Shadow Mountain Ranch

What a great place! Jim made us feel at home and we can’t wait to go back. Wonderful biscuits and gravy for breakfast!!! Thanks Jim

My family just had a reunion at Shadow Mountain Guest Ranch, and I’m happy to report it was a blast! The cabins are cozy and allowed each family to have a little privacy when needed, as opposed to our other options (like 27 people in a huge mountain house). The stream running through the property and the wide fire pit with logs to sit on gave the place a summer camp air. The owners were helpful and made a pretty tasty breakfast to boot! A few of the younger kids were excited because they were convinced we were staying with Santa Claus (the owner has a long white beard and glasses). I slipped my Christmas list under their door just in case.
Also at Shadow Mountain Guest Ranch is their affiliate, High Country Trails. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THEIR SERVICES. We went on their hay ride with a few other families that turned into one of the most terrifying events of our lives, followed by a complete lack of compassion or respect. It was obvious when we started the ride that the horses were mistreated. I discussed with my family and overheard the other families whispering about it, which immediately brought on an uncomfortable vibe and feeling of guilt for being driven by mistreated horses. The drivers, although nice enough, were teenagers and seemed inexperienced and unsure of themselves. To «cut to the chase» the horses driving the hayride went out of control into a full gallop. Kids screaming, crying — adults were laying on top of the kids to protect them. My brother grabbed the yoke to attempt to slow the horses without success. The horses made a turn which caused the front axle to snap in half, the carriage flipped on its side and one of the horses harnesses luckily broke off and he kept running. The only saving grace when the carriage overturned was one of the horses was wedged between a tree and the carriage — which cushioned the blow and kept us from slamming into the tree which would have tossed people out of the carriage into the tree or past it. Back at the ranch, one the employees confirmed that this has only happened a few times… comforting (How are they still in business… Are they kidding???) That experience was traumatizing enough, but that’s not even the worst part. Aside from our young driver immediately after the crash, there was not a single apology or hint of concern from the High Country Trails owners or staff. When engaged in conversation about the crash, the owner just said, «that’s why you signed the waiver». Well — between the mistreated horses, the inexperienced drivers, the horrific ride and the lack of human decency — I give High Country Trails a resounding ZERO STARS!