From 1800s classic western-style sets and costumes to gangster outfits of the 1920s, you're sure to love the end result. fall mountains smoky things national park gatlinburg The location also offers a shop, caf, a gem mine, and the opportunity to watch glass blowing. Strong cross-country skiers and snowshoers can also hit the high point in winter for guaranteed solitude. If you're looking for something a little spookier, try the nighttime haunted maze or the zombie paintball adventure! Stop by their caf or tour the facilities. 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. 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. It is one of the last swinging bridges in the area that visitors can try out. See winners from every year of the contest. smoky mountains things wears valley mountain attractions Devils Fork Loop Trail, Duffield, VA 24244. Head to the park to explore 7 miles of diverse landscape, catch views of the Smoky Mountains off in the distance and spot many kinds of wildlife. You can tour the interior of this portion of Lookout Mountain; we recommend trying out the lantern tour and experience what it was like when Leo Lambert discovered the falls back in 1928. The new waterpark just off exit 407 opened in 2020 and has been jam-packed with fun every since. IJAMS also hosts lots of events, camps and programs. Step on board the ship and you'll be greeted by costumed cast, receive a boarding pass be able to explore over 22,000 square feet of Titanic history. They even have pricing per pound for you to take your catches home. If you wander into North Carolina check out Haunted Asheville, the city's original and oldest ghost tour. 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. The Y is located right next to the GSMNP entrance in Townsend. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, North Carolina, and the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Half day and full day trips are available and all the gear you need is provided. The historic facility has since been converted into a crime museum offering self-guided tours that you will certainly never forget. gatlinburg Head to Oconaluftee to tour the Mountain Farm Museum, a collection of structures from the late 1800s, or visit nearby Mingus Mill. The Smokies are famous for their colorful trees in fall. Take the elevator to the observation deck up top for an incredible view of the city and surrounding mountains. Take a scenic ride through the forests of North Carolina on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. More than 70 vacation cottages were built in the area. 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. You can tour the caverns on a guided walk offering plenty of crazy scenery, history, and geological facts about the caverns. During the fall, hikers are treated to spectacular views of the changing leaves. Grab a ticket, board a gondola and take a ride to see mountain views during the day and the cities twinkling lights at night. Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant is a treasure on the Cosby side of the Smoky Mountains. This is not something that happens all over the world. Your imaginations will run wild at WonderWorks. When you're ready for a getaway, choose from one of hundreds of our Smoky Mountain cabins. Perhaps some of the most notable are the Ripley's attractions. There's truly nothing else quite like it, and anyone brave enough and at least 40" tall can take on the exciting challenge. Trillium Gap Trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 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. 7D Dark Ride Adventure is a one of a kind interactive gaming experience that you can try at two different locations in the Smokies. The one and only Dollywood theme park in Sevierville is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in the state of Tennessee. Try driving on the speedway yourself in the winter time for Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland. smoky mountains park national things travel newfound gap usnews They have a fully stocked pond and all the gear and bait you need to catch your very own trout. Skip the classic restaurant option one night on your Smoky Mountain vacation and head to the English Mountain Trout Farm. Fontana Lake is located in Western North Carolina and is the highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. Explore the treetop skywalk made of 16 rope bridges hanging nearly 60 feet in the air. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. History buffs and crime junkies will love the five unique galleries at Alcatraz East Crime Museum on the Pigeon Forge parkway. 131 Island Drive, Suite 9139, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. In Cades Cove, youll find the greatest variety of churches, mills, barns, and cabins dating back to the early 1800s. Sports fans can enjoy touring the facility, but it's also a great location for special events (wedding receptions, birthday parties, and even proms). Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park is home to the 335 foot Swinging Bridge to Prosperity, among many other exciting activities. The annual Great Smoky Mountain Wildflower Pilgrimage is about more than just flowers. Other things the resort offers: cooking & gardening classes, a clay course, fly fishing, paintball, water sports, hiking, cycling, carriage rides, and horseback riding! Over 100 prominent cascades and waterfalls can be found inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park plus numerous smaller cascades and falls on the 2,000 miles of streams and rivers. Ever dreamed of flying? The peaceful side of the Smokies in Townsend, TN now has it's very own low-key brewery. It's a great family destination with activies for all ages. In the Washington Jefferson National Forest in southwest Virginia is this incredible and unique natural water formation. The Titanic Museum Attraction is a grand sight on the Pigeon Forge parkway. Each garden is open in all seasons and are completely free to explore. activities outdoor things smoky mountains Surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park are gateway towns with attractions and souvenirs for the traveler. Since 1972 Scenic Helicopter Tours has been a staple on the parkway in Sevierville on the way into Pigeon Forge. 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 riverboat is a popular setting for a variety of events, from black tie occasions to a tailgate or celebration during football season. Alum Cave Trai Gatlinburg is truly a destination for wine lovers. This museum is the only one of its kind in the whole world. Pick your era and choose a costume to get started with the fun of Wild Gals Old Time Photo. Tucked away in Gatlinburg, shoppers will find the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary was a maximum security prison from 1896 to 2009 that held some notable convicts, such as Martin Luther King Jr's assassin, James Earl Ray. Anakeesta is a unique mountaintop theme park with a focus on "immersing guests of all ages in the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors." Since the 1982 World's Fair the structure has stood tall as a symbol for the city; you've likely seen it on postcards, advertisements, and even in a couple famous TV shows. Maps & directions, area information, and more useful info. Ever seen a natural water slide? The closest location to the Smoky Mountains is at UT Knoxville, with additional locations in Jackson and Crossville Tennessee. Along your chosen route you might see waterfalls, massive caves, incredible views, mountain streams, and even some llamas. Stop by the park to learn more about the life and death of this famous Tennessean and why his legacy is worth remembering. The Boulevard Trail to Mount LeConte is one of the less traveled routes to reach LeConte Lodge. In that case, check out the many backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you've never been antiquing, don't knock it 'til you try it! It's made up of massive ancient formations and more than 400 native plant species, plus nearby caverns and walking paths. A dam on the Little River forms Fontana Lake along the parks southern border, a long, skinny lake with 240 miles of shoreline that beckon kayakers, canoeists, anglers, and stand-up paddleboarders. This is a great and popular activity for all ages. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. activities outdoor things pigeon forge weather smoky It towers above all of your favorite attractions, shops and restaurants. Not a fan of loud cars going in circles? You'll find exhibits that delve into the profiles of our country's most notorious criminals, the mysteries surrounding them, and more than 100 interactive activities. Cataloochee houses a school, church, and frame homes from the late 1800s. Rutherford Farms is located in Maryville, Tennessee just a short drive from the Smoky Mountains. It can get crowded, but there are plenty of places to relax on the rocks and watch people slide down one by one. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Previously called Silver Dollar City, the park was renamed when Dolly Parton bought an interest in it because she "wanted to come back to [her] part of the country and do something great." If you're walking around in the Village you won't be able to resist the wafting aromas of fresh doughnuts, cinnamon bread and pastries. The 70 foot high swinging bridge is actually the longest in the country and stretches across the gorge at a length longer than a football field. Have more energy? Wears Valley is a great place to start. 469 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 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. Today, more than 90 historic buildings remain in the park. If you've ever wanted to fish in the Smokies but didn't know where to start, taking a guided trip with their team is a great way to start. There are several ways to tour the immense property and see for yourself. A trip to the top offers rewarding views of the mountains and downtown area. 1949 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876. The annual night race at Bristol is considered one of NASCAR's top 10, and it can be tough to attain tickets. 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. Of course if you're well seasoned in these sort of attractions, go straight for Prison Break. This is a great place for mountain biking, hiking, and even birdwatching; more than 100 species of birds can be found in the park. The 11,000 gallons of flowing water is a refresshing 50-60 degrees and leads down into a cool eight foot deep pool. Popular activities at this state park include hiking along the ridges and creeks, mountain biking, fishing, camping and more. After the park was established and the cottage owners' leases expired, the NPS decided to let nature reclaim these buildings. Possible tours include Newfound Gap, Foothills Parkway, Roaring Fork and more. One thing they all have in common is the view of the Great Smoky Mountains. While the Great Smoky Mountains only truly refer to the protected region along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the vast silvery haze of the mountain range can be seen and enjoyed for miles in every direction. The skyway is best traveled on a clear day with moderate weather. Popular wildlife sightings include songbirds, hawks, waterfowl and owls. This is an event for any nature lover. mountains 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. Appalachian Trail Sign inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are most well known for their strawberries, but depending on the season they also offer green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli and more. From the aquarium to Believe It Or Not to the mirror maze and Haunted Adventure, all ages will have a blast. Do some research on hydrobiking! Maybe you're not the glamping type. Seven Islands State Birding Park is located in Kodak, Tennessee and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. In the meantime, check out their online shop and recipe collection on their website. At the peak of House Mountain 2,100 feet up you'll find incredible views of the Smoky Mountains and more, at least 30 miles away. 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. Just make sure you have a fishing license! There is also a campground and horseback riding stables. Regardless of the ride you choose, you'll have a blast on a mountain coaster. and enjoy some 'shine. Check out their online photo gallery to get an idea of the kind of photo you'll want framed on your wall forever. Each hiker gets their own pack llama to walk beside and guide on the trail. Visitors to Seven Islands can also take part in activities like fishing, biking, hiking and birding. activities outdoor things fishing gatlinburg bring where smoky It's a great spot to capture photos of the scenery or even of your group! When you visit, you'll have an opportunity to meet many of the artists, see their creations and experience pieces of Appalachian culture. 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. There are 6 levels of rapids in the area with something for beginners and experienced rafters. Check out the 360 view from the one of a kind observation tower, and shop and dine in Firefly Village. Many of these attractions offer other fun activities as well. Life jackets are highly encouraged and parents are reminded to watch children closely while they swim. To get there you must hike the 7.3 mile roundtrip Devil's Fork Loop Trail. mommyinsports One of the national park hikes leading to Mount LeConte, Trillium Gap Trail has some beautiful scenery along the way, including the feathery soft cascades of Grotto Falls. 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. Buy the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Great Smoky at REI.com. Flyaway Indoor Skydiving has been around since 1983 and is fun for ages 5 to 90 years old. The Ridge is adding more amenities in 2020. At the Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg you'll explore the shadowy streets and hear stories of haunted hotels, real murders, and nearly ancient cemetaries. 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. 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. 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, If you've driven around in the Smokies, odds are you've seen some See Rock City painted rooftops. Ziplining in the Smoky Mountains is a thrilling experience. The Apple Barn Village is located just off the Pigeon Forge parkway and offers a variety of dining, shopping and tasting options. Be sure to check out Dolly Parton's Stampede, a multi-year winner of our Best Of Pigeon Forge contest. 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886. Stop by to buy apples, apple butter, fresh squeezed cider and their famous fried apple fritters. Many visitors stop by The Sinks in the summer months to cool off and enjoy a day of swimming in the scenic Smokies. 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. If you've ever been on the Pigeon Forge parkway, there's no doubt you've spotted the upside down mansion. You can even visit the exact place where it was written in Room 388. Hike to Silers Bald 5 miles one-way west from Clingmans Dome. Fly through the treetops and experience the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Need a map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Dont leave the park without ticking off at least one of these top 10 to-dos in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including historic sites, grand overlooks and waterfalls. There are also plenty of places to go swimming, fishing or camping. The area in general is really a great place to visit with lots of outdoor activities including hiking trails and swimming holes. Whitewater rafting in the Smoky Mountains runs from March through September annually. The University of Tennessee Gardens are the official botanical gardens of the state of Tennessee. To reach the courses you must ride the tram 300 feet up to the top of the mountain. Hike the well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, or Rainbow Falls or drive to Meigs Falls, The Sinks, or Place of a Thousand Drips. If you've never been to a dinner show before, Pigeon Forge is the place to try it out. 461 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Ray and six other inmates once climbed a fence to escape, but he was captured 58 hours later. veravise For more information please read our privacy policy. Sunrise at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. smoky nc 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. Listed in the Guiness Book of World Records, The Lost Sea in Sweetwater, Tennessee is the country's largest underground lake. Max Patch is one of the most popular places in the region to catch a sunrise or sunset. The Old Mill near the Pigeon Forge parkway has been a staple of the area since 1830. At 5,860 feet in elevation, Andrews Bald is the highest bald in the national park. The Great Smoky Mountains have an explosion of wildflowers in spring and summer. 175 Gists Creek Rd., Sevierville, TN 37876. Biking and hiking around the loop itself is a popular activity, and the area is home to many other trailheads leading to places like Abrams Falls, Russell Field, and Gregory Bald. Anyone can enjoy the relaxation of floating down a river, and there's nowhere better to go tubing in Townsend than at Smoky Mountain River Rat. From the high woodsman challenge to loggersports and the new "Flying Ox" zipline coaster, there's an activity for everyone. The fire tower atop Mount Cammerer reaches nearly 5,000 feet above the mountain tops and is probably one of the most instagrammable locations within hiking distance. Your mouth will water upon sight of their delicious selection. The Rocky Top Wine Trail is a five-stop journey through the Great Smoky Mountains. The 8 mile roundtrip hike to Charlies Bunion via the Appalachian Trail is certainly not the easiest hike in the national park, but the destination is worth it. Step out of your comfort zone and try to hit the target and score the most points. 700 S Hall of Fame Dr, Knoxville, TN 37915. We've got horses, pirates, family feuds, murder mysteries, and more to choose from. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. The bridge is well-maintained and can hold 4 adults at a time. 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. With one of the highest rates of craft beer consumption in the southeastern US, Asheville is home to breweries like Sierra Nevada, Wicked Weed, Highland Brewing Company, New Belgium, Hi-Wire, and so many more. 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. Other beautiful drives include the 18-mile Little River Road from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to Townsend, and the Blue Ridge Parkway (outside of the park). Guests who get all of their passport stamps will receive a free gift at the last winery on their trek. The venue hosts all sorts of great shows including live music, stand up comedy, broadway hits, opera, and even classic movies during the summer. Mountain coasters, sometimes called alpine coasters, are a new kind of roller coaster experience where the rider has total control of the speed of their cart. For a quieter ride, head to the Roaring Forks motor nature trail with views of rushing streams, old log cabins, another mill, and forested wilderness. Bush's Visitor Center is where the legacy of the Bush's brand began. There's a reason NPR has called Asheville, North Carolina the Napa Valley of beer. The Village Shops in downtown Gatlinburg are a great place to go shopping. The shakers show how the world has changed over the years, with some coming from ancient times! 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. Smoky Mountain Angler is an authorized fishing guide service for the Smoky Mountains. Take in the forest and mountain views along the way as you explore the outdoors in a new way. 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. Every single curve is different. These are great places to find unique gifts, authentic Smoky Mountain decor, and collectors items that you may not have considered purchasing before. This historic movie palace was built in 1928 in the building considered Knoxville's first skyscraper. There's plenty of food options and a relaxed environment where all (including pets) are welcome to enjoy. Their highly skilled pilots offer a variety of different tours for reasonable prices. Today there are plenty of distilleries scattered around our mountain towns. Peaceful Side Social Brewery + Craft Kitchen is a great place to stop on a sunny day for a beer and a burger on the patio. Inside, you can view over 20,000 pairs of shakers. In the early 1900s the tourism community of Elkmont, TN took residence in what is now the national park.
things to do in the smoky mountains