Scottish Highland Cattle Experience at Cedar Pond Farms

Pet fluffy cows, learn to call them across the fields, groom them in the corral, then sit down to gelato and espresso

Meet Scottish Highland cattle at Cedar Pond Farms in Tennessee: a year-round activity where you pet, groom and learn to call these ancient cattle in the fields, then enjoy handmade gelato and fresh-roasted coffee. Children from age 2 are welcome, and each child under 12 needs an adult present. The experience runs about 75 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels.

The experience

What do you actually do when you arrive? You start with a 20-minute farm orientation covering safety and how Cedar Pond Farms manages its acreage across fields A through G to keep the operation self-sustaining. Then you spend 40 minutes in the fields with the Scottish Highland cattle themselves: petting them, grooming them in the corral, and learning how to call them. The cows are used to visitors and respond well to interaction. Bring carrots if you want extra approval from the herd. Wear old shoes since you'll be out on the farm, and bring a camera for cow selfies.

The learning piece is practical: you'll understand how the farm rotates cattle through different fields and what goes into managing a working operation. You'll also pick up the actual technique for calling the cattle, which the farm uses when moving them between pastures or bringing them in for feed. It's not a petting zoo moment. It's time spent around working animals on a functioning farm, with enough instruction to feel competent around them.

The last 20 minutes shift to the food side. You get gelato and sorbetto made fresh on-site from duck and chicken eggs, served in a cone or cup. Non-dairy options are available. The coffee menu includes lattes, hot chocolate, and locally roasted pour-overs and Americanos. There's also a brogatto: the farm's version of an affogato, with two scoops of gelato and a double shot of fresh espresso poured over it. This is free time to sit, eat and decompress after the activity.

What’s included

• Handmade gelato and sorbetto in a fresh-made cone or cup, with non-dairy options available.
• espresso, lattes, hot chocolate, and locally roasted coffee.
• a farm orientation covering the operation and land management.
• 40 minutes of hands-on time petting, grooming and learning to call the Scottish Highland cattle.
• a live guide in English throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (9 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 8 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Is this one for you?Cedar Pond Farms is located in Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains, so if you're staying in the area without a car, you'll need to arrange your own transport to the farm. The experience is designed for families, couples and groups, and the four-person minimum means small parties can book together affordably: many guests bring two or three people and split the base fee.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (9 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 8 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What are Scottish Highland cattle actually like to be around?

Scottish Highland cattle are one of the world's oldest breeds, with written records dating back to the 6th century. At Cedar Pond Farms, they're accustomed to visitors and respond well to petting and interaction. They're calm enough for families and children to handle with guidance, though they're still working farm animals, not domesticated pets.

What if I'm not very fit or have mobility concerns?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll spend time standing in the fields and the corral, but there's no hiking, climbing or strenuous activity involved. If you have specific mobility questions, contact the farm directly before booking.

Do I need to bring anything, or wear anything special?

Bring old shoes since you'll be in the fields with the cattle. A camera is useful for photos. If you want to earn extra approval from the cows, bring carrots. Otherwise, Cedar Pond Farms provides everything else, including the gelato, coffee and all instruction.

How much time is this, and when can I go?

The experience runs about 75 minutes total: 20 minutes for orientation, 40 minutes with the cattle, and 20 minutes for gelato and coffee. It operates year-round, so you can book any time you're visiting the Smoky Mountains area.

What's the minimum group size, and how does pricing work?

The minimum booking is four people. If your group is smaller than four, you pay the four-person fee. If your group is larger, there's an additional per-person fee for anyone above four. Many guests bring two or three people but pay the four-person minimum.