Sandy Bottom Trail Rides, Marshall

The friendly and knowledgeable guides at Sandy Bottom Trail Rides lead horseback riders and horse-drawn wagon passengers into the high country surrounding their secluded mountain ranch, owned for three generations by a single clan. Rides range from one hour to a full day pass through the wooded expanses and mountainous terrain of Madison County, where onlookers can spot Big Ball Mountain and even see Tennessee when it isn’t hiding underneath Kentucky. Tucked away in a corner of the ranch lies Little Pine Gem Mine – accessible on the three- and four-hour trips. Here, riders can dismount and dig for gem-quality garnets to haul home. Sandy Bottom enforces no age or weight limit, and even has smaller horses for youngsters, allowing riders of all types to participate in equine journeys and enjoy the fresh mountain air.