Blackberry Farm

A relaxing way to explore the farm, at a leisurely pace, suitable for all levels of experience.

For the confident equestrian, comfortable posting the trot, in English tack, galloping and jumping (optional) in open and wooded terrain.

Wander the fields and streams of Blackberry with your personal guide.

Introduction to mini-and full-size horse; grooming, leading, tack, and leadline ride, bring a camera!

English (jumping optional) or Western.

For experienced riders, currently riding fit, confident over steep terrain and water crossings. Please contact stables for availability.

Whether or not you choose to put your foot in the stirrup, savor the opportunity to “join up” with a horse, explore the essence of the human/horse relationship through non-verbal communication, action and perception. Arrive seeking an understanding of the horse and leave with a powerful connection.

Topics include natural horsemanship, horse psychology, safety, grooming, tack, English or Western riding instruction in the ring and on the trail. Private activity.

For experienced equestrians comfortable posting the trot in English tack and galloping rugged terrain. Jumping optional. Please contact stables for availability and pricing.

Clip-clop down a shady lane and amble through the countryside. Slow your pace of life. Experience scenic vistas and pure mountain streams from the cozy comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. If you are interested, your driver is well-versed in Blackberry history and local lore. Hoofbeats create a rhythm for a beautiful Blackberry memory. Rides by appointment only. Plan on hour or more.

• Carriage Ride (Two guests) $300
• Carriage/Wagonette Ride (Three-Eight guests) $400
• Wagon Ride (Nine -Twelve guests) $600

Blackberry Farm is home to what may be the best mile of trout water in Tennessee. Beneath a canopy of trees, Hesse Creek harbors rainbow and brown trout ranging from eight inches to eight pounds. This jewel of a mountain stream is best fished in the Spring and Fall, but thanks to our mild weather and water temperatures, Hesse Creek can produce better-than-average fishing in the Summer, but especially in the Winter. Hesse Creek is a catch-and-release stream, and only fly-fishing with artificial flies is permitted. The stream is reserved for guided trips year-round, unless special arrangements are made.

Two ponds grace our grounds and accommodate anglers in pursuit of more casting freedom of different species. The larger Walland Pond contains bass, catfish and bream. The smaller Singing Brook Pond, which is home to trout in the Winter and bass and bluegill all year long, is situated near the Grey Drake, the fishing cabin that is home to our fly-fishing schools, fly tying classes and private instruction.

Orvis-Endorsed Lodge
The Orvis Company, America’s oldest continuous mail order company (since 1856), began its Endorsed Lodge Program almost 20 years ago. Its goal was to assure their customers that they could expect the finest combination of accommodations, fishing and shooting at these lodges because they met the Orvis Company’s approval. Today there are approximately 60 Orvis-endorsed lodges in the United States and Canada.

A sportsman’s paradise, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park adjoins Blackberry Farm. Its superb fishing destinations are within easy reach and are bountiful in Spring and Fall. The park contains more than 700 miles of fishable water and is truly a rare wild trout sanctuary—none of the streams are stocked. While rainbows and browns populate most of the major streams, the native Southern Appalachian brook trout still thrives in some of the elevated tributaries. Guests can drive to these waters in about 15–45 minutes. Half and full day guided trips are available.

A tailwater fishery north of Knoxville, the wide and pristine Clinch River is replete with trout. Blackberry guests can float down in a Mackenzie-style drift boat, catching browns, rainbows and brooks (this river produced Tennessee’s state record brown trout). The Clinch can be rewarding year-round, but the best fishing is in March through June and October through early November. The driving distance and length of the float make the Clinch River a full day trip only.

We also guide the Holston River, a Springtime favorite, located just East of Knoxville. The Holston is a diverse and scenic float that offers and angler a chance to fish several different types of water. The river hosts a robust population of rainbow trout, but we often pursue smallmouth bass in the warmer months. The Holston fishes best for trout from March through June and is a full-day trip only.

We recommend this learning experience—a detailed and distinctive type of angling—before a guided trip onto local trout waters. Each lesson covers equipment and theory, but focuses mostly on casting instruction. Geared for beginners, these private lessons provide a “crash course” in the world of fly-fishing basics. (Instruction on fly casting, presentation, reading water, fighting and landing fish.)

• $175 (per two people)Two-hour Private Instruction
  Each Additional Person $75
• Fly tying class (one hour)$95 (per person)

Two-hour lesson does not include guided time on the water.
(up to six people per lesson)

Beginner or old hand, our guides’ local knowledge is hard to beat. If you need instruction they can give it, or they are more than happy to show you where the big one lays. Guided trips can be taken on Hesse Creek, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or to one of the local tailwaters.

Per Person (two per guide)

• Mayfly (two hour)$175 (per person)
• Caddis Fly (four hour)$250 (per person)
• Hatch (eight hour)$395 (per person)
• Drifter$425 (per two people)

(float trip off property, up to two people)

Two-Hour Open Group Session (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
$195 (per person)

Two-Hour Private Group Session
$225 (per person)