The land of theme parks doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dining. Try Toothsome Chocolate Emporium for a unique steampunk experience or Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue for a western dinner show.
Your next outdoor adventure awaits in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. A trio of towns — Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg — are the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offer a plethora of attractions to entertain the whole family. So when you’re ready for your next mountain adventure, rest assured your resorts are Vacation Ready, with enhanced cleaning standards and safety protocols in place.
Check out all the things to do in the Smoky Mountains right now, and start checking off your bucket list.
Adventure is waiting in the Smoky Mountains, from a spectacular national park to an array of local attractions.
Most of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened to visitors on May 23. Hike more than 800 miles of trails, see the park’s preserved historic buildings, or take a scenic drive.
Dollywood’s theme park and water park in Pigeon Forge both opened to guests on June 17.
While Ober Gatlinburg is known for skiing and snowboarding, it’s also a year-round attraction that reopened in May, with rides like a mountain coaster, an alpine slide, and a scenic aerial tram.
At Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, a Gatlinburg attraction that reopened May 27, kids can pet stingrays, and watch penguins, turtles, and even sharks.
Explore all the Smoky Mountains have to offer, like hiking, whitewater rafting, scenic drives and more.
One of the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is accessible via an 11-mile scenic loop road, and features several historic buildings like churches, log houses, barns, and a working mill, all dating back to the early 1800s.
Another scenic drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers the chance to chase waterfalls off its 5.5-mile loop. Hike the Trillium Gap Trail to reach Grotto Falls, or drive to see the Place of a Thousand Drips waterfall, which is accessible by car at stop 15.
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park in Sevierville features two zip line tours, one of which is the only zip line in the Smoky Mountains that flies over a waterfall. After conquering the course, enjoy the park’s trails, creeks, and a 335-foot swinging bridge over the Pigeon River.
Thill seekers, this one’s for you. Professional rafting guides will take you through class III and IV rapids along the Pigeon River to get your adrenaline pumping. Best of all, no previous experience is required.
When visiting Dolly’s hometown, seeing her themed dinner show is a must. Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which features singing, dancing, and equestrian stunts, reopened on July 3.
Find discounted brand names (think Karl Lagerfeld, Vera Bradley, and Ralph Lauren) at Tanger Outlets Sevierville. Many stores are open with options to shop in-person or via curbside pickup.
Put the pedal to the metal at NASCAR Speed Park Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, which reopened in June. Family-friendly attractions include go-karts, bumper cars, miniature golf, and an arcade.
Fuel up for your next adventure at one of these must-try local restaurants.
Local Goat offers locally sourced fare with a side of craft beer and cocktails. The menu features scratch-made pub favorites like whiskey-glazed chicken wings, baby back ribs, and gourmet burgers.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Elvira’s Cafe serves up farm-fresh food in a welcoming atmosphere. Choose from a range of down-home menu items, like biscuits and gravy, a fried green tomato BLT, and blackened North Carolina trout.
Hand-cut, aged, and seasoned to perfection is the motto at Alamo Steakhouse. In addition to the classic cuts on the menu, specialties include a horseradish-crusted filet, a peppercorn New York strip, and chili-rubbed pork chops.