Elk Mountain Riding Company

06/09/2026

We ❤️ hosting guests at this unique and very private mountain escape!
Our goal is to offer an experience that you won’t find just anywhere. We start the day out with a scenic and adventurous horseback ride to the top of Elk Mountain in Newland, NC. You will arrive in the middle of hundreds of acres of pristine wilderness (with some modern conveniences of course). Once there, the mountain is all yours to soak in. A delicious and hearty evening meal is cooked for you on an open fire, and you have the rest of the evening to stargaze and imagine the days of old -when days and nights like this were common living. Come check out this excursion if you are looking for something very special, that you will remember for a lifetime! 🤠

The ultimate glamping experience on Elk Mountain.

06/08/2026

✨ A magical mountain experience your kids will talk about all summer! Spots are limited, and firefly season does not last long.✨

For a few special nights only, Elk Mountain will come alive with glowing fireflies, creek critters, and hands-on nature discovery.

Bring the family for Fireflies & Creek Critters at Elk Mountain Riding Company. A limited summer event where kids can watch fireflies glow all around them, and learn about the tiny creatures that help keep our mountain streams healthy.

🌙 Firefly Viewing Nights
June 19, 21 & 23
8 PM – 10 PM

💦 Creek Critter Day
June 25
6 PM – 9 PM

👧 FREE admission for kids 17 and under
Limit 2 kids per adult.

Your eco education guide, Spencer Bechtol, is an Appalachian State graduate researcher focused on Southern Appalachian stream ecology, aquatic macroinvertebrates, watershed health, and water-quality outreach, making this a fun, memorable, and genuinely educational experience for families.

🎟️ Get tickets now:
https://fireflies.elkmountainriding.co

📍 Elk Mountain Riding Company
161 Johnson Rd, Newland, NC 28657

Don’t miss one of the most magical family nights of the summer. 🌲✨🪲

05/29/2026

Summer is almost officially here and it’s been busy, busy around the farm! 🤠

05/24/2026

Grateful for the rain this week, and for all the beauty that comes with it! 💦🤠

05/23/2026

Another local attraction, Elk River Falls, is reopening this weekend! Avery County is officially open for your summer vacation enjoyment! Come see us!🤠🐎❤️
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https://wataugaonline.com/elk-river-falls-reopens-just-in-time-for-memorial-day-weekend-after-extensive-helene-cleanup/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAR91dxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEefz7QvgSCRHNJAVNAeAc21qFeptapIKQyMIJvxtp3ZRryv3u-F0iT-UyYDuA_aem_wPTKlPWXGU7em1XTmZWXZg

The Elk River Falls area on Pisgah National Forest has reopened to the public, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The U.S. Forest Service announced the reopening Friday, saying contractors had completed removal of remaining storm debris and repaired damage along the Elk River corridor following....

05/20/2026

A popular attraction nearby has reopened! Linville Falls has been a local, must-see waterfall hiking destination for decades. 🤠