Last Updated on January 9, 2025
Imagine waking up to the scent of pine and invigorating mountain air. Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains, a place where the beauty of nature is truly awe-inspiring. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, spotting wildlife, or exploring family-friendly attractions, there’s something magical in these mountains.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with three neighboring towns of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, Tennessee, attracted than 13 million travelers in 2024 making it the most visited national park in the nation. The towns and park offer diverse activities from nature exploration to thrilling attractions and a rich local culture.
I visited the area in the spring of 2023 with my husband and again in November of 2024 with a group of friends. Both visits were full of fun and adventure and I’m already planning a girl’s getaway in later 2025.
Can’t Miss Smoky Mountain Attractions
You could spend a week in each of these towns and never be bored. They are located within 25 minutes of each other and it’s so easy to go from one to the other during your visit.
Pigeon Forge Highlights
Situated in the middle of the three towns, it served as our base on my last trip.
Dollywood
No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to Dollywood. Equal parts amusement park and cultural experience, Dollywood is renowned for its thrilling rides, live music and seasonal events like the Christmas in the Smokies Show.
When you visit, don’t forget to stop at the Mill store for some Cinnamon Bread. You will smell the most delicious scents wafting from the store, and it tastes even better than it smells.
The Island
Stroll through The Island, a bustling destination with shops, eateries, and the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The view from the top is phenomenal. The island is free, but rides require individual payment.
Visit during the evening to catch the fantastic fountain light show. The fountains are entertaining even during the day as they are set to music, and there are rocking chairs for sitting around this million-dollar show fountain.
TITANIC Museum
Step back in time at the TITANIC Museum where interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts bring the tragic history of the ill-fated ship. When you enter, you’re given a card with the background of a person who boarded the Titanic. As you make your way through the museum, you learn more about the person, and in the end, you learn about their fate.
New this year is the Jack & Rose panel of “Titanic” movie fame.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Experience dinner and a true Tennessee-style show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. One of the highlights of my visit, this robust, family-friendly event features spectacular entertainment and a multi-course Southern meal.
TIP: Get there early to enjoy lively musical entertainment in a holding room before entering the arena area.
Gatlinburg Highlights
Gatlinburg has a variety of indoor activities, but we mostly enjoyed the outdoors during our visits.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nature lovers will find paradise in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking trails abound, and springtime visitors can enjoy the vibrant explosion of wildflowers; autumn lays out stunning foliage like nature’s red carpet.
My group toured with Smoky Mountain Guides. They were knowledgeable and showed us many things we would have missed independently and they escorted us throughout the park in a van with hiking and vista viewpoint stops.
SkyBridge
Don’t miss the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge for sweeping mountain views and a must-do experience. Part of the bridge is glass meaning you can see beneath you as you’re walking.
Anakeesta
Nearby, Anakeesta offers outdoor adventure, dining and a treetop canopy walk with 14 bridges. You can ride a Chondola cabin or chairlift to the top of the mountain where the park is located. Two mountain coasters, The Hellbender and the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, add even more excitement to the adventure.
I rode the Rail Runner during my first visit. A thunderstorm blew in during the ride. Experiencing the coaster with flashes of lightning was an unexpected thrill. We were the last riders off before they shut the ride down due to inclement weather.
Add to your adventure by experiencing Astra Lumina, the 15th Lumina Enchanted Night Walk in the world and the first in the U.S. We experienced this spectacular showcase of lights as we walked among the stars during our holiday visit.
Fowler’s Clayworks
Fowler’s Clayworks specializes in handcrafted pottery, celebrating the rich artistry and tradition of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s part of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, the largest independent organization of artisans and crafters in the U.S.
We had a hands-on experience creating a mug. Mike Fowler, owner, and instructor, was very patient while teaching newbies how to mold the clay. A pottery class is an excellent family or small friend group activity. And who doesn’t love taking home their own homemade piece of pottery?
Sevierville Highlights
Dolly Parton was born and raised in Sevierville, her statue gracing the front of the courthouse. Be sure to stop by and grab a photo.
Shine Girl Distillery
Dolly Parton’s niece, Danielle, a master distiller, owns and operates Shine Girl Distillery. We enjoyed tastings at Shine Girls during both visits. My favorite drink was the Shine-a-rita, a beachy coconut margarita made with (of no surprise), moonshine.
Tanger Outlets
Thrifty shoppers should head to Tanger Outlets for unbeatable deals on popular brands. Shop till you drop and score exclusive discounts while you’re at it!
While at the outlets, be sure to check out their newest attraction, XPERIA Ocean Journey. It’s like visiting a stellar aquarium though the fish aren’t real. With hands-on activities and state-of-the-art technology, this exhibit transports you to the bottom of the sea for some exploration.
SkyLand Ranch
SkyLand Ranch offers a unique, family-friendly experience with mini animal encounters, scenic views and a relaxing Western vibe. Be sure to ride the Mountain Coaster for a thrilling experience on the area’s longest coaster ride.
Experience Every Season
The Smoky Mountains offer something special year-round—from the first blooms of spring to the twinkling holiday lights of winter.
Spring bursts to life with wildflowers and lush greenery, making it the ideal time for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dollywood’s Festival of Nations also brings culture and excitement to Pigeon Forge in the spring months.
Summer is all about outdoor adventures! Go river tubing, try zip-lining, or spend the day at a water park. If you’re a thrill-seeker, don’t miss zorbing at the Outdoor Gravity Park. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also host lively 4th of July celebrations.
Autumn transforms the Smokies into a wonderland of warm and colorful hues. It’s the perfect season for scenic drives and hiking. Pumpkin spice everything takes over at local cafes, and you won’t want to miss Dollywood’s Harvest Festival.
Once Halloween is over, the area literally jumps into the holidays. The magic of Winterfest Lights, Christmas at Dollywood, and Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Light Display bring a fairytale-like enchantment to the Smokies. Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks are the perfect way to ring in the new year.
Where to Stay
A good night’s rest will energize you for this area’s many adventures.
Eagles Ridge Resort (Pigeon Forge)
Luxury cabins with stunning views and cozy amenities are perfect for families or larger groups. I stayed in one of these cabins during my last visit. It was excellent, and you can learn more about Eagles Ridge Resort.
Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge)
This island-inspired hotel has the perfect atmosphere for families who want a fun and relaxed vibe. With an outdoor pool, lazy river, and bowling alley, there’s enough to keep everyone busy here.
Sanctuary Treehouse Resort (Sevierville)
Looking for something unique? Stay in a luxurious treehouse at the Sanctuary Treehouse Resort surrounded by nature’s beauty. I stayed in the Air Fort One Treehouse last spring, the perfect getaway surrounded by nature.
Wayback Hotel (Pigeon Forge)
This boutique hotel across from the Island offers modern hospitality with just the right touch of nostalgia. I previewed the Wayback Hotel during my last visit to the area. It’s a fun hotel with many retro features and it felt as if I was revisiting my teen years. This is where I’d like to stay on a return visit.
Where to Eat
The culinary scene in the Smokey Mountains focuses on comforting Southern flavors.
Junction 35 Spirits Kitchen & Bar isperfect for a casual meal. This dining spot combines a distillery and a restaurant and serves hearty meals alongside locally crafted spirits.
For the ultimate Southern breakfast, head to The Old Mill Restaurant. Its fresh-made bread is a highlight. Alternatively, stop by Pottery House Cafe for delicious sandwiches and salads served on handcrafted pottery.
How about pairing scrumptious pizza with some axe-throwing? Country Roads Axe Co. offers this unique combination under one roof, ensuring a fun and memorable dining experience.
If you’re looking for a meal with a rustic ambiance, The Park Grill in Gatlinburg is the spot to enjoy mountain-inspired dishes in a lovely upscale cabin setting.
Located in Sevierville, this beloved Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant serves classic comfort food along with its famous apple fritters.
