Dollywood is a family amusement park located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Co-owned by country music legend Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment, the park spans 150 acres and features a variety of attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, live entertainment, and traditional crafts. Opened in 1986, Dollywood has become renowned for its Southern charm, hospitable atmosphere, and diverse offerings, which include award-winning shows, seasonal festivals, and delicious Southern cuisine. The park also encompasses the adjacent Dollywood's Splash Country water park and the DreamMore Resort and Spa, providing a complete vacation destination for visitors of all ages.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular entertainment complex located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This lively destination offers a wide array of attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, making it a must-visit spot for families and tourists. Key features include The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel providing stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as the Island Show Fountain, which offers mesmerizing water and light shows choreographed to music. Visitors can explore over 60 retail and specialty shops, enjoy diverse dining options from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, and partake in various entertainment activities such as live music and arcade games. The Island also boasts comfortable accommodations and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway for fun and relaxation.
Anakeesta is an enchanting outdoor theme park nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This mountaintop attraction offers breathtaking views and a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can reach Anakeesta via a scenic Chondola ride or the Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle. Once at the top, guests can explore the Tree Canopy Walk, featuring a series of connected suspension bridges, or brave the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster for an exhilarating ride through the forest. Anakeesta also offers a tranquil botanical garden, firepit areas, and various dining options, including the Cliff Top Grill & Bar, which provides stunning vistas and delicious meals. With its mix of natural beauty, thrilling activities, and serene spots, Anakeesta is a perfect destination for families and nature lovers alike.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a premier aquatic attraction renowned for its extensive marine life exhibits and interactive experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of themed galleries, including the Ocean Realm, Shark Lagoon, and Coral Reef, each showcasing diverse marine species in meticulously designed habitats. The aquarium features a unique underwater tunnel, providing a 360-degree view of sharks, stingrays, and other ocean creatures as they swim overhead. Interactive exhibits like the Touch A Ray Bay and Penguin Playhouse allow guests to get up close with friendly rays and playful penguins. With its commitment to education, conservation, and family-friendly fun, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies offers an engaging and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is a sprawling natural wonder renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. As America's most visited national park, it covers over 522,000 acres of lush forests, verdant valleys, and majestic peaks, with elevations ranging from approximately 875 to 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome, the park's highest point. The park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, including a segment of the famed Appalachian Trail, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Renowned for its biodiversity, the park is home to over 19,000 documented species of plants and animals. Visitors can also explore historic buildings, remnants of the Appalachian mountain culture, and enjoy the stunning beauty of seasonal foliage, particularly the vibrant fall colors. With its unparalleled natural beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
The Stampede, formerly known as Dolly Parton's Stampede, is a lively dinner attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offering a unique blend of entertainment, dining, and family fun. Guests are treated to a four-course Southern feast while enjoying an action-packed show featuring horseback riding stunts, dazzling special effects, and musical productions. The performance celebrates the spirit of the American frontier with friendly competition between North and South teams, showcasing skilled horse riding, impressive pyrotechnics, and audience participation. In addition to the main show, visitors can explore the Horse Walk, where they can meet the show's star performers, the horses. With its combination of thrilling entertainment, hearty cuisine, and engaging atmosphere, The Stampede provides a memorable experience for all ages
Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round mountain resort and amusement park located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offering a wide array of activities for visitors of all ages. During the winter months, Ober Gatlinburg transforms into a popular skiing and snowboarding destination, featuring a variety of slopes catering to different skill levels, as well as a snow tubing park and an indoor ice skating rink. In the warmer seasons, guests can enjoy the scenic Aerial Tramway ride from downtown Gatlinburg to the resort, which provides stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The resort also offers a variety of attractions including an alpine slide, wildlife encounter, mini-golf, and a mountain coaster. With its combination of outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions, and stunning natural scenery, Ober Gatlinburg serves as a versatile destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Smokies.
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is a breathtaking pedestrian suspension bridge located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offering visitors an unparalleled view of the Smoky Mountains. Spanning 680 feet across a deep valley, the SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. At its highest point, the bridge soars 140 feet above the ground, providing a thrilling experience for those who traverse it. The bridge features glass-floor panels in the middle section, allowing guests to look directly down into the valley below, adding an extra element of excitement. Accessible via the Gatlinburg SkyLift, which transports visitors to the top of Crockett Mountain, the SkyBridge is part of the larger SkyLift Park, which includes scenic overlooks, a SkyDeck, and a SkyTrail. With its stunning panoramic views, unique design, and exhilarating experience, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is a must-visit attraction for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Horseback riding and fly fishing are two popular outdoor activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains. Horseback riding offers a unique way to explore the lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic trails of the region. Riders of all skill levels can enjoy guided tours that provide opportunities to encounter local wildlife and take in panoramic mountain views. Fly fishing, on the other hand, is a serene and skillful pursuit that takes advantage of the Smokies' abundant and clear mountain streams. Anglers can test their skills in catching native brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, often with the assistance of experienced guides who know the best spots and techniques. Both activities offer a chance to connect with nature, relax, and experience the timeless charm of the Smoky Mountains' pristine wilderness.
Pink Jeep Tours in the Smoky Mountains offer an exhilarating and educational way to explore the stunning landscapes and hidden gems of this iconic region. Known for their distinctive pink vehicles, these guided tours provide guests with an off-road adventure through some of the most scenic and rugged terrain in the Smokies. Experienced and knowledgeable guides lead the way, sharing insights into the area's rich history, diverse wildlife, and geological features. The tours range from peaceful, scenic drives along picturesque roads to thrilling off-road excursions that navigate steep trails and rocky pathways. With options suitable for families, couples, and adventure seekers, Pink Jeep Tours deliver a memorable and immersive experience, highlighting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains.
