Ever wish you could step back in time and enjoy the little things again? At Big Rock Dude Ranch, that is the focus of the fun! Big Rock offers an escape in the great outdoors with all of your favorite activities, including horseback riding in Gatlinburg, fishing, gem mining and more. Read on to learn all about this family-friendly attraction and explore the best things to do at the ranch.
Horseback Riding in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
One of the biggest draws to Big Rock Dude Ranch is the opportunity to enjoy horseback riding in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. The horses at Big Rock have a great temperament and disposition, making them very safe to ride. They have also received a Gilliham and Associates #1 rating for safety, which is very difficult to obtain. The trail is a 3.5 mile mountain ride (takes about an hour) with incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
More InfoPlease note: There is no weight limit for horseback riding at Big Rock Dude Ranch- they have larger horses for guests over 250 pounds. With this in mind, please call in advance to ensure that the larger horses are available on the date of your visit.
Mine For Gems
Head over to the flume at Big Rock Dude Ranch and mine for some gems with your family. Bags of ore are available for purchase and guarantee you some great finds. There are plenty of Geo's in the mix, including Quartz Crystal, Amethyst, Pyrite, Serpentine, Jade, Turquoise & more. The gems come from all around the world and you get to keep all of your findings. This means that gem mining is not only a fun activity for your trip, but it also offers a great souvenir to take home as well.
Feed The Animals
All guests at Big Rock Dude Ranch are encouraged to take advantage of the free petting zoo to get up close to some of your favorite animals. The petting zoo has goats, ponies, rabbits, llamas, emus, chickens, ducks, peacocks, geese and other birds. You can also visit the General Store and purchase a bag of feed for the animals. The animals are incredibly friendly and staff is always nearby to answer any questions you may have.
Cast A Line
Try your luck at fishing in the Smoky Mountains at Big Rock Dude Ranch. They provide the rod, reel and bait. All you need to do is pick a spot around the stocked fishing pond and cast your line. Some of your possible catches at this pond include bluegill, crappie, catfish & bass. This pond is catch and release, so be sure to take a picture with your catches and then throw them back. Big Rock Dude Ranch makes it easy to fish and have fun.
Enjoy A Picnic
During the warmer months of the year, Big Rock Dude Ranch makes the perfect backdrop for a Smoky Mountain picnic. There are picnic tables around the property near the fishing pond and creek to take advantage of after horseback riding. Bring your picnic basket and pick your spot on the property to enjoy a meal. There are also horseshoe pits near the picnic area- so challenge your friends on your next trip.
Do Some Shopping
Bring home something special to help remember your visit at the Big Rock Dude Ranch. Stop by the General Store at the ranch to shop 'til you drop. Browse through the shirts, cowboy hats, stuffed animals, candy and other memorabilia they have on the shelves. The General Store is also where you'll purchase your tickets for horseback riding and get food for the petting zoo.
Explore Some History
Inside the General Store, there is a Heritage Museum for visitors to explore. The Heritage Museum features relics from the Civil War and local primitives. Take some time to walk the museum and read about the exhibits- you'll be surprised at how much you can learn! The museum also partners with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant new trees- so far they have planted over 5,000 trees thanks to ranch visitors.
Big Rock Dude Ranch is a great option for a whole day of fun in the Smoky Mountains. Be sure to stop by on your next vacation.
