Things to do in Smoky Mountains

Take a thrilling ride on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster — the longest coaster in east Tennessee and the first one in the world with four uplifts. Travel through stunning Smoky Mountain scenery, 360-degree turns, and several tunnels on over 20 acres of property. Control your own speed through tunnels, curves, and thrilling hairpin turns on a single cart that can go up to 30 miles per hour. The coaster is fun for all ages, with riders ranging from 3 to 90 years old. For an extra unique experience, visit after nightfall where the colorful lights will guide you through a beautiful night ride.

Two options allow you to choose the perfect flight: The Lake View flight extends past the French Broad River and takes you out to Douglas Lake. Douglas Lake is a 33,000 acre man-made lake with over 450 miles of shoreline. This flight will get you up to 1,500 feet in altitude, allowing you a superb view of the Great Smoky Mountains towards the south. Along the route, you will see areas of farmland and quilt-like patterns of pastures. As you get closer to Douglas Lake you will fly next to Douglas Dam. Lake view is a 6-minute flight covering 12 miles. The most popular option, Extended Lake flight, takes you even further. You will fly directly over Douglas Dam, and then proceed over the lake. In the summer take in astonishing sun-glistening views of the water and the people enjoying their time on the lake. In the winter the water level is lowered, so expect majestic views of exposed islands and coves. As well as the beautiful lake, you will see the Great Smoky Mountains towards the southwest. On this option, you climb to a slightly higher altitude than on the Lake View flight, allowing for better visibility of the National Park. Extended Lake is an 8-minute flight over 16 miles.

Embark on an exhilarating journey down Moonshine Mountain on a specially-designed coaster. Start your adventure with an uphill lift to the summit, where you'll board your single or double rider coaster car. Equipped with individual brake handles, you have complete control over your speed, making it a personalized experience for thrill-seekers or those who prefer a more leisurely pace. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, offers breathtaking scenery and a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the area. Operating year-round, the coaster is perfect for family outings, with rides suitable for children as young as 3-years old. The coaster cars glide smoothly down the mountain on a silent track, reaching speeds up to 30mph. As the sun sets, don't miss the spectacular night rides. The dynamic light show illuminates the mountain, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the thrill of the descent. Under new management since late 2021, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster continues to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Go rafting on the Upper Pigeon River and combine whitewater action with epic mountain scenery, great for visitors looking to get outdoors. This guided adventure from Hartford is an accessible option for guests staying in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, or the national park in Eastern Tennessee. Meet the guide at NOC's Pigeon River Outpost in Hartford. After a brief orientation and video, get geared up with a life jacket and paddles and load onto the big blue bus to shuttle to the river put in. Once in the raft, an experienced guide explains the rafting lingo and what to expect. Then go down the river, paddling through bouncy waves, cool mountain water, and fun rapids. With nearly continuous Class II-III+ rapids like Lost Guide and Accelerator and views into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Upper Pigeon is a truly memorable experience.

Make your way to the meeting point and check in for your helicopter tour of the Smoky Mountains. Then, hop aboard and get ready to discover the beauty of this picturesque mountain range. Soar above the majestic peaks, rolling hills, and vibrant forests of the Smokies aboard a state-of-the-art helicopter. As you fly, take in unparalleled views of iconic landmarks including Douglas Lake, the Pigeon Forge Strip, and Clingmans Dome. End your experience with a deeper appreciation for the stunning landscapes that make the Smokies a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

One of the wonderful things about Foxfire Mountain are the beautiful trails and bridges that meander throughout the 150 acres of pristine forests, bubbling creeks, delightful Lost Mine Falls, beautiful vistas, and lazy creek-side treks. Throughout these easy to moderate trails you will cross multiple unique bridges from log bridges to covered bridges to cable bridges, including America’s second-longest swinging bridge 70 feet above the east prong of the Little Pigeon River. This Foxfire family fun adventure is great for all ages and even includes an on-the-ground obstacle course for both children and adults. With the pass, cross American's Swinging Bridge to Prosperity, which stretches 335 feet across Foxfire Gorge. Visit the Whispering Winds Covered Bridge, home to thousands of wishes hanging from the ceiling. Trek on miles of hiking trails with stops along the way at the Lost Mine Falls and the historic Sweden Furnace Iron Mine. Check out the walking tree-top canopy tour in the Evergreen Grotto and hike through the trees. Challenge your kiddos at the Little Adventurer Obstacle Course. Stack some stones and build your very own cairn for good luck. Enjoy an easy stroll along the River Walk Trail and stop alongside Dunn’s Creek for a leisurely picnic. Play a game of corn hole or just relax on the front porch in one of the comfy rockers.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the timeless melodies and vibrant rhythms of the Hit Parade Time Warp Jukebox, where every beat tells a story and every note resonates with nostalgia. New for 2024, an all-star all girls cast, it's LADIES NIGHT at the Jukebox! Unravel the Time Capsule of Music: As you step aboard our musical time machine, be prepared to traverse through the decades of music history. From the swinging tunes of the 1960s to the groovy beats of the 1970s thru the '80s, immerse yourself in a whirlwind of melodies that have defined generations. Star-Studded Performances: Experience the electrifying energy of our talented performers as they bring to life the iconic hits of yesteryears. With stunning vocals, dazzling choreography, and authentic renditions, each performance is a testament to the enduring legacy of these timeless classics. Interactive Entertainment: Get ready to dance, sing along, and relive your favorite musical memories as our interactive experience transports you into the heart of the action. Whether you're a die-hard fan or discovering these tunes for the first time, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this musical odyssey. Iconic Venue: Set amidst the glitz and glamour of The Grand Majestic Theater, our venue provides the perfect backdrop for this spectacular musical extravaganza. Step into a world where every corner echoes with the echoes of applause and every seat offers a front-row view to the magic unfolding on stage. The Smokies #1 Rock&Roll show features a live band, amazing vocalists, state-of-art lighting and sound, all presented in a spacious 450 seat "tiered for optimal viewing" showroom. Our theater has free parking on site, handicap accessible entrance and seating, a gift shop, lobby, and full-service kitchen and bar for your dining or beverage pleasure.

Enjoy picturesque vistas over the Smoky Mountains on this 15-minute flight dubbed the “Ridge Runner.” After taking off from the local partner’s private heliport, begin your flight over the stunning, misty Chilhowee mountain range. Feel the speed of the helicopter as you fly low over the treetops and mountains, getting a true taste of the beauty that is the American South. Gaze at historic downtown Sevierville and Pigeon Forge in the distance. Along the way, your expert guide will point out facts about the region, like the original designation of where the national park was supposed to be, as well as countless details about the flora and fauna of the region. After covering a distance of 30 miles, you’ll head back to the heliport, enriched by the one-of-a-kind, bird’s eye viewpoint of the mystic Smoky Mountains.

Discover the thrilling, dazzling, historic, and adventurous with a Tennessee Sightseeing Flex Pass. Access top attractions and tours throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the scenic Smokies all in one pass. Take advantage of full admission to attractions or save up to 30% on entry costs. Let your Flex Pass take you into the great outdoors and see the natural splendor of the Smokey Mountains up close and personal: select between a 3-attraction or a 5-attraction pass and choose what you want to enjoy when you arrive. Take in the sights from a thrilling vantage point on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Ride. Experience the awe-inspiring vision of the Great Smoky Mountains, where colorful fog-rich forests surround majestic Appalachian peaks this renowned Tennessee UNESCO World Heritage Site. Partner Tennessee’s exciting outdoor marvels with family-friendly and group-friendly attractions. Learn the history of the world’s most famous tragic transatlantic ocean liner at the Titanic Museum Attraction, then catch a dazzling magic show at Wonderworks. Whatever activities you choose, enjoy the convenience of an all-in-one pass. Top Attractions: • Beyond the Lens • Escape Game Pigeon Forge • Great Big Game Show • Rocky Top Mountain Coaster • Rainforest Adventure Zoo • Wonderworks

Experience the highlights of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a 3-hour guided tour. Learn about the history of the park, the lives of the early Appalachian pioneers, and the founding of the national park. Begin your tour with a stop at the remains of a long-gone resort town dating back more than 100 years. Learn about the history of logging in the Smokies, the lives of the early Appalachian pioneers, and the founding of the national park. Travel up the mountains on one of the most scenic roads in the southeast. Along the way, stop at scenic overlooks for pictures, questions, and interpretation of the area. Finally, arrive at Newfound Gap and the 5,000-foot-high border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Learn about the 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail and the site where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the park dedication in 1940.