Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains along the Tennessee and North Carolina border rewards you not only with stunning scenery but also a plethora of fun activities to participate in. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which includes both states, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws thousands of visitors each month to experience the lush scenery and range of attractions. Find out about three awesome things you can do in this great region of America.
Dollywood
Dollywood is an amazing theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The park’s name comes from singer and entertainer Dolly Parton, who is a joint owner. Dollywood has 10 themed areas, each with its own range of unique amusements. One of the most popular attractions in Dollywood is an old steam train that provides a respite from the adrenaline of the roller coasters and lets you experience the unique feeling of riding in an old-style train.
Definitely check out the Wild Eagle, the first winged roller coaster in the United States. Check out the exciting interactive River Battle water ride, which is ideal for families. Ticket pricing for Dollywood varies by package, so check out their website for the best ways to save on your next trip to Pigeon Forge.
White Water Rafting
White water rafting is a thrilling activity that’s guaranteed to get your heart racing in the Great Smoky Mountains. Experienced guides brief you on the correct safety procedures for white water rafting, ensuring that everyone remains safe and simply enjoys the exciting experience. The care and consideration of the guides mean that taking your kids to the water for some rafting fun is absolutely fine.
You’ll ride down the rapids of the Pigeon River with exhilarating speed as the white water whooshes you downstream. This activity is also great for teamwork because everyone needs to work together in the raft so that it travels down the water in a coordinated manner. You can go white water rafting with Smoky Mountain Rafting in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. To discover more outdoor swimming options in this region of Tennessee, read up on the 5 best swimming spots in Knoxville, TN here!
Cades Cove Loop Biking
Riding a bicycle around the majority of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an extremely difficult thing to do because of some really challenging terrain and steep climbs. Fortunately, Cades Cove Loop provides a unique opportunity for cyclists in the mountains. This 11-mile loop is extremely easy to navigate by bicycle, and the surrounding landscape is breathtakingly rugged. You can stop wherever you want to on the loop, and you’ll be presented with some of the best photo opportunities you can imagine.
Cades Cove Loop closes for automobile traffic between May and September, and during that summer period you can rent bicycles on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Many historic buildings are along the loop, including abandoned homes and churches stretching back to the 19th century. Hourly rental rates for bicycles are $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for children. You’ll find the Cades Cove Loop in Townsend.
These activities represent just a sample of the many awesome things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. For more ways to explore this astonishingly beautiful part of Tennessee, check out our favorite bike paths and trails near Alcoa and Knoxville, TN!
Image via Pixabay
Connect with us
