19+ Attractions

Things to Do in the Smokies

Theme parks, museums, outdoor adventures, and family attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains

Featured Attractions

Top-rated experiences you can't miss

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline TourFeatured

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline Tour

10

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains delivers an exceptional zipline experience that consistently exceeds expectations, especially for first-timers. The guides are the true stars here—visitors rave about their perfect blend of professionalism, humor, and genuine care that transforms nervous beginners into enthusiastic zippers. The course features six platforms with spectacular mountain views, long and fast ziplines, and the occasional wildlife sighting (including bears spotted from the platforms).

5.0
(7,106)
Gatlinburg
Wahoo ZiplinesFeatured

Wahoo Ziplines

10

Wahoo Ziplines delivers an exceptional zipline experience that consistently wins over first-timers and families alike. The guides—particularly Avery, Vlad, Austin, Matt, and Jared—earn enthusiastic praise for their perfect balance of safety-consciousness, humor, and encouragement with nervous guests. Visitors appreciate that the course accommodates younger and lighter children when many other area attractions have restrictive weight requirements, and the option to purchase photos and videos help

5.0
(4,032)
Sevierville
Piked Antler Survival SchoolFeatured

Piked Antler Survival School

10

Will White and his team at Piked Antler consistently earn praise for creating engaging, hands-on wilderness experiences that challenge participants while keeping things fun and accessible. Reviewers emphasize Will's teaching style—he uses mnemonics and humor to make complex survival skills memorable, even for complete novices and homebodies. Groups ranging from Scout troops to corporate teams to individual learners report gaining practical knowledge in fire-building, foraging, game processing, a

5.0
(62)
Clyde
Legacy Mountain ZiplinesFeatured

Legacy Mountain Ziplines

10

Adventure park featuring 7 zip-line tours on 400 acres with stunning Smoky Mountain views.

4.9
(5,384)
Sevierville
Speedwerkz Exotic Car ExperienceFeatured

Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience

10

Speedwerkz delivers an unexpectedly thrilling experience for automotive enthusiasts, showcasing a jaw-dropping collection of supercars and hypercars that most visitors never expected to see in person. The friendly, welcoming staff and racing simulators add interactive fun beyond just viewing the vehicles. Guests consistently rave about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close with rare machines like Bugattis, McLarens, and Ferraris, with many planning return visits.

4.9
(3,506)
Gatlinburg
Bald River FallsFeatured

Bald River Falls

10

This scenic, 90-foot waterfall is a popular destination for nature observation & photography.

4.9
(2,236)
Tellico Plains

Top-Rated Attractions

Highly rated by visitors with verified reviews

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline Tour

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline Tour

10

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains delivers an exceptional zipline experience that consistently exceeds expectations, especially for first-timers. The guides are the true stars here—visitors rave about their perfect blend of professionalism, humor, and genuine care that transforms nervous beginners into enthusiastic zippers. The course features six platforms with spectacular mountain views, long and fast ziplines, and the occasional wildlife sighting (including bears spotted from the platforms).

5.0
(7,106)
Gatlinburg
Wahoo Ziplines

Wahoo Ziplines

10

Wahoo Ziplines delivers an exceptional zipline experience that consistently wins over first-timers and families alike. The guides—particularly Avery, Vlad, Austin, Matt, and Jared—earn enthusiastic praise for their perfect balance of safety-consciousness, humor, and encouragement with nervous guests. Visitors appreciate that the course accommodates younger and lighter children when many other area attractions have restrictive weight requirements, and the option to purchase photos and videos help

5.0
(4,032)
Sevierville
Piked Antler Survival School

Piked Antler Survival School

10

Will White and his team at Piked Antler consistently earn praise for creating engaging, hands-on wilderness experiences that challenge participants while keeping things fun and accessible. Reviewers emphasize Will's teaching style—he uses mnemonics and humor to make complex survival skills memorable, even for complete novices and homebodies. Groups ranging from Scout troops to corporate teams to individual learners report gaining practical knowledge in fire-building, foraging, game processing, a

5.0
(62)
Clyde
Legacy Mountain Ziplines

Legacy Mountain Ziplines

10

Adventure park featuring 7 zip-line tours on 400 acres with stunning Smoky Mountain views.

4.9
(5,384)
Sevierville
Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience

Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience

10

Speedwerkz delivers an unexpectedly thrilling experience for automotive enthusiasts, showcasing a jaw-dropping collection of supercars and hypercars that most visitors never expected to see in person. The friendly, welcoming staff and racing simulators add interactive fun beyond just viewing the vehicles. Guests consistently rave about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close with rare machines like Bugattis, McLarens, and Ferraris, with many planning return visits.

4.9
(3,506)
Gatlinburg
Bald River Falls

Bald River Falls

10

This scenic, 90-foot waterfall is a popular destination for nature observation & photography.

4.9
(2,236)
Tellico Plains
Smoky Mountain Ziplines

Smoky Mountain Ziplines

10

Adventure park featuring multiple zip line tours & an advanced level for experienced riders.

4.9
(1,713)
Pigeon Forge
Wears Valley Zipline Adventures

Wears Valley Zipline Adventures

10

Visitors consistently rave about this zipline adventure, with the enthusiastic guides—particularly Tiny, Caveman, Red, Cajun, and Green—earning nearly as much praise as the ziplines themselves. First-timers especially appreciate how the staff's humor and constant conversation help ease anxiety and turn nervousness into excitement. The one notable mention is that the entire experience moves quickly, with some groups completing all six lines in under an hour.

4.9
(779)
Sevierville
Ramsey Cascades

Ramsey Cascades

10

100-ft. waterfall cascading into a small pool, reached by a strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike.

4.9
(288)
Gatlinburg
Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls

10

Abrams Falls delivers a rewarding 5-mile round trip hike that consistently earns praise for its beautiful waterfall payoff. The trail is intermediate in difficulty with noticeable elevation changes and typically takes 2.5-3 hours to complete. Hikers frequently encounter wildlife—particularly black bears—and appreciate the well-maintained path, though footing requires attention in spots. The swimming hole at the falls is popular despite frigid water temperatures.

4.9
(140)
Townsend
Lynn Camp Prong Cascades

Lynn Camp Prong Cascades

10

Lynn Camp Prong Cascades earns high praise as an accessible hidden gem that delivers mountain beauty without the crowds of the park's famous waterfalls. Visitors consistently describe the walk along Middle Prong Trail as easy and scenic, following the river through stunning rock formations and wildflower-dotted cliffs. The cascades themselves appear at about three-quarters of a mile, though the trail continues beyond for those wanting a longer trek.

4.9
(100)
Gatlinburg
Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue & Petting Zoo

Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue & Petting Zoo

10

This small but heartfelt rescue operation wins visitors over with genuine hospitality and well-loved animals. Owner Josh consistently earns praise for his personal touch—sharing each animal's rescue story, introducing guests to baby goats, and discussing his expansion plans. Unlike typical petting zoos where animals only care about food, guests are delighted that these goats actually enjoy being petted. The bonus gem mining activity adds extra value to the $10 all-day admission.

4.9
(92)
Bryson City

Your Complete Guide to Smoky Mountains Attractions

The Smoky Mountains region offers hundreds of attractions ranging from world-class theme parks to interactive museums and outdoor adventures. Whether you're traveling with kids, seeking thrills, or looking for educational experiences, you'll find attractions suited to every interest and budget.

Must-Visit Theme Parks & Major Attractions

Dollywood ranks as the region's premier attraction, offering 50+ rides, live entertainment, and Appalachian crafts. This award-winning theme park combines thrilling roller coasters with traditional mountain culture. Plan a full day—Dollywood spans 160 acres. Admission costs $89-99 per adult, with season passes available for frequent visitors.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies consistently ranks among America's best aquariums. Walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Interactive exhibits let you touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs. Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit. Tickets run $35-40 for adults.

Anakeesta provides mountaintop experiences accessible by scenic chairlift or gondola. Explore treetop skywalk bridges, zip lines, mountain coaster, and dining with panoramic views. This outdoor attraction suits all fitness levels. Half-day visits work well, with tickets around $35 per person.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature Experiences

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers free admission to over 800 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic buildings. Cades Cove provides wildlife viewing opportunities including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. Clingmans Dome, the park's highest point, features 360-degree mountain views from its observation tower.

Zip lining courses throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer aerial adventures with mountain views. CLIMB Works and Legacy Mountain Ziplines provide multi-hour experiences with professional guides. Most courses require participants to be at least 10 years old and meet weight requirements (70-275 pounds).

White water rafting on the Pigeon River ranges from gentle family floats to Class III-IV rapids. Outfitters provide equipment and transportation. The rafting season runs March through October, with highest water levels in spring. Lower sections suit families with young children.

Museums & Educational Attractions

Titanic Museum Attraction recreates the famous ship with over 400 artifacts. Interactive exhibits let you touch an iceberg, walk sloped decks, and learn individual passenger stories. This self-guided experience takes 90 minutes. Located in Pigeon Forge, tickets cost around $30-35 for adults.

Hollywood Star Cars Museum displays vehicles from famous movies and TV shows. See the Batmobile, Dukes of Hazzard General Lee, and James Bond cars. Car enthusiasts and families enjoy this quirky attraction. Allow 45-60 minutes for your visit.

Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum showcases over 20,000 shakers in a unique collection. This free attraction appeals to collectors and those seeking unusual experiences. The small museum takes 15-20 minutes to tour.

Family-Friendly Entertainment

Ober Gatlinburg operates year-round with skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, alpine slides, and wildlife encounters. Access the mountaintop attraction via aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg. Summer activities include scenic chairlift rides and alpine coaster. All-day passes provide best value for families.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park features Tennessee's longest pedestrian cable bridge, stretching 680 feet across a valley. The yellow chairlift ride offers mountain views during the ascent. The SkyDeck provides 360-degree panoramas. Visit at sunset for spectacular photo opportunities.

Arcade and game rooms line Gatlinburg's Parkway and Pigeon Forge's main strip. Play classic games, win prizes, or try escape rooms. Many offer indoor options for rainy days. Prices vary—bring cash or prepaid cards.

Shows & Dinner Theaters

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show combines comedy, music, and a four-course Southern feast. This family-friendly production runs nightly in Pigeon Forge. The rivalry theme provides laughs without offensive content. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

Country Tonite Theatre showcases variety entertainment with comedy, music, and dancing. Two-hour shows feature talented performers covering country, gospel, and patriotic themes. Matinee and evening performances accommodate different schedules.

Magic shows and comedy clubs provide evening entertainment throughout the area. Terry Evanswood and Smoky Mountain Opry offer different styles. Check performance schedules when planning your visit.

Money-Saving Tips for Attractions

Purchase multi-day or combo tickets when visiting several attractions. Ripley's offers packages combining the aquarium with other Ripley's attractions at 20-30% savings. Check attraction websites for online discounts—advance purchase often saves $5-10 per ticket.

Visit during off-peak times (weekdays, November, January-February) for lower prices and smaller crowds. Some attractions reduce admission during slower periods. Spring break and summer command premium pricing.

Look for coupon books at visitor centers, restaurants, and hotels. These offer legitimate discounts on attractions, dining, and activities. Free trolley service in Gatlinburg eliminates parking fees at downtown attractions.

Planning Your Attraction Schedule

Major theme parks require full days. Dollywood and Splash Country need 6-8 hours each. Combine smaller attractions on other days. Gatlinburg's compact downtown lets you visit multiple attractions (aquarium, SkyLift, Space Needle) within walking distance.

Indoor attractions provide backup plans for rainy weather. Aquariums, museums, arcades, and dinner shows don't depend on weather. Outdoor attractions like zip lines and rafting cancel during storms—have alternatives ready.

Book reservations for popular attractions and shows 1-2 weeks ahead during peak seasons. Some attractions sell out, especially Dollywood on summer weekends and October. Many accept phone reservations if online booking seems full.

For a complete Smoky Mountains experience, explore our guides to hotels and lodging, top-rated restaurants, and cabin rentals. Our travel guides provide detailed itineraries and planning tips for your visit.