My group of friends made our 2022 Urban Cowboy trip in June. Our destination was the Buffalo River Trail Ride in Waynesboro, Tennessee. It was 37 other friends and me from Texas that made the 800+ mile journey. I learned of the trail ride from Dom N Sweetie on the Horse Trails of America (HTA) Facebook Group. It was a wonderful choice.
This campsite is along the Buffalo River with cool water to sit in, float in, and have a good time. Also, on the bluff is a cliff dive if you have the nerve to do it. Finally, it comes time to get out on the trails. You can go out on your own, or you can follow one of the staff guides.
Well, a few of us got set up with Max, a 30-year veteran of riding there. An amazing man that knows the trails.
Day 1 of trail riding got off to a wild start - my mustang got spooked and decided we were going to rodeo through our group of riders.
Thankfully, no one was hurt. I did get my 8-second ride; just no one scored. It did get a little scary towards the end, as the left rein came unclipped. I grabbed my lead rope on that side and got my horse to calm down.
So, off we head to the trails...
The scenery was just amazing. There were just so many switchbacks, ups and downs to ride on. The shade provided great cover to keep you cool on the ride. I cannot even count how many waterfalls we saw and had our pictures taken.
Each day was different, and Max took us on trails that don’t usually get ridden. One of the trails even has the Bat Cave. You can enter and go about 150-175ft into where there is a domed area to stand up in. The temperature was really cool on the inside. You almost did not want to come out. You did have to walk through about eight inches of water in one section. Every day, the trails had something new and amazing to see.
The time on these trails gives you plenty of time to clear your mind and become one with nature. During one ride, I got so relaxed and just felt the nature around me that my mind decided to come up with some lyrics for a song. I did sing it for a few friends at the back of our group of riders. We got a good chuckle out of it (tune not included)…
Drove on out to Tennessee Found a spot to camp
With my dog and horse
Saddled up my horse
Rode on down to the waterfalls
Found my friend
Had a beer or two with them
During these week-long trips, I like to give my horse at least one day off. So, we decided to make it the Wednesday and loaded up the truck to head into Nashville. No, I did not record the song in Nashville. Maybe someone will use it to make something with it.
We spent the day touring around the Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum. We had lunch at Ole Red and even got some dancing in before walking out. Definitely worth the day trip to give the horses a break.
Outside of the trails to ride, lots of people took their horses to the river to ride in it and just cool off. You could also float it or even just sit in it and relax.
Once the evening rolled around, there was a nightly band. Lots of folks gathered to get their dancing in for the night. It was also a perfect time to visit with other trail riders from all over. I made some good friends with people from Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Ohio. Even the kids were getting into the dancing.
The staff at the campsite was wonderful the whole time we put the group together to go. They tried to get us all together as best as possible. Jennifer, in the office, was amazing. Any request or need we had was taken care of. In your fees, the kitchen staff kept you fed three times a day with some awesome food.
During these week-long trips, I like to give my horse at least one day off. So, we decided to make it the Wednesday and loaded up the truck to head into Nashville. No, I did not record the song in Nashville. Maybe someone will use it to make something with it.
We spent the day touring around the Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum. We had lunch at Ole Red and even got some dancing in before walking out. Definitely worth the day trip to give the horses a break.
Outside of the trails to ride, lots of people took their horses to the river to ride in it and just cool off. You could also float it or even just sit in it and relax.
Once the evening rolled around, there was a nightly band. Lots of folks gathered to get their dancing in for the night. It was also a perfect time to visit with other trail riders from all over. I made some good friends with people from Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Ohio. Even the kids were getting into the dancing.
The staff at the campsite was wonderful the whole time we put the group together to go. They tried to get us all together as best as possible. Jennifer, in the office, was amazing. Any request or need we had was taken care of. In your fees, the kitchen staff kept you fed three times a day with some awesome food.
Our group had such a great time, and the camp truly enjoyed having us. On Friday night, for the awards and saddle drawing, we presented the camp owner Tracy with a Texas Plaque signed by our group. Just something to show them our appreciation for such a great time.
If you ever want a trail ride that is pretty much all-inclusive, I would highly suggest the Buffalo River Trail Ride in Tennessee. They do four week-long organized rides a year. Look for the Texas Group on the wall of fame in the dining area. No matter where you go or when you go, get out on the trails. Saddle Up, Let’s Ride!!!
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