If you're dreaming of misty mountain mornings, thrilling rides, unique attractions, and a little taste of that famous Southern charm, you've hit the jackpot. The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, nestled right up against Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is an absolute goldmine of fun for everyone. From soaring through the treetops and meeting incredible marine life to sampling authentic moonshine and conquering epic roller coasters, this region has it all. Check out our guide of things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to help you plan an unforgettable vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains.
As the most visited national park in America, chances are you’ve at least heard of this park. And if you spend time exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll quickly see why it’s a national treasure. The park dips into both Tennessee and North Carolina, encompassing an impressive 522,427 acres.
From rock climbing and hiking to biking, birding, and more, there’s a wide range of activities to choose from, against a backdrop of rolling ridgelines, jagged peaks, cascading waterfalls, and wildflower-dotted fields. With more than 800 miles of trail, including a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, there’s always something new to explore, whether this is your first or fifth time in the park. For all you early risers, catching a sunrise at the observation deck on top of Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingman’s Dome) is a must! The mountain peak is the tallest in the park, rising to 6,644 feet and offering awe-inspiring 360-degree vistas.
Get ready to soar like a bird across a thrilling 7-line course that’s rated a “Top 5 Outdoor Experience in the World” by Tripadvisor. Legacy Mountain Ziplines boasts some of the longest and highest ziplines in the Smoky Mountains.
Fly from mountaintop to mountaintop, reaching speeds up to 50 mph and at a height of 500 feet above the ground, all while soaking in jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of the Smokies. This exhilarating experience lets you see the mountains from a whole new perspective. Plus, expert guides always have guests’ safety top of mind, and the course features the region’s only dual cable, auto braking, and full harness zipline tour for extra safety. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, Legacy Mountain Ziplines promises memories you'll be raving about long after your feet are back on solid ground.
This isn't just any theme park; it's Dolly Parton's incredible ode to the Smoky Mountains, packed with world-class rides, splash-worthy slides, toe-tapping entertainment, and delicious Southern eats. For those seeking thrills on heart-pounding roller coasters like Lightning Rod (the fastest wooden coaster in the world!) and Wild Eagle, or preferring to kick back with some incredible live music shows, Dollywood has it all.
You can explore charming craft shops, take a scenic ride on the Dollywood Express steam train, or even cool off at Dollywood's Splash Country water park next door. Plus, they host amazing seasonal festivals, so there's always something new and exciting happening.
This vibrant entertainment destination is basically a one-stop shop in the Smokies. You can literally eat, shop, play, and even stay at The Island in Pigeon Forge. The first thing you'll notice is the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a towering Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas that gives you incredible panoramic views of the mountains and all the action below. Then there's the popular Island Show Fountain, with its dazzling light and music show that dances to the beat every half hour and is totally mesmerizing.
Beyond those showstoppers, you'll find a ton of exciting rides for all ages, from family-friendly coasters to thrilling drop towers and a challenging ropes course. Need some retail therapy? Browse over 80 unique shops, grab a sweet treat or a delicious meal at a wide variety of restaurants (hello, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen and Margaritaville!), and live music. Plus, with free admission and free parking, it's super easy to pop in for an hour or stay all day and night.
Ripley's Attractions in Gatlinburg have pretty much cornered the market on unique, family-friendly fun in the Smokies. Start your adventure at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums around. Come face-to-fin with sharks, wave hello to playful penguins (you can even crawl through tunnels right into their habitat!), and touch a ray or a jellyfish.
Then enter the bizarre world of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, packed with real shrunken heads, incredible art, and mind-bending illusions. For a dose of frightful fun, brave Ripley's Haunted Adventure, or try to find your way out of the dizzying Ripley's Mirror Maze. There’s also mini golf, a roller coaster, laser tag, and even Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater. Needless to say, you could spend a day or two here, zigzagging your way through the unique attractions.
Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area isn't just a winter wonderland (though it totally transforms into one!), it's also a year-round hub for adventure and relaxation high in the Smokies.
You can start with the iconic Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, a scenic ride that offers breathtaking views as you glide up the mountain. Once at the top, in the warmer months, you can zoom down the Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster, get your thrills on the Alpine Slide, or even try downhill mountain biking. Don't miss the Wildlife Habitat to see native animals, or challenge yourself on the Rock Climbing Wall. You can even go summer tubing!
When the snow flies, Ober Mountain becomes Tennessee's only ski area, offering skiing, snowboarding, and super fun snow tubing lanes. Plus, year-round, you can glide across the ice at their indoor ice skating rink or have fun on the Ice Bumper Cars.
Head on over to Ole Smoky Moonshine and Distilleries to toast your vacation. These aren't just places to grab a bottle; they're lively, authentic experiences that whisk you into the heart of Appalachian heritage, all with a friendly, upbeat vibe. In Gatlinburg, there's The Holler, the original home of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine®, where you can see the whole moonshine-making process up close. Just a short walk away, The Barrelhouse specializes in their amazing whiskies. And over in Pigeon Forge, you'll find The Barn at The Island, which is another fantastic spot to join the fun.
At any of these locations, you can enjoy live music and dive into a tasting experience (for a small fee, of course, and if you're 21+!), sampling a huge variety of moonshine flavors like classic Original Corn Whiskey, Apple Pie, Peach, Blackberry, and even wilder options like Moonshine Pickles or Banana Pudding Cream. They've got specialty moonshine cocktails too, plus a great selection of whiskies. You can even do a "Hooch Hop" by visiting multiple locations and earn a cool t-shirt!
This region truly has something for every kind of traveler, from the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the adrenaline rush of ziplining, the family-friendly magic of Dollywood, the wonderfully weird world of Ripley's, and the list goes on. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your ultimate Smoky Mountain getaway today!
