Insider Guide

Here’s your Insider Guide to all things Smokies. These activities, attractions and parklands offer something for every age and interest. We’ve included a brief description along with links to websites where you can find more details. The Insider’s Guide will continue to grow and be refined so please check back for updates. It’s a great tool to share with your family and friends when planning your vacation!

Set aside an evening to visit The Island in Pigeon Forge and you’ll be rewarded with a Technicolor experience.  While you can always come in the daytime, the lights at night transform the area into a carnival-like atmosphere. Plant yourself in a comfy rocker around the Show Fountains and be mesmerized by the twice-hourly music and light shows. Plenty of restaurant choices (some with outdoor seating) will suit most any taste and budget. There’s shopping in the meandering alleys behind the main areas, too.  Visit The Island website for discount coupons and special events. Active youngsters will find all sorts of attractions:  a restored merry-go-round originally from Ober Gatlinburg, Mirror Maze, The Island Ropes Course, Thunderdome (bungy-based trampoline), and Arcade City to name a few.

The iconic Clingman’s Dome observation tower is 23 miles from Gatlinburg and on a good day, you can see 20 miles or more. On the clearest of days, 100 miles. At 6,643 feet above sea level, it’s the highest summit in the GSMNP. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 ft) and Mt. Craig (6,647 ft.) in North Carolina are higher points in the eastern U.S. The half-mile hike on the paved path up to the tower is steep and not suitable for wheelchairs. Most people need to take a breather along the way, so don’t feel bad if you need to stop and take a break.  Be prepared for 10-20 degree cooler temperatures than the lowlands and dress accordingly. When you’re driving from Gatlinburg to Clingman’s Dome, watch the temperature gauge in your car and see who comes the closest to guessing the actual temperature when you arrive!

On a hot summer Tennessee afternoon, there’s nothing more refreshing than floating downstream on an inflatable tube.  It’s also one of the most affordable activities averaging about $10 per person including your tube, life vest and transportation. There are several tubing companies in the area but most are in Townsend near Cades Cove. If you want to tube closer to Pigeon Forge, try River Romp off Pittman Center Rd. Other outfitters in Townsend include River Rat, Tube Junction, Cowboy Tubin’ and River Rage.  Pack a lunch and make a day of it.

A few years ago, the newest attraction in the Smokies was zip-lining. Now the craze is gravity-propelled mountain coasters that race you down the hillside, one or two riders at a time.  If you don’t pull the brake, your speeds can top 25 mph.  Our favorite is the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge with more than a mile of track. Others include The Coaster at Goats on the Roof (right down the street from the Alpine Coaster), Ober Gatlinburg’s Ski Mountain Coaster, and just as you come into Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster.    Due to the popularity of these coasters, you might experience a longer wait time in peak season or holiday periods.

A trip to Tennessee is an outdoorsman’s dream vacation and many look to reel in a fish or two.  Two of our cabins–Water’s Edge and Swaying Pines–offer catch-and-release fishing with no license required.  If you’re staying at any of our other cabins, you’ll need to look to the mountain streams and rivers–and purchase a 3-day TN fishing license. The Gatlinburg fishing info page will give you a good idea of what you’ll need to fish in the National Park or the area streams. And yes, that huge grass carp was caught at our Water’s Edge pond in July 2012. Dad was mighty proud!

If you’d like to take your dog out for some exercise, this pet-friendly patch of land near the Old Mill historic district has plenty of parking and is conveniently located. Patriot Park does not offer playground equipment, though. It’s a large green space bordered by the Little Pigeon River with a 1/2 mile paved walking trail. Along the river you can feed the ducks and geese, skip stones or spread out a blanket and relax. There’s a small gazebo you can reserve free of charge by calling the city at 865-429-7373. Most people use the gazebo for small wedding ceremonies, vow renewals or even family photos.

One of the most charming shopping spaces in Gatlinburg is The Village, next to the famous Pancake Pantry. The brick entrance and walkway invites you to an entirely unique experience of 27 boutiques, eateries and galleries.  From The Day Hiker to The Silver Tree, The Hofbrau Haus & Cheese Cupboard toThe Donut Friar, you’ll find tasty treats and unique treasures. Hours are seasonal so check the website for hours during your visit.  With it’s old world charm and flower beds, fountain, nooks and crannies, the Village is a great location to take photos.

Winter in the Smokies is synonymous with skiing, skating and tubing at Ober Gatlinburg. It’s open year-round, though, and even in the warmer months they have activities to offer: indoor ice skating, Wildlife Encounter, Ski Mountain Coaster, amusement rides, restaurants and shops. You can drive up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg or ride the Aerial Tramway. Check out their FAQs before planning your visit. Parking is $5 whether you park and take the aerial tram from Gatlinburg or drive directly to the resort. If you ride the tram, the fee is $12 for adults and $9.50 for children ages 5-11.  Children under 4 are free.  If you buy a ski lift ticket, Ober Gatlinburg will rebate you $5.00 if you ride the tram.

If you enjoy quiet spaces like a greenway walking trail alongside a river, you’ll like the Riverwalk that connects The Island’s parking lot and the Old Mill Historic District. Most people don’t even know it’s there. The easiest access point is The Island’s parking lot. You’ll see the street lights that line the greenway next to the river. That’s your entry point. If you walk the entire 2 miles, you’ll end up at Butler Street (at Ashley Avenue). The asphalt trail will end but you can continue south–following the street lights–ending up at the Old Mill Historic District and Patriot Park. You can feed ducks along the way and there are several benches for taking a break.  See the video here.

What began a few years ago with one local distillery has grown into big business in the Smokies. If you’re of legal age to drink and provide your ID, you can pony up to the counter and sample several flavors.  Because you have to be 21 to visit the web sites, we’ll just provide the business names and not the links here: Doc Collier Moonshine, Gatlinburg Barrelhouse, Old Forge Distillery, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine and Sugarlands Distilling Company.

Rated as Tennessee’s #1 municipal golf course, the Gatlinburg Golf Course is worth the price of admission if only for the views.  Interestingly, it’s not in Gatlinburg but just a short drive off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge at traffic light #8. Built in 1955, these links take full advantage of the topography. The famed hole #12 “Sky Hi” is 194 feet but drops 200 feet to the pin. From June through October and holidays, greens fees for 18 holes with a cart are $60.00 before noon and $50.00 from 12-4 p.m. Tee times after 4 p.m. are $40. 00.  Discounted rates are available for seniors, juniors and active military. If you want to play 9 holes, the rate is $30.00. Rates are discounted by $5.00 for April, May and November golfing.  Tee times may be scheduled up to 14 days in advance.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a pretty strict pet policy limiting where you can take your dog in the park. But fortunately they’ve set aside two paved walking trails that welcome canines: the Gatlinburg Trail (1.9 miles) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 miles in N.C. near Cherokee). We’ve walked both and they are not difficult trails, both starting at the visitor centers so parking is easy and plentiful. You’ll also see these trails frequented by bicyclists, joggers and strollers so traffic is more than just man and dog. Your pet must be leashed at all times (6 foot leash or shorter) and it’s important to pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly in trash containers. If you’re looking for more park opportunities to spend time with your pet, the City of Pigeon Forge and City of Gatlinburg parks are pet friendly and offer more recreational opportunities for you and your dog.

When you need an outlet shopping fix, Sevierville’s Tanger Outlet Center gives you the cure.  Located just north of Pigeon Forge on the Parkway, Tanger has plenty of parking.  But if you come during the holidays or big shopping events (like tax-free school shopping on designated weekends in April or August), you’ll be have lots of company so come early to get a parking space.  All the name brands are well represented:  Nike, Adidas, Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, Bose, Ann Taylor, Coach, Swarovski, American Eagle, Michael Kors, Gap, Justice, Oshkosh B’gosh and more.  Here’s a link to a map and all the stores at Tanger.  Before you go, check their web site for coupons and other promotions.  It seems like they always have something going on, so why not save a little more?

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is probably one of the best attractions for children in the Smokies.  Certainly it’s cool for adults–especially those who love sea creatures–but the exhibits are mesmerizing for youngsters and it makes a great rainy day activity for 2-3 hours.  The aquarium isn’t large but it packs a lot of quality exhibits.  A moving walkway takes you through the Shark Lagoon.  Check out the playful penguins.  Or have your hand “manicured” by a swarm of fish. Ripley’s also gets high marks for friendly staff.

Conveniently close to Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is perfect if you don’t have a full day to devote to hiking in the national park.  This 5.5 mile one-way paved trail lets you experience the forested terrain from the comfort of your car.  Or you can stop along the way and hike to Grotto Falls or Rainbow Falls if you’re itching for a good trek to see some waterfalls.  There are preserved cabins, gristmills and outbuildings to explore plus old growth forest and streams.  If you’re just planning to drive the trail, set aside about two hours.  The motor trail is closed in the winter.

They say more than 1.5 million people visit the Great Smokies Flea Market every year.  If you’ve ever been there on a busy Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you might be inclined to agree.  This flea market has an amazing array of items from tacky trinkets to terrific finds: antiques, animals, used books, tu-tus, cheap tools, perfume, caramel corn, door mats, framed art, fresh fruit and vegetables, socks by the bundle, candy close-outs, hand-crafted decor and even furniture.  Just come prepared to do a lot of walking–comfortable shoes are a must.  Parking is free as is WiFi.  Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.  You can see the flea market from I-40. Here’s a Google map to the location.

Test your rock climbing skills inside the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Gatlinburg.  The 25 foot rock wall is a great rainy day activity.  At only $5 a climb, it’s very affordable, too.  NOC opens the climbing wall in the afternoon when they have more staff available–usually starting between 11 am.-noon and ending around 6 p.m.  Call ahead to confirm.  NOC also offers whitewater rafting trips on both the upper and lower Little Pigeon River.