Fly through the treetops and experience the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. There are 6 levels of rapids in the area with something for beginners and experienced rafters.
A trip to the top offers rewarding views of the mountains and downtown area.
and enjoy some 'shine. From the aquarium to Believe It Or Not to the mirror maze and Haunted Adventure, all ages will have a blast. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Try driving on the speedway yourself in the winter time for Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland. Many of these attractions offer other fun activities as well. If you're staying in a Smoky Mountain cabin, odds are that you won't have to look far to find a unique little antique shop. 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. With a capacity of 162,000, it is the third largest sports venue in America. Even if you don't want to get in the water, we recommend stopping for a photo op. The shakers show how the world has changed over the years, with some coming from ancient times! Warning: the Tail Of The Dragon is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced rider. You can tour the caverns on a guided walk offering plenty of crazy scenery, history, and geological facts about the caverns. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, North Carolina, and the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. To get there you must hike the 7.3 mile roundtrip Devil's Fork Loop Trail. The original barn opened its doors in 1981 and has been family owned and operated ever since; their apple orchard now has over 4,000 trees. If you've never done it before, don't sweat it; fully trained axe throwers will be there to assist. 
Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Pick your era and choose a costume to get started with the fun of Wild Gals Old Time Photo. The Space Needle also offers an arcade and pizza shop inside. The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo is a great stop for animal lovers looking for close-up encounters. You can witness this rarity for yourself in the summer by winning the lottery to reach the viewing area. Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant is a treasure on the Cosby side of the Smoky Mountains. The visitor center is located in Chestnut Hill, Tennessee and now functions as a general store and museum. Soaky Mountain Waterpark is a 50 acre playground with all the classic wet and wild activies you look for in a waterpark: a wave pool, lazy river, state-of-the-art waterslides, and even the Avalaunch, a first of its kind watercoaster. A newer type of attraction in the Smokies, axe throwing has introduced a sport to the area that has been rapidly growing in popularity worldwide. Voted best restaurant in 2020, their delicious dining experience isn't the only thing you'll find at this historic location. Alum Cave Trai Gatlinburg is truly a destination for wine lovers. Many motorcyclists enjoy taking on the parkway, but you can enjoy it just as easily by car. His birthplace is located in Limestone, Tennessee (about a half hour drive southwest from Johnson City) and was turned into a state park in 1973, 187 years after he was born. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Choose a rafting outfitter and take a guided rafting trip to work on your teamwork, cooperating and coordination while having a blast in the water. #attractions #gatlinburg #outdoors #pigeonforge #sevierville #smokymountains #thingstodo. 212 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. 
Score a permit from the NPS, choose your hike, pack your bags, and head into the wilderness. The peak is popular, so go early in the day to beat the crowds. The one of a kind Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is home to North America's first Alpine Flyer, a two seated suspended coaster that swings, dips and soars through the ridge. Driving the 11-mile one-way loop road through Cades Cove takes you through a lush valley surrounded by mountains. The 11,000 gallons of flowing water is a refresshing 50-60 degrees and leads down into a cool eight foot deep pool. Did you know you can experience the thrill of a casino without having to fly to Vegas? Stop by to buy apples, apple butter, fresh squeezed cider and their famous fried apple fritters. The Apple Barn Village is located just off the Pigeon Forge parkway and offers a variety of dining, shopping and tasting options. There are also plenty of places to go swimming, fishing or camping. Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park is one of the most unique attractions in the Pigeon Forge area. 
The Great Smoky Mountains have an explosion of wildflowers in spring and summer. During the fall, hikers are treated to spectacular views of the changing leaves. The 469 miles of recreational roadway that make up the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway start in the Great Smoky Mountains and continue into the Shenandoah National Park. Treat yourself to a relaxing getaway at Riverstone Resort. Today, the Dam visitor center is open during the summer and fall and the dam itself is accessible to visitors year round. Blackberry Farm is more than just a resort, however; the destination has a spa, a brewery, wine & whiskey tastings, delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and multiple places to enjoy your meal. 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886. The Rocky Top Wine Trail is a five-stop journey through the Great Smoky Mountains. The area in general is really a great place to visit with lots of outdoor activities including hiking trails and swimming holes. It's a unique way to experience the region and take in it's beauty. The Sinks is a picturesque spot in the Smoky Mountains where the river turns and creates natural, crystal clear pools with a waterfall near by.
The parks showy flame azaleas and rhododendrons also burst to life starting in April in the low elevations and into June up high. This 200 foot observation wheel is not only an iconic sight, but also one of the coolest ways to catch beautiful views of the Smokies.
Regardless of the ride you choose, you'll have a blast on a mountain coaster.
1250 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876. Drive or hike to the higher elevations for sweeping views over the parks 100-plus tree species painting the hills in bright oranges, yellows, and reds; target mid-September for higher-elevation colors and mid-October for lower ones. Sports fans can enjoy touring the facility, but it's also a great location for special events (wedding receptions, birthday parties, and even proms). Sit back and watch timber sports performed by real lumberjacks, and then try one of the challenges for yourself. If you wander into North Carolina check out Haunted Asheville, the city's original and oldest ghost tour. The Old Mill near the Pigeon Forge parkway has been a staple of the area since 1830. There are 5.8 miles of hiking trails leading up to the highest point in Knox County, Tennessee. Guests who get all of their passport stamps will receive a free gift at the last winery on their trek. 
Dollywood now hosts 3 million guests annually. The historic facility has since been converted into a crime museum offering self-guided tours that you will certainly never forget. There's truly nothing else quite like it, and anyone brave enough and at least 40" tall can take on the exciting challenge. Flyaway Indoor Skydiving has been around since 1983 and is fun for ages 5 to 90 years old. The Appalachian Trail runs through rhododendron bushes in bloom on Jane Bald northeast of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
After the park was established and the cottage owners' leases expired, the NPS decided to let nature reclaim these buildings. They have a fully stocked pond and all the gear and bait you need to catch your very own trout. Along the wooded hiking trail you'll come across sweeping mountain views in surprising places, peaking through the trees. 226 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC 28713. Walk or drive acrosss the dam and you'll catch incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. You can go paddle boarding or kayaking in Mead's quarry, mountain bike the 10 miles of biking trails, hike along the water and through the forest, or work out in one of their "primal" playgrounds. The Ridge Outdoor Resort offers luxury camping and glamping experiences in the Smoky Mountains. Up for some fall family fun?
If you've never played an escape room before we recommend the fan favorite Gold Rush, a treasure hunt themed room. One thing they all have in common is the view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Hike to Silers Bald 5 miles one-way west from Clingmans Dome. The owners say, "Our goal is to provide our customers with an extraordinary cheese experience," which is what you'll have upon visiting the farm. It's a great family destination with activies for all ages. Just make sure you have a fishing license! In the early 1900s the tourism community of Elkmont, TN took residence in what is now the national park. Because of its remote location, escape attempts were infrequent. No matter whether you like it big and bold or sweet and spa We were lucky enough to have the chance to speak with Brenda Schultz, owner of Rafting In The Smokies, about j CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. Rutherford Farms is located in Maryville, Tennessee just a short drive from the Smoky Mountains. You'll find challenging mountaineer hazards on both of the 18 hole mini golf courses. Since the 1940s, Kyle Carver and his family have been growing apples on their 75 acre family farm. The Village Shops in downtown Gatlinburg are a great place to go shopping.
Smoky Mountain Angler is an authorized fishing guide service for the Smoky Mountains. On each tour, you'll ride in an open-air Pink Jeep Wrangler. Popular activities at this state park include hiking along the ridges and creeks, mountain biking, fishing, camping and more. The location also offers a shop, caf, a gem mine, and the opportunity to watch glass blowing. Due to its popularity in recent years, it's best to head out as early as possible. Check out their online photo gallery to get an idea of the kind of photo you'll want framed on your wall forever.
Right here in our backyard is Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort with 150,000 feet of classic gambling games like slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, and more. Today, more than 90 historic buildings remain in the park. Since 1954 the iconic Gatlinburg SkyLift Park has offered some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains, and now they have even more to offer. Trillium Gap Trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Le Conte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visit the landmark on Gay Street as you explore all this historic area has to offer. Beneath Lookout Mountain near the Tennessee Georgia border is the country's tallest and deepest underground waterfall that you can see with your own eyes. Ever dreamed of flying? The newest attractions opening this year. The Ridge is adding more amenities in 2020.
You'll find arcades, laser tag, classic carnival rides, and some unique things to do in Smoky Mountains like The Track's Blaster Boats, a fun and competitive take on bumper cars. Have more energy? Visitors can touch an iceberg and 28-degree water, sit in a life boat and see artifacts from the real Titanic that you can't find anywhere else. Things to do in the Smoky Mountains extend beyond East Tennessee and the national park. Pink Jeep Tours lets you ride through the Smoky Mountains in style while an expert guide shows you the best sights in the area. Just north of Bryson City, North Carolina and in the southern part of the national park is the beautiful Deep Creek area, featuring numerous waterfalls (Juney Whank, Tom Branch, and Indian Creek), hiking and biking trails, tubing, fishing, a campground and more. Stop by the park to learn more about the life and death of this famous Tennessean and why his legacy is worth remembering. To reach the courses you must ride the tram 300 feet up to the top of the mountain. Since 1944 the incredible Foothills Parkway has been under construction to connect the western US Highway 129 to the eastern Interstate 40 in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Cherohala Skyway is a 43 mile long scenic byway in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Ever seen a natural water slide? 469 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 7D Dark Ride Adventure is a one of a kind interactive gaming experience that you can try at two different locations in the Smokies. Nearby on the Pigeon Forge parkway, you'll find America's first vertical wind tunnel. Stop by one (or a few!) The land is now home to more than 1,500 dairy cows. They even have pricing per pound for you to take your catches home. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization whose mission is to "honor the past, celebrate the present, promote the future of women's basketball." The drive is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. There's plenty to do within the 11 mile Cades Cove loop area. With more than 800 miles of shoreline, there's plenty to do both on and off the water. The map includes trails, trailheads, points of interest, campgrounds, geologic history and much more printed on waterproof, tear-resistant material. Over 100 artists and craftsmen create their work and sell it in shops that can be found on an 8-mile loop. Whitewater rafting in the Smoky Mountains runs from March through September annually. There you can tour the Biltmore Mansion built by George Vanderbilt, and sample wine from their estate winery. This 6,643-foot round-top peak sits at the top of the parkand the state of Tennessee. Every Saturday morning in downtown Knoxville's Market Square during the spring and summer months, you can peruse and purchase fresh produce, honey, herbs, pasture raised meat, and handmade goods and artisan crafts from local vendors. Those of you that know what you're doing and have the proper equipment and sport bike for the ride, however - this is a must-do. Wears Valley is a great place to start.
It's a free opportunity to enjoy tubing and swimming during the summer. Other things the resort offers: cooking & gardening classes, a clay course, fly fishing, paintball, water sports, hiking, cycling, carriage rides, and horseback riding! Most vacationers dont have the time (or willingness) to through-hike the entire run but there are some sections of the trail that can be done in a day. For that reason we've put together a list of the top 100 things to do in the Smoky Mountains area from east Tennessee, middle North Carolina, and even southern Virginia. Ziplining in the Smoky Mountains is a thrilling experience. More than 1,500 flowering plants can be found in the region, including delicate spring beauties, several types of trillium, trout lilies, wild geranium, and orchids; visit from mid-April to mid-May for the best blooms.
Fun fact: the road got it's name from the combination of Cherokee and Nantahala, the two national forests the road passes through. You can see high above Douglas Lake or the French Broad or even soar over our very own Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Afterward you can even head south down Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald. Fans of the Tennessee Vols might know a little something about the history of The Gatlinburg Inn: it was the location where the song Rocky Top was written in 1967 by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. The farm has been open since 1976 and offers a variety of pre-picked and you-pick fruits and veggies throughout the year. Rent a boat and pull a wakeboard behind you for some exciting water sports fun. The Great Smoky Mountains portion of the Appalachian Trail is an awesome segment to try for those who don't want to backpack all 2,143 miles from Georgia to Maine. This museum is the only one of its kind in the whole world. In Cades Cove, youll find the greatest variety of churches, mills, barns, and cabins dating back to the early 1800s.
There's a reason NPR has called Asheville, North Carolina the Napa Valley of beer. If you're looking for something a little spookier, try the nighttime haunted maze or the zombie paintball adventure! After a retreat to nature, emerge into town and enjoy aquariums, rides, museums, and Dollywood, an amusement park and resort founded by country singer and actress Dolly Parton. The trip takes an average of one week to complete, and you'll see some of the best views and highest points in all of the AT. Guests can walk among the critters, which include camels, kangaroos, zebra, goats, reindeer, Elk, emu, deer, horses, cattle, Watusi, donkeys, zonkies and even more. Maps & directions, area information, and more useful info. Sunset over the Smoky Mountains in autumn. It's a great weekend destination for beer lovers and only about an hour and a half drive from Knoxville, Tennessee. If you've never been to a dinner show before, Pigeon Forge is the place to try it out.
Stop by their caf or tour the facilities.
If you've ever been on the Pigeon Forge parkway, there's no doubt you've spotted the upside down mansion. Do some research on hydrobiking! They take appointments for picking, so stop by and bring some Tennessee fruits and veggies home on your next trip. 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. The Townsend Wye is a popular destination for swimming and water recreation in the Smokies. The new waterpark just off exit 407 opened in 2020 and has been jam-packed with fun every since. The closest location to the Smoky Mountains is at UT Knoxville, with additional locations in Jackson and Crossville Tennessee.