Jayell Ranch Zip Lines & Horseback Riding

Jayell Ranch: Adventures Amid Smoky Mountains Scenery
Local Expert's Rating:
5.0 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Jayell Ranch offers fun and adventure for all ages. This place brings the family together for a day of thrills and gorgeous views. Be prepared to get a little dirty and have a lot of fun.

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

Jayell Ranch in Sevierville, Tennessee, is the ideal place to indulge in some much-needed fun and adventure. If you’re looking for an escape from the stress and commotion of daily living, Jayell Ranch can serve as a peaceful haven for you to relax and slow down.

Established on more than 260 acres, the Jayell Ranch offers panoramic views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. The property is home to the first house built outside of Shields Mountain Fort, the first major settlement in eastern Tennessee. The farm has been in the same family for more than 200 years. Today, this family-owned and operated business upholds high standards for fun, relaxation, and safety.

You can sit on the front porch and enjoy the breeze after a long shopping spree in nearby Pigeon Forge. If you’re feeling adventurous, try horseback riding, ziplining, off-road go-karts, or AVT tours. You may be surprised to find that you do not need reservations at Jayell Ranch. Instead, guests can check in up until 5 p.m. during regular business hours. Tours leave every 15 to 20 minutes for all three attractions. Plus, the ranch is open year-round and closes only for extreme weather during the winter months.

What are the main attractions at Jayell Ranch Zip Lines & Horseback Riding?

If you want to bring the little ones for a day of adventure, they should have no problem participating in Jayell Ranch’s main attractions. Anyone who is 5 years or older can ride their own horse. However, children younger than 5 must ride with an adult. If you want to try an ATV tour, remember that visitors younger than 12 years old must ride with an adult. The ziplining tours don’t have any age restrictions for those who want to participate.

Speaking of ziplining, Jayell Ranch has the longest ziplines in the Smoky Mountains. The zipline and canopy tour has six lines and 2 miles of high-flying adventure. Each line has incredible scenery at every time of year, and your guides will add an extra level of entertainment and fun to each trip. If you’re a little afraid of heights, don’t worry! Guides here will put you at ease. Before getting started, they’ll review all of the safety guidelines and procedures in detail. Jayell Ranch makes safety a priority, and each participant will be fitted into a harness, helmet, and other appropriate gear before the adventure begins.

Once your ziplining tour takes off, you’ll experience the thrill of a lifetime. You’ll discover awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains, which include Mount Le Conte. You’ll be talking about how much fun you had on your way home. For those interested in horseback riding, Jayell Ranch has a gorgeous 4-mile, one-hour tour along a shady trail. You’ll wind through the ranch’s 260 acres of serene Smoky Mountain scenery, such as Shields Mountain Fort and Mount Le Conte.

The horseback ride is great for all experience levels, even those who have never been on a horse before. The guides are experienced, and the horses are well-trained and familiar with the path. Horses are also available for children who are afraid to participate. Avid riders should know that the trail is meant for beginners, and you’ll have some walking and little maneuvering to do.

If you’re in for more excitement, and a little mud, then the ATV ride may be for you. Take a ride on an all-terrain vehicle through the Smoky Mountains and let loose as you enjoy the incredibly fun 9-mile trails. This hour-long tour will feature plenty of adventure as you drive through the woods, creeks, and mud. Plus, you’ll find the views inspiring as always.

As with most of the adventure activities at Jayell Ranch, be prepared to get dirty. These activities are outdoor adventures, and you may find some challenging weather to deal with in addition to the usual elements. Make sure to dress appropriately for these types of conditions. Also keep in mind that you may have a bit of walking and extended periods of standing throughout your visit. Contact the ranch if you are concerned about the physical requirements for some activities.

The guides and other staff at Jayell Ranch are a major reason why many people rate this attraction so highly. No matter what the circumstances are, those who work at Jayell Ranch will make sure you and the rest of your party are having a fun time. They will gladly answer your questions and will spend plenty of time trying to make you laugh. Many people come back to Jayell Ranch specifically to take another tour with their favorite guides. Don’t forget to tip these hard-working individuals.

For those who want to try out one or more of the activities at Jayell Ranch, start early and be patient. Crowds typically start arriving by 1 p.m., and limited guides are available for each adventure. Each activity takes about an hour with some wait time in between. You can use this time to relax, have a picnic, and take in the atmosphere.

Whether you decide to visit Jayell Ranch for a day of adventure or a day of relaxation, you’ll be able to enjoy the views, the attentive and friendly staff, and quality time spent amid the tranquility that only the Smoky Mountains setting can provide.

Insider Tips:
-If you sign Jayell Ranch’s online waiver before arriving, you’ll receive $5 off per person on single activities, excluding UTV.
-If you decide to do a bundle of activities (such as ziplining, horseback riding, or ATV), the adventure may last about five hours, so consider bringing drinks and snacks.
-Horseback riding is typically the busiest activity. Check in first if that activity is something you would like to try.
-Bring some cash to tip your guides. They are a large part of what makes a day at Jayell Ranch so wonderful and fun.