the ride options (like the private rides) required calling in to finalize the reservation. Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

Private Rides (Midweek)

• 1 Hour: $80 per person
• 2 Hours: $160 per person
• 4 Hours: $270 per person
• Ages 8+
• Max group size: 20
• Includes guaranteed privacy for your group
• Located next to Forest Hills Resort, which offers a breakfast buffet from 8:30–10:30 AM

Public Rides

• 1 Hour: $55 per person
• 2 Hours: $110 per person
• 4 Hours: $220 per person
• Ages 8+
• Max group size: 7
• Perfect for beginners — includes a short intro lesson

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If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic, and accessible horseback riding experience in North Georgia, Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides is a solid choice. Just maybe double-confirm the “private” part when booking.

We’ll definitely be back — and who knows? Maybe one day they’ll trust us to hit the trails on our own!