Top Adventures in the Tennessee Smokies

From mountain tops to rushing rivers, there are tons of adventures to get your adrenaline pumping and provide fun for the whole family.

A trip to the Tennessee Smokies is the perfect chance to experience adventure. A visit to this region is sure to be jam-packed with exciting things to do because thrilling and unforgettable experiences wait around every corner. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a place to go wild or a family wanting to spice up your visit and give your kids a great time, the Tennessee Smokies have something for everyone.

Sky Lifts, Chairlifts & Aerial Tramways

Take in the most incredible views and beautiful mountain vistas from a bird’s-eye perspective. Local sky lifts, chairlifts and aerial tramways allow visitors to soar high above the ground. This is the best way to see the unique landscape that draws millions of visitors each year.

Hike the Trails

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the best trails in the nation! The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a popular spot for people visiting the park. This 5.5-mile loop road provides sightseers interesting views of streams, gristmills log cabins and other historic buildings. Nearby enjoy two favorite waterfalls in the park, Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. Also, while it has a rather steep incline, Clingsman Dome Observation Tower is an elevated paved hiking trail that offers tremendous scenic views. Be sure to plan excursions ahead of time as trails vary from easy to strenuous.

Interactive Indoor Attractions

The Tennessee Smokies don’t just have your normal, run-of-the-mill museums. These attractions are more like indoor amusement parks. WonderWorks Pigeon Forge will keep the entire family entertained with more than 100 exhibits, a variety of obstacles and much more!

Close Encounters with Wildlife

From local zoos to the wildest animal parks around, locations throughout the Tennessee Smokies allow families an up-close experience with some of the friendly, local animals. At Smoky Mountain Deer Farm, visitors can pet and feed deer, goats, camels, reindeer, mini-donkeys, zebras and more! Spend time at Parrot Mountain and get swept away by some of the most majestic winged creatures you’ve ever seen with amazing and plentiful bird watching opportunities, even including exquisite tropical birds.   

Pitch a Tent under the Stars

While a cabin or rustic chalet sounds cozy, there’s nothing like falling asleep right under the stars. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a variety of campgrounds for you and your family to spend the night. The backcountry campsites are ideal for backpackers looking to rest after a day of hiking. 

Year-Round Fun at Ober Mountain

The fun doesn’t stop once the temperatures drop. Visit Ober Mountain for some supreme East Tennessee skiing. During winter months, the resort offers guests the chance to glide down a snowy slope on skis, a snowboard or a tube. Of course, once the temperatures rise and the snow melts, there are still plenty of fun activities. Ober Mountain offers some of the best family activities around, including rides, mini-golf, ice skating and more! 

Zipline Through the Air

The rush of flying high above the Smokies will be an experience you never forget. This activity continues to gain popularity as it gives visitors the best views and an incredible adrenaline rush all at once. Zip over ravines, streams, trees, wildlife and the gorgeous views of the National Park. Step out of your comfort zone with a memorable, guided zipline tour with Climb Works. 

Roller Coasters & Thrilling Rides

If you feel a need for speed, the Tennessee Smokies has some of the most unique coasters anywhere around. Mountain coasters zip riders down the slopes and give you an unforgettable rush. Many mountain coasters like the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster allow the rider to control the speed. 

Take a Wild Ride

Get off the beaten path and embark on an adventurous ATV tour through the wilderness aboard an open-air, all-terrain vehicle. Book a tour with Gon Ridin’ Off Road to experience a ride on off-road trails while weaving through trees. Hold on tight, this isn’t your everyday family-fun activity. Or explore the Smokies in a Pink Jeep Wrangler with Pink 

Ride Horseback through the Mountains

Enjoy miles of trails on the back of your own faithful steed. See the sights, without the worry of getting lost, as most trail horses know the paths better than the hikers. Many stables, such as Davy Crockett Riding Stables, tailor the equestrian adventure to the rider’s experience level. There’s even opportunities for kids and first-time riders. 

Float along the Scenic Streams

The Little River offers a number of exciting mountain rapids along with slower moving waters that are perfect for some family fun. The lower section, ideal for ages 2 and up, is great for a slower-paced, family-friendly float. Cruise along the relaxing rapids as you take in the scenic views. To kick it up a notch, go for an adventurous float on the upper section. Get your adrenaline pumping along these rapids, optimal for ages 6 and up.

Make A Splash while Whitewater Rafting

Featuring miles of heart-stopping rapids and family-friendly waters, it’s easy to see why the Pigeon River is one of the most popular whitewater rivers around. The Upper Pigeon features miles of class III and IV rapids that are perfect for an extreme rush. The Lower Pigeon, with gentle class I and II rapids, is great for ages 3 and up. Both the Upper and Lower sections are accompanied by gorgeous, unforgettable scenery. Check out Big Creek Expeditions and Raft Outdoor Adventures, both of which have two decades of business under their belt, for your next water adventure.

Extreme Mountain Biking

There’s nothing like taking a bike ride through the mountains. But a bike ride in the Tennessee Smokies is an experience like no other. Rent a bike or bring your own and take to the trails. You will find incredible wood tracks that give advanced bikers a thrilling adventure. Bikers will find themselves cruising along bridges and taking on incredible rollers, berms and more!

Explore the Depths in Local Caves & Caverns

A visit to the Smokies wouldn’t be complete without a spelunking adventure. Tennessee contains more caves and caverns than anyplace else in the United States. These remarkable places are attractions your whole family will love, full of wonder and excitement.