3 Best Dude Ranches in Tennessee

By VI Staff on December 7, 2019

If you’re looking to do some traveling around the beautiful United States, you have a lot of different options to choose from. Hotels and motels are the classic option, but why not try something different? Instead of setting yourself up in a boring old room, consider booking a stay at a dude ranch. These locations have seen a big surge in popularity recently as ecotourism and agritourism are becoming the best ways to see the world. At a dude ranch, you’ll be treated to authentic, old-fashioned accommodation with modern luxuries and amenities, as well as dozens of fun organized activities for all the family to enjoy.

1.Overview

Just like how glamping has become popular around the world, dude ranches offer an exciting way for travelers to get in touch with nature and learn a little about the Old West, while still enjoy the comforts they expect from top class hotels and resorts. The great state of Tennessee has a rich history behind it and ranching has always been a big part of the state’s culture and livelihood, so it’s one of the top spots in North America for anyone who wants to stay at a dude ranch.

Best Dude Ranches in Tennessee

Tennessee is a super spot to go on a dude ranch vacation. These are several highly-rated ranches all around the state, offering great access to nearby natural areas and dozens of outdoor activities from horseback tours to fishing trips. If you’re planning a relaxing dude ranch break in the Volunteer State, read on to learn about the best locations.

2.A Tennessee Dude & Guest Ranch

Open to visitors all year long, A Tennessee Dude & Guest Ranch offers one of the most authentic and beloved ranch experiences in the entire state. Not too far from the city of Chattanooga, this conveniently situated dude ranch is one of Tennessee's true hidden gems, offering a wide range of ranch and nature activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Nestled among the scenic Sequatchie Valley, the first thing that strikes you about A Tennessee Dude and Guest Ranch is the beauty of the location.

Guests can simply sit, relax, and observe the valley surroundings, feeling like they're truly a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and modern technology. If you want to make your stay a little more active, the ranch runs all sorts of fun activities for visitors of all ages. There's a big focus on horses at this location, with riding trails and lessons offered every day. Unique services like equine assisted therapy and hillbilly parties are also possible to reserve at this ranch, and the staff go to great lengths to cater for every guest.

1050 Ray Hixson Rd, Dunlap, TN 37327, Phone: 423-554-4677

3.French Broad Outpost Ranch

Situated in a stunning scenic spot on the banks of the French Broad River, this all-inclusive dude ranch offers some of the best vacation experiences in all of Tennessee. With more than 300 acres of land to enjoy and explore, French Broad Outpost Dude Ranch is perfectly located among the Smoky Mountains, ideal for climbers, mountaineers, hikers, or simple nature lovers who want to enjoy the beauty of the views from the quiet comfort of their Old West dude ranch rooms.

French Broad Outpost Ranch's slogan is that it's "Just like visiting grandma's house" and that's exactly the impression you'll get when you step inside the luxury lodgings of this lovely ranch. With old-country decor and only the comfiest, coziest beds, all guests are guaranteed to enjoy a lot of well-earned rest and wonderful food, with classic ranch fare like chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, and homemade breads on the menu every single day.

461 Old River Rd, Del Rio, TN 37727, Phone: 800-995-7678

4.Clearview Horse Farm

Just a few miles outside the city of Shelbyville, Clearview Horse Farm isn't technically a dude ranch but offers more or less the same authentic experience and is one of the best places to stay in Tennessee if you're looking to appreciate the beauty of the state's scenery and enjoy some old-fashioned American pastimes like rodeo shows and horseback riding.

As the name suggests, this is a prime location for equine-lovers, with Tennessee Walking Horses and other breeds raised on the land, which also features a huge indoor arena for lessons, horse shows, private rentals, and more. Guests at Clearview Horse Farms can take their pick from four unique rooms, each other private bathrooms, cable, and old-timey decorations that really give you the genuine feeling of life on the ranch.

2291 US-231, Shelbyville, TN 37160, Phone: 931-619-0773