Welcome to the natural wonders of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! These Smoky Mountain towns offer an array of outdoor adventures and wildlife experiences. Towering peaks and hidden valleys are just some of the endless opportunities to connect with nature that you'll find in these towns. Let's explore ten remarkable attractions that showcase the area's stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans over 500,000 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina. It's America's most visited national park, drawing millions annually. Hikers can explore more than 800 miles of trails winding through old-growth forests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to panoramic mountain vistas.
Wildlife enthusiasts might spot black bears, elk, or wild turkeys. The park's diverse ecosystems support over 19,000 documented species. Cades Cove, a popular area within the park, offers a scenic 11-mile loop drive showcasing historic buildings and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing in mountain streams, picnicking in serene meadows, or camping under starry skies. The park's famous synchronous fireflies put on a mesmerizing light show each summer. Autumn brings spectacular fall foliage, painting the mountains in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove, a broad valley surrounded by mountains, is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 6,800-acre area offers a scenic 11-mile one-way loop road, allowing visitors to drive through and admire the stunning landscape. The valley floor is dotted with historic structures, including three churches, a working grist mill, barns, and restored homesteads, providing glimpses into 19th-century life in the Southern Appalachians.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels branch off the main loop, leading to hidden waterfalls and quiet forests. Bicycle rentals are available, and on certain days, the loop is closed to motorized vehicles, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the cove without traffic. Ranger-led programs offer insights into the area's rich history and diverse ecosystem.
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smokies and beyond. A paved trail leads to an observation tower at the summit, where on clear days, visitors can see up to 100 miles in any direction. The surrounding spruce-fir forest resembles the boreal forests of Canada, hosting unique flora and fauna.
The Appalachian Trail crosses near the summit, making it a notable stop for through-hikers. The area around Clingmans Dome is often 10-20 degrees cooler than the lowlands, offering a refreshing escape on hot summer days. Clouds and precipitation are common due to the high elevation, creating a mystical atmosphere. Sunrises and sunsets viewed from the dome are particularly spectacular. In winter, the road to Clingmans Dome closes, but adventurous visitors can still access it via cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a narrow, winding, 5.5-mile one-way loop road just outside Gatlinburg. This scenic drive offers a close-up look at diverse forests, rushing mountain streams, and historic buildings. The road's name comes from Roaring Fork, a fast-flowing mountain stream that runs alongside it. Several well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries can be seen along the route.
Numerous pull-offs allow visitors to stop and explore short hiking trails, including the trail to Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind a 25-foot high waterfall. The Rainbow Falls Trail, one of the most popular in the park, begins from this motor trail. Wildlife sightings are common, especially in the early morning or late evening. The lush, old-growth forest surrounding the road is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom and in fall during peak foliage.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, operating since 1954, offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the town of Gatlinburg. The park's main attraction is the SkyLift, a chairlift that carries visitors 500 vertical feet up to the top of Crockett Mountain. At the summit, the SkyBridge - North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge - stretches 680 feet across a deep valley. Glass floor panels in the middle section add an extra thrill. The SkyDeck provides a spacious viewing area with seating and a snack bar.
For a unique experience, the SkyTrail offers both an elevated boardwalk and a natural trail connecting each end of the SkyBridge. At night, the bridge lights up with colorful LED lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The park hosts special events throughout the year, including a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks viewing.
Anakeesta
Anakeesta, an outdoor theme park in Gatlinburg, combines nature-based adventures and thrilling activities. Visitors begin their journey by taking a chondola or Ridge Rambler to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. At the top, the Treetop Skywalk offers a series of bridges suspended 50-60 feet in the air, allowing guests to walk through the forest canopy. The AnaVista Tower provides 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. For thrill-seekers, there are multiple ziplines and a mountain coaster.
Children can enjoy the TreeVenture Challenge Course and gem mining. The park also features several dining options, including a beer garden and a multi-story treehouse restaurant. Botanical gardens showcase native plants and offer peaceful walking paths. At night, the park transforms into "Astra Lumina," an enchanting light walk through the forest.
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg, a year-round amusement park and ski area, sits atop Mount Harrison. In winter, it offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing on its slopes. The rest of the year, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions including an alpine slide, scenic chairlift, ice skating rink, and wildlife encounter zoo. The zoo features native animals like black bears, river otters, and birds of prey. An aerial tramway connects downtown Gatlinburg to the park, offering stunning views during the 2.1-mile journey.
At the top, restaurants and shops provide amenities for visitors. The mountain coaster operates year-round, offering a thrilling ride down the mountainside. In fall, Oktoberfest celebrations bring German-inspired food, music, and activities to the park. Ober Gatlinburg also hosts various events throughout the year, including a Christmas celebration and summer music festivals.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg houses over 10,000 exotic sea creatures representing more than 350 species. The aquarium's centerpiece is a 340-foot underwater tunnel, where visitors can watch sharks, sea turtles, and schools of colorful fish swim overhead. Interactive experiences include touch tanks where guests can feel the texture of jellyfish and stingrays. The penguin playhouse allows close-up viewing of African penguins, while the tropical rainforest exhibit showcases exotic plants and poison dart frogs. Daily dive shows and feeding presentations provide educational entertainment.
For adventurous visitors, the "Sleep the Sharks" program offers overnight stays in the underwater tunnel. The "Penguin Encounter" allows guests to meet and interact with penguins up close. The aquarium also participates in conservation efforts, including a coral propagation lab and sea turtle rescue program.
Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Parrot Mountain and Gardens, located in Pigeon Forge, is a four-acre paradise home to hundreds of tropical birds. Visitors can walk through beautiful gardens filled with lush plants and flowers, interspersed aviaries housing parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and other exotic birds. Many of the birds are free to roam within designated areas, allowing for up-close encounters. The Secret Garden houses baby birds and bird nursery where visitors can observe hatchlings.
At the "Parrot Nursery," guests can hold and feed baby parrots. The park also features a replica of Thomas Kinkade's "Stairway to Paradise," adorned with colorful birds. Throughout the gardens, inspirational messages and Bible verses are displayed, reflecting the owner's Christian faith. A bird gift shop offers unique souvenirs and even the opportunity to adopt a parrot. The park's elevated location provides scenic views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park, spread across 150 acres of pristine wilderness near Sevierville, offers a range of outdoor adventures. The park's main attraction is "America's longest swinging bridge," spanning 335 feet across the Fox River gorge. Hiking trails wind through the property, leading to scenic spots like Lost Mine Falls and Dunn's Gorge. Adrenaline seekers can experience the park's zipline courses, including the "Goliath," one of America's highest, longest, and fastest ziplines.
The ATV tours take visitors through rugged mountain terrain, while the climbing wall challenges guests to scale a 60-foot tower. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can try their hand at gem mining or enjoy a picnic by the river. The park also features a general store and an onsite distillery offering tastings of locally-made moonshine. Seasonal events, like haunted nighttime zipline tours in October, add variety to the park's offerings.
Ready to Experience Nature and Wildlife?
These ten attractions barely scratch the surface of what Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer nature enthusiasts. After a day of adventure, you'll want to rest in a nice home, and we offer more than that at Stony Brook Lodging. Our cozy cabins provide the perfect retreat, allowing you to relax while staying close to the action. Book your stay and continue your Smoky Mountain journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime.