9 Amazing Things To Do In East Tennessee

01.04.2024 - 03:03 / forbes.com

For a family-friendly destination that has it all, look no further than east Tennessee. Nature lovers can celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80^th birthday with a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, thrill seekers can ride rollercoasters at Dollywood or challenge themselves to a round of laser tag, and multi-generational comrades can play mini golf, try duckpin bowling, visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or ride a chairlift to the top of a mountain for panoramic views. Keep reading to learn about top attractions and sites in the beautiful mountain towns of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge, which are all chock-full of exciting adventures and good ole family fun.

The Cherokee people called this area the “Place of Blue Smoke” and it’s easy to see why when you’re on an early morning hike featuring a blueish mist surrounding the mountain tops. Top nature hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops. Home to more than 1,500 black bears, waterfalls, historic architecture, and beautifully twisting roads, this forest-covered playground is definitely worth a visit.

Pro Tip: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the U.S. so it would behoove you to visit in the off season. Plan to hike at first light when possible. Also, while there’s no fee to enter the park, parking passes must be purchased at the visitor center.

Let someone else navigate and drive while you join a Pink Jeep Tour, leaders in guided excursions in east Tennessee. If this company sounds familiar, it’s because they also operate excursions in Sedona, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Branson. Rest assured that you’ll be in good hands while on your Smoky Mountain adventure. You’ll buckle up and ride in the back of a custom-built Jeep Wrangler while a knowledgeable guide fills you in on the region's history as well as the flora and fauna of the area’s natural landscapes. And, yes, you’ll do a little off-roading as well to see what those Jeeps can really do!

Pro Tip: Popular tours in the Smoky Mountains include Newfound Gap, Foothills Parkway, Elkmont Ghost Town, and Roaring Fork.

For an award-winning experience that offers a little bit of everything, make time for one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions. Anakeesta is home to live country music, plenty of food and beverage options, souvenir shopping, two mountain coasters—Rail Runner and Hellbender, a 16-bridge Treetop Skywalk, and incredible bird's-eye views atop the Anavista Tower. Your adventure begins with the Condola, a scenic chairlift ride to the summit, where you should keep your eyes out for black bears and other wildlife. The Ridge Rambler adventure