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Things to Do in the Smokies
National parks, thrill rides, hidden waterfalls, and mountain culture — the Smokies have adventures for every kind of traveler.
All Areas
Top Activities Across the Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America's most-visited national park, with 800+ miles of trails, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests. Hike to Alum Cave, Laurel Falls, or simply drive the stunning Newfound Gap Road.
SkyLift Park
Ride the iconic SkyLift chair to the SkyBridge — North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The views across the Smoky Mountain ridgeline are absolutely breathtaking.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Tennessee's first legal moonshine distillery in the Holler. Tour the production floor, sample from dozens of flavors including apple pie moonshine, and watch live bluegrass on weekends.
Anakeesta
A mountain-top village experience reached by chondola or treewalk. Zip lines, a treehouse trail, mountain coaster, live entertainment, and stunning panoramic views of the Smokies.
Ober Mountain
The Southeast's most accessible ski resort, open year-round with an aerial tramway, ice skating, wildlife encounters, and mountain coaster. In winter, hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
Dollywood
Dolly Parton's legendary theme park and one of America's most celebrated. World-class roller coasters, authentic Appalachian craft demonstrations, incredible live shows, and Southern food that earns its own following.
WonderWorks
An upside-down science attraction that blends education with entertainment. Over 100 hands-on exhibits spanning earthquake simulators, zero-gravity chambers, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and more.
Island in Pigeon Forge
A vibrant island-themed entertainment hub with a 200-foot observation wheel, rides, restaurants, live music, and dozens of shops. The giant fountain show runs hourly after dark.
Titanic Museum
A world-class full-scale replica of the Titanic's bow. Walk in the footsteps of real passengers, touch an authentic iceberg, feel the cold water, and discover stories of survival and sacrifice.
Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster
The longest mountain coaster in North America, winding 4,900 feet down a mountainside at speeds up to 40 mph. Control your own speed for the perfect thrilling or scenic ride.
Forbidden Caverns
Journey deep into a natural cave system once used by moonshiners and Cherokee. Stunning onyx formations, an underground stream, and eerie soundscapes make for an unforgettable underground adventure.
Sevierville Zip Line Adventures
Soar through the tree canopy on multiple zip line courses above Sevierville's rolling hills. Platforms reach heights of 60+ feet with panoramic views of the Smokies on the horizon.
Tennessee Museum of Aviation
A showcase of historic WWII aircraft, rare memorabilia, and flight simulators inside the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport. A surprisingly rich experience for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
Rainforest Adventures
Get up close with tropical and exotic wildlife in this discovery zoo. Touch pythons, feed lorikeets, and encounter sloths, big cats, and hundreds of other species from around the world.
Sevierville's Antique & Craft Trail
Browse miles of antique shops, artisan galleries, and craft studios that stretch through the county's back roads. Discover hand-carved wood, handmade quilts, and genuine Tennessee folk art.
Porters Creek Trail
One of the park's most underrated hikes, accessed via the Greenbrier area near Wears Valley. Spring wildflower blooms line the trail beside a tumbling creek, leading to a hidden waterfall.
Wears Valley Scenic Drive
Wind through the quiet Wears Valley corridor, one of the Smokies' most scenic and unspoiled drives. Rolling pastures, weathered barns, and jaw-dropping mountain backdrops at every turn.
Horseback Trail Rides
Explore the Smokies on horseback with guided trail rides through wooded paths and open meadows. A peaceful, authentic mountain experience suited for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Tremont Nature Photography
The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont offers guided photography hikes through some of the most photogenic old-growth forest in the eastern United States.
Wears Valley Fly Fishing
The pristine streams flowing through Wears Valley are legendary among fly fishermen. Wade into cold mountain creeks stocked with native brook and rainbow trout for an unforgettable catch.
Clingmans Dome
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet. The 360° observation tower delivers cloud-level views stretching into seven states on clear days — a bucket-list Smokies experience.
White Water Rafting on the Pigeon River
Tackle Class III and IV rapids on one of the most popular white water rivers in the South. Multiple outfitters offer guided trips for all skill levels, from family-friendly floats to adrenaline-pumping runs.
Cades Cove Loop
An 11-mile scenic loop road through an open valley with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Spot white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and historic 19th-century homesteads.
Alum Cave Trail
One of the most spectacular trails in the national park, passing through ancient forests, bluff overhangs, and massive cave formations on the way to the summit of Mt. LeConte.
Laurel Falls
The most visited waterfall in the entire national park system — and for good reason. A paved, accessible trail leads through old-growth forest to a stunning 75-foot cascading waterfall.