Rounding up the usual suspects. (Courtesy, French Broad Outpost)
Gannon's French Broad Outpost Ranch CAPACITY 40 guests
SADDLE UP Hop on an Arabian, the Mercedes of trail horses, and head for the foothills of the Smoky Mountains along the French Broad River east of Knoxville. One- to two-hour rides are offered twice daily, or try your hand at the biweekly cattle drive. An optional overnight pack trip goes to a ridgetop overlooking the lodge.
OUT OF THE SADDLE Try Class II-IV whitewater rafting on the French Broad and Pigeon rivers or visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 17 miles away, to hike part of the Appalachian Trail.
LODGING The four lodge rooms, decorated with 19th-century Yankee memorabilia, each sleep four. Four log cabins, with loft bedroom, bath, kitchen, and porch, accommodate four to eight people.