Rocky Top Sports World is an acclaimed indoor/outdoor sports complex that spans 80 acres, featuring an impressive array of amenities designed to host a variety of sporting events and tournaments. On the edge of Gatlinburg in a magnificently scenic, Smoky Mountain setting, the complex is one of the largest sports facilities in the region. It’s… Read more »
With realism, comfort, competition and support – mixed with some of the grit and dedication of Cal Ripken, Jr., the Ripken Experience in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a premier youth baseball facility that offers a unique blend of sports and family entertainment. Established in 2016, this state-of-the-art complex features six youth turf fields designed to… Read more »
Nestled on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop for those seeking adventure and nature in its purest form. One of the best ways to experience this natural wonder is through a Jeep tour. These open vehicle tours get you close to nature while letting someone else do… Read more »
Gatlinburg ziplines feature some of the longest and best courses you’ll find anywhere. Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer exhilarating ziplining experiences that will leave your heart pounding and your spirit soaring. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature enthusiast, ziplining across the lush landscapes of this region is an adventure like no other. If… Read more »
Ober Mountain is Gatlinburg’s own ski resort, and one of Tennessee’s top attractions. A year-round playground of mountain fun and amazing scenic views, Ober Mountain offers an adventure even getting there, on one of America’s largest Aerial Tramways. The cable car departs regularly every 20 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg going directly to the ski resort.The… Read more »
The Smokies feature some great whitewater rafting! Read our guide to rafting on the Pigeon River near Gatlinburg. Find outfitters, rates and things you need to know for your rafting trip. For whitewater rafting near Gatlinburg, the Pigeon River is the place to go. The area around Hartford, TN, 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, has a… Read more »
Mountain biking in Gatlinburg is a real thrill. With so much scenery and so many roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the area around Gatlinburg, it’s not surprising that you can find some nice biking adventures too, IF you know where to look. The trails of the park are prohibited to cyclists, but… Read more »
Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center is a one-stop shop for river tubing, bike rentals and outdoor gear – located in Townsend next to the Little River, and close to trails, biking greenways and Cades Cove in the national park. Spending quality time outdoors in the Smoky Mountains is an important priority for many visitors, but people… Read more »
A classic Smoky Mountain experience, river tubing is fun for all family members. It’s an affordable, relaxing way to enjoy nature and a great way to stay cool in the summer. River tubing is one of our favorite ways to escape the summer heat. It’s an excellent alternative to canoeing or kayaking. It’s affordable, requires… Read more »
Have you tried ziplining yet? Maybe it’s time, next time you’re in the area. Soaring downhill above the treetops and through the beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery – it’s so safe a child of 3 can do it, and so exhilarating that even those with a fear of heights can relax and enjoy it. The Smoky… Read more »
With its rolling landscapes, rich forests, and scenic views, the Smokies offer an ideal setting for horseback riding. The area around Gatlinburg provides a range of trails that cater to both novice and experienced riders, making it a perfect destination for equestrian enthusiasts. Whether you own a horse or wish to rent one locally, the… Read more »
During your stay in the Smoky Mountains, time is precious, so here’s a guide to some of the best quick and super-easy ways to venture outdoors into nature and the mountains. Even though the cabin life is great to hang out in, here’s how to take an hour or two for short excursions that create family memories forever…Read more »
The Gatlinburg Trail is a popular hiking trail connecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Gatlinburg, suitable for all ages and skill levels, and accommodating pets and bicycles. Read on to discover more of what makes this trail unique. Great Views The hiking and walking trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are teeming… Read more »
The Smokies are legendary for whitewater rafting, and no outfitter is better-known than the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). The company has locations in Tennessee and North Carolina, with a flagship outdoor gear store called the Great Outpost in Gatlinburg, on Parkway at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its whitewater rafting… Read more »
Everyone wants to spend time in the great outdoors with their four-legged friends, and the Great Smoky Mountains are a beautiful area to explore with your pet. However, it’s important to remember that there are restrictions when it comes to bringing pets on hiking trails within the park. Learn more about how you can have… Read more »
Practically anywhere you drive in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is a scenic drive, but here are some of the super-scenic roadways and places to stop along those roads, for photographs and memories. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, and some days this shows in the amount… Read more »
Foothills Parkway is a national parkway that flanks Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers superb panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. One of the best and most recent scenic drives to appear in the Smoky Mountains is the formerly “missing link” of the Foothills Parkway that was opened in 2018. This stretch runs from… Read more »
Ober Gatlinburg ski area, on Mt. Harrison above Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains, offers a fun Snow Tubing experience that’s fun for all the family, with no skills required except being able to sit on a tube – and maybe laugh – on the way down. With snow tubing at Ober Gatlinburg you don’t even… Read more »
Ober Gatlinburg usually kicks off its winter ski season with special events in advance of the slopes opening. As temperatures drop on the mountain and the snow guns start laying the human-made base, waiting for the fresh powder from Mother Nature, the groomers start shaping the new snow for two special areas: the Tubing Park… Read more »
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular park in the nation. With more than 800 miles of trails that lead to waterfalls, stunning vistas, peaceful meadows and a diverse variety of plant and wildlife, the Park offers a vast range of hiking and viewing-point options. Here are some recommended light day-hiking trips that… Read more »
Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts only two waterfalls accessible by car, one of which is Place of a Thousand Drips. Unlike a single large cascade, this waterfall consists of numerous smaller falls, giving it a delicate, intricate appearance. It can be easy to overlook, so keep an eye out towards the end of the… Read more »
If you’ve tried some of the Scenic Drives & Easy Hikes we recommend, you may want to deepen your appreciation of the Smoky Mountains with more extended hiking. You can become a hiker-naturalist in an instant, with personal help from experienced guides. Book a guided tour in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the nationally… Read more »
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a year-round paradise for fly fishing, with more than 600 miles of streams that support wild trout. You can fly fish any time of year, in this beautiful national park, with no admission fee, and there are even some spring-fed waters that stay mild through the winter. State regulations… Read more »
UPDATE 2023: The traditional Trout Tournaments have been canceled since 2022, and currently we don’t know if they’ll come back. The City of Gatlinburg now hosts a one-day event on the first Saturday in April, fishing the many Gatlinburg waters – see our guide to What’s Happening in April. Twice a year, in the spring… Read more »
The Smokies are known for their native brook and brown trout, and Gatlinburg and the National Park are crawling (or should we say swimming?) with over 900 miles of rivers and streams that are just waiting for you to cast your line. Fishing Permits Before you pack up your tackle box, however, there are local… Read more »
Among the most popular reasons for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains are the incredible views of the surrounding area and the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the environment. At Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park you have plenty of opportunities for both, with ziplines, bridges, and scenic overlooks that will let you peer down over Lost… Read more »
Did you know that when visiting the Smoky Mountains region, you can leave your car in a free parking lot, hop on a Gatlinburg trolley, see the town, connect with a Pigeon Forge trolley, explore the area, and, if you choose to, travel to Sevierville on yet another trolley bus? Trolley buses connect the cities… Read more »
During the Winter Magic and Winterfest celebrations, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge sparkle with millions of colorful, animated lights. Here’s how to catch the best light displays in the region. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Tour of Lights To experience the festive lights in Gatlinburg, simply stroll along Parkway in the evening and be amazed. However, to find… Read more »
UPDATE 2021 – Mills Park now has an excellent dog park where your four-legged family friend can run free and socialize! With Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the doorstep, it’s often overlooked that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge both have some fine public parks to enjoy. These are great places to get out of the… Read more »
Every season in the Smoky Mountains has its own special charm, from the colors of fall to the wonderland of winter, to brilliant sunshine in spring and summer. Many attractions are year-round in Pigeon Forge, while some depend on certain seasons. Either way, it’s important to know what the weather will be like when you… Read more »
From the colors of fall to winter wonderland, to brilliant sunshine in spring and summer, there’s never an off-season in the Smokies. Most restaurants and attractions are now year-round in Pigeon Forge. The National Park Service publishes average temperatures along with rain and snowfall (listed below) to help you determine the best time to come… Read more »
