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.Be sure to plan excursions ahead of time as trails vary from easy to strenuous.
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.
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! While in Pigeon Forge, also spend some time exploring the Titanic Museum, featuring new interactive exhibits, interesting artifacts and much more.
Year-Round Fun at Ober Gatlinburg
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 and Goats on the Roof, Goat Coaster allow the rider to control the speed. Families will also enjoy the wild yet smooth ride.
Take a Wild Ride
Explore the Smokies in the back seat of a Pink Jeep Wrangler with Pink Adventure Tours. This thrilling adventure is a unique way to get better acquainted with the beautiful Smoky Mountains, thanks to the expertise of a local, certified guide. Also take advantage of scenic photo opportunities.
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.
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, especially Tuckaleechee Caverns, are attractions your whole family will love, full of wonder and excitement.
