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Posted:
Friday, April 16, 2004
East Fork Stables, Tennessee
By Kym Rouse Campbell
East Fork Stables is located in eastern Middle Tennessee along the East Fork of the Obey River on the spectacular Cumberland Plateau. Over 100 miles of horse and wagon trails wind through thousands of acres of private land. The trails pass by ponds and through grassy fields and woodlands on top of the plateau, with many offering scenic overlooks of the gorges below. Others take you to interesting geological formations. There are also trails that climb and descend the East Fork of the Obey River Gorge, as well as other gorges made by tributary creeks.
The 12,000 acres of land that is East Fork Stables has been in the Gernt Family since 1905. It was purchased for lumber and coal mining, and limited timbering and coal mining still occur. Bruno Gernt first came to Fentress County, Tennessee in 1879 with the construction of the Southern Railroad. The German immigrant pioneered the area's coal, lumber, and oil industries and founded the community of Allardt. Bruno Gernt was Fentress County's largest landowner and taxpayer, had eight children, and died in the 1932. The Gernt Family purchased the livestock barn and the small parcel of associated land on Highway 127 in 1992. In 1994, East Fork Stables opened, and the livestock barn became the main barn.
Upon arrival, all guests, whether riding for the day or staying overnight, must check in at the office. You must present a current negative Coggins for your horse, pick up a trail map, sign the required liability form, and pay the appropriate fees. The friendly staff will be glad to inform you of current trail conditions, as well as help you plan a ride. Day-use parking is available in the grass along the road southwest of the main barn/office. You can park your rig on the south side of the main barn while you are checking in at the office.
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Camping with your horse is permitted at three of the four outstanding campgrounds at East Fork Stables.
Photo by Todd S. Campbell |
East Fork Stable's over 100 miles of well-marked, scenic trails have something to offer every type of rider, from beginner to expert. Dogs are allowed on the trails, and all trails have plenty of water for your horse. The trails on top of the plateau are fairly level with easy climbs and descents and offer generally good footing, sometimes mixed with a few rocks. Many of these trails pass through grassy fields and are perfect for wagons since they are current or former roads. These trails, shown as black lines on the trail map, are suitable for beginner and average riders and horses in average condition. Beginners and those on horses not used to trail riding should avoid the trails marked in green on the map. These trails have some fairly difficult stream crossings and some extremely boggy areas during wet weather.
The trails descending and climbing the gorges should only be attempted by experienced riders on horses in good condition that are used to rough, mountain trails. These trails, marked in red on the trail map, are remote, are steep and rocky in some places, have long climbs and descents, and sometimes pass close to rock ledges. A loop down into the river gorge, along the East Fork of the Obey River, and back up again is highly recommended if you and your horse are in good condition and used to rough, mountain rides. A particularly dangerous trail is the one through York Gap, which passes narrowly by a rock ledge. Getting off and leading your horse through this narrow area is highly recommended, and it is safer to go up this trail than down.
East Fork Stables offers accommodations ranging from primitive camping to historic houses. There are four different campgrounds at East Fork Stables. Campground A has 28 campsites with water and electricity. You are not permitted to keep horses in Campground A; however, you can camp with your horse in Campgrounds B, C, and D. There are 45 campsites in Campground B; some have electric hookups, and water is available. Campground C has 15 sites with electricity and water. There are 50 campsites in Campground D. Most of the campsites have electric hookups, and water is available throughout the campground. Dogs must be on a leash when in campgrounds, barns, or the office.
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East Fork Stables offers many spectacular Cumberland Plateau vistas. Photograph provided by Joy Range, East Fork Stables.
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The 4-bedroom Gernt House is a restored farmhouse located nearby that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Scott House is a 3-bedroom modern house located on the East Fork Stables trail system. The Sewell House, located on Highway 127, has three bedrooms, pasture, and access to the trails. Other accommodations include 2-bedroom, 1-bath, fully-furnished cabins and a 2-bedroom apartment. East Fork Stables also offers two primitive cabins. Each is nestled in the woods, has six double-sized bunk beds, propane lanterns and stoves, and a wood stove. There is no electricity, drinking water is provided in a barrel, and the bathroom facility (outhouse) is located outside. An additional barrel of water is located on the back porch for uses other than drinking, and each cabin has a corral and stable area.
There are three barns at East Fork Stables. The main barn has over 70 10'x10' or 10'x12' stalls. Barn B has 20 10'x10' stalls, while Barn C has 24 10'x10' stalls. Water is available at each barn, and wash racks are located between Barns A and B. Most stalls have feed troughs, but you must bring your own water buckets. An outdoor arena and round pen are available.
The store at East Fork Stables sells feed, hay, drinks, ice, snacks, gifts, and some tack. The only users you should encounter on the trail are horseback riders and wagons. However, keep a look out for vehicles when riding on trails that are also roads. Coal mining periodically occurs within East Fork Stable's property during the weekdays. Check with the office to find out the exact locations of the coal mining areas.
East Fork Stables hosts many trail rides, which include wonderful meals, guides, and entertainment, and events each year. A North American Trail Ride Conference-sanctioned competitive trail ride has been held at East Fork Stables every September for years. East Fork Stables is located on Highway 127, 6 miles south of Jamestown, Tennessee and about 28 miles north of Crossville. You can reach Highway 127 from either I-75 or I-40. For more information, go to www.eastforkstables.com.
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