Smoky Mountain Deer Farm

Why go: A 140-acre working farm where you can walk among tame fallow deer, hand-feed camels and zebras, and saddle up for shaded trail rides on the same property.

About Smoky Mountain Deer Farm

Family-run since 1989, the farm spreads across 140 acres of foothills tucked into a quiet mountain hollow on the edge of Sevierville. Three distinct attractions share the property: an exotic petting zoo, an old-fashioned pony ride, and the Deer Farm Riding Stables with guided horseback trail rides. You can do all three in an afternoon or pick just one and still leave with a story.

The petting zoo follows a single gravel loop with feeding stations along the way. Residents include camels, zebras, kangaroos, ostriches, Continental Giant rabbits, Highland cattle, donkeys, zonkies, Rocky Mountain elk, reindeer, emus, miniature horses, pygmy goats, and the resident fallow and Sika deer. Each pen is signed with clear feeding instructions, and staff are nearby for questions.

After more than 36 years under the same ownership, the farm has built a reputation for a calm, low-pressure atmosphere that contrasts with the busier attractions back along the Parkway.

Getting to Smoky Mountain Deer Farm

The farm sits well off the main tourist corridor, in a rural mountain hollow accessed by Old Knoxville Highway and then Happy Hollow Lane. One important heads up before you set out: another small petting attraction opened on the same road in recent years with signage reading “Exotic Petting Farm.” That separate facility is not affiliated with the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm, which sits one additional mile further up Happy Hollow Lane. GPS can be unreliable on this stretch, so the farm offers a dedicated directions line at (865) 429-3941 if you get turned around. Buses, RVs, and tractor-trailers should also call ahead, since parking for oversized vehicles is limited at the property.

Why Choose Smoky Mountain Deer Farm

Sevierville has no shortage of family attractions, but the Deer Farm covers ground most petting zoos do not. Three separate experiences live on one working property, the species mix runs well beyond goats and donkeys, and the operation has had over three decades to refine the details.

• Three attractions in one stop. The petting zoo, pony rides, and horseback trail rides all run from the same gift shop entrance, so families with mixed interests do not have to split up or drive between venues.
• An unusual species mix. Kangaroos, zebras, camels, zonkies, Continental Giant rabbits, and Rocky Mountain elk are not standard at Smoky Mountain petting farms, and they are all here.
• Tripadvisor Travelers Choice recognition. The farm holds a Travelers Choice award reflecting consistent visitor satisfaction over multiple years.
• Wide, shaded trails. Riding paths run 8 to 12 feet wide and stay 60 to 85 percent shaded depending on the season, an easier experience for first-time and rusty riders.
• Well-cared-for animals. Riding horses get at least two days off each week and rest in barn shade between trips, and the petting zoo animals receive regular veterinary care.

Must Do

Even on a quick visit, a handful of stops are worth lining up so the kids do not leave wondering what they missed. These are the experiences regulars build a visit around.

• The Fallow Deer Walk-In Pen. The signature experience. Step inside the enclosure, let the deer come to you, and have the camera ready before the feed cup empties.
• The Petting Zoo Loop. A single gravel loop links every pen, with each species labeled and clear instructions on which animals you can hand-feed and which to observe only.
• Old-Fashioned Pony Rides. A fenced ring with gentle ponies led by parents, designed for the smallest riders just getting comfortable around horses.
• Guided Horseback Trail Rides. Choose a 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute ride through shaded woods. The longer rides reach higher viewpoints and suit riders comfortable in the saddle.
• The Camel and Zebra Hand-Feeds. Two of the species visitors most remember. Both will eat calmly from an outstretched palm if you approach with patience.

What to Expect

The on-site experience is informal and self-paced. A few practicalities are worth knowing in advance, especially if toddlers are along or anyone in the group plans to ride.

• Horseback rider rules. Solo riders must be at least 5 years old and 48 inches tall, with a maximum weight of 250 pounds. Younger or smaller riders can double up with an adult for an added fee.
• Pony rider rules. Pony riders are capped at 100 pounds and 56 inches tall. Tickets are refundable if a child decides at the last minute they are not ready to ride.
• Reservations. Horseback rides require a phone reservation at (865) 429-2276 due to high demand. The petting zoo and pony rides accept walk-ins.
• Helmets on request. ASTM-certified riding helmets are available for both pony and horseback rides at no extra cost.
• Footwear. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for any rider, and strollers roll comfortably along the zoo paths.
• Feed cup. A 22-ounce souvenir feed cup is sold at the entrance and is generally enough to share around most pens.
• Weather-dependent rides. Horseback and pony rides may be canceled in heavy rain or storms. The zoo stays open in light weather.
• Late-afternoon cutoffs. Last zoo admission is suggested by 4:00 PM, and the final horseback rides depart between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM depending on ride length.
• Oversized vehicles. Parking for buses, RVs, and tractor-trailers is limited. Call ahead before arriving in a large vehicle.

Nearby in Sevierville

• Forbidden Caverns. Underground walking tours through one of the largest cavern systems in the eastern United States, a short drive from the Deer Farm.
• Foxfire Adventure Park. A combined ropes course, ziplines, and outdoor obstacle park tucked into the same stretch of rural Sevierville.
• Wahoo Ziplines. A multi-line zipline canopy tour minutes from the Deer Farm, popular with families graduating from gentler activities.

Explore More

My Smoky Mountain Guide Sevierville is a great resource for finding things to do and places to eat.

• Sevierville Food & Beverage Guide. The full slate of restaurants, cafes, and breweries to pair with your day at the farm.
• Sevierville Outdoor Adventure. The category hub for ziplines, caverns, riding stables, and outdoor experiences across town.
• Sevierville Attractions. Theme parks, mini-golf, family entertainment, and indoor stops for a rainy afternoon.
• Sevierville Things to Do. The full picture of every Sevierville activity category from one landing page.