This 825-acre North Carolina Ranch Is a Perfect Mother-daughter Getaway-With Epic Views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a Cowgirl Camp

""Our vision is to host a serene escape where mothers can step away from the decision making and busyness of daily life as a mom to focus all of their energy toward bonding with their daughter," says Annie Colquitt, proprietor of Cataloochee Ranch."

""Cowgirl Camp is the perfect time to try something new and outside of your comfort zone," says Colquitt. "Have you never been on a horse before? This is the perfect time and a safe space to give it a try.""

""For me, this isn't just a job or a ranch; it's a legacy," says barn manager Tracy Reed. She has worked at the ranch for more than 30 years, now leading horseback rides and a Beyond the Saddle presentation with her daughter, Matty Garnes, to help visitors understand horse behavior."

Cataloochee Ranch, established in 1933, spans 825 acres near the Blue Ridge Parkway. It provides a family-friendly escape with luxury amenities. The ranch's Cataloochee Cowgirl Camp, launched in 2025, offers a weekend of adventure and relaxation, focusing on mother-daughter bonding through activities like horseback riding and art classes. Due to its popularity, additional dates were added for 2026. The camp includes various bonding activities, such as pottery making and square dancing, emphasizing a legacy of connection and learning about horse behavior.

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