Pet, feed and ride nature’s creatures
By Dave Ford
When the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are too much
for you and your family, slow down and step into nature’s den at
the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo.The barnyard setting among the mountains invites guests to relax and enjoy the rare opportunity to mingle with some of nature’s most gentle creatures.
The petting zoo lets guests get close to everything from a zebra to a miniature horse and many other exotic animals. Visitors also have access to over 100 hand-tamed deer, something that can’t be found anywhere else on a regular basis.
The highlight of the farm is the guided horseback trail rides, which are safe, full of shade and well-maintained. The guides are professionally trained riders, and are there to instill confidence in those who aren’t so sure about getting on the back of such a powerful yet beautiful animal. Walk-ins are welcome for the guided horseback trail rides, but reservations are highly recommended.
And something that’s more suited for the little ones that want to experience a horse as well are the pony rides. The horse and pony rides are open daily 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., while the petting zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo is located on 478
Happy Hollow Lane in Sevierville, TN. For information on rates and
schedules call the Deer Farm Zoo hotline at (865) 428-3337 or the Horse
Stables hotline at (865) 429-2276. You can also log onto
www.deerfarmzoo.com.
