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Great Smoky Mountain Region

The oldest mountains in the world. A preserve of wildflowers, old-growth forests and rushing mountain streams. The Smokies. It’s the ultimate recreational getaway. Bring your camera as the park has panoramic vistas with cascading rivers and majestic forests. Venture out on horseback at Sugarlands, explore over 900 miules of hiking tails and then cool off by rafting the Pigeon River.

Where should you stay in this area? There are a number of options, all offering a gateway into the Great Smoky Mountains. In their own right, each are incredible locations with their own unique charm. Some are vibrant with lots to see and do, whilst others envelop the tranquil nature of the mountains.

Take a look at the five options we have available and, if you are not sure which one is right for you, we will be happy to help you decide based on your requirements.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a spectacular mountain town, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains and is the perfect place to explore this awe-inspiring region.

As the biggest town within the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge boasts a variety of attractions, dining and shopping options for guests visiting the region. Perhaps the most famous attraction in the city is the world-famous Dollywood. Set up by Dolly Parton, Dollywood now boasts a theme park with over 40 rides and attractions, a water park and an evening dinner show, as well as the DreamMore Resort and Cabins.

Away from Dollywood, Pigeon Forge is an outdoor adventurers’ paradise. Visitors to Pigeon Forge can choose from adrenaline-led activities such as white water rafting, tubing, helicopter tours, zip lining and zorbing. There is simply no better way to experience the Great Smoky Mountains region!

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is home to an abundance of urban and rural attractions. Ride a sky lift to places where your feet reach far above the clouds, and walk the floor of oceans as sharks swim over your head – all in the same day. From Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, to countless other unusual museums, mirror mazes, haunted houses and miniature golf courses, there’s an adventure for every age and an attraction for every interest.

Space Needle – Right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg, the Space Needle gives you a 360° view from 407 feet up. This is a great place to start your day and plan your route. Bring your map and take a visual tour of what you want to do and where you’ll want to go. As a bonus, the Space Needle offers great pizza and fun arcade games at the bottom floor.

Ober Gatlinburg – One of the most enjoyable overlooks to reach is at the top of Ober Gatlinburg. First, you’ll ascend 2.1 miles inside the aerial tramway with a 360° view of mountains and valleys. You’ll arrive at the indoor mall with an ice skating rink and hillside mountain coaster attractions. Then, you’ll take a relaxing chairlift to the top of the world.

Gatlinburg Bypass Overlook – Take the bypass into Gatlinburg and set your camera as wide as the lens will go. Along this beautiful drive, you’ll find a couple of great places to park and snap a picture. The blue sky, mountain range, and city beyond make for the perfect subject or even backdrop. From there, you’ll see how magically the mountains weave into each other and how perfectly Gatlinburg nestles in the valley.

Newfound Gap – Newfound Gap is one of the most accessible scenic overviews in the national park. Just hop in your car and head up Newfound Gap Road. This drive takes you right through the park, with many opportunities to pull over at a roadside vista and snap a picture. But, the best view is actually right at the edge of the parking lot. From here, you can head out onto the Appalachian Trail, follow the rivers to the North or South, or just sit tight and watch the sunrise.

Sevierville

Sevierville, Tennessee is located on the eastern edge of the state, and sits in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, about ten miles north of the park.

There’s no better way to experience Sevierville than in the great outdoors. Whether you enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, ATV riding, rafting canoeing, horseback riding or just generally having a great time under the open skies, Sevierville has the outdoor experience for you. Best of all, Sevierville is only minutes away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park and the only one that is free to enter and enjoy. Hike the Great Smoky Mountains or explore the caverns on guided tours beneath the foothills.

Sevierville is also famous for shopping. Two of the largest outlet malls in the area are located here totaling over 120 high-end, name brand outlets.

Sevierville is also the hometown of music legend Dolly Parton. Dolly was born and raised here along with her 11 brothers and sisters. A statue of Dolly, which was sculpted by local artist Jim Gray, has graced the lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse since 1987 – only a year after she opened her Dollywood theme park.

Knoxville

Knoxville is a hidden gem. First-time visitors are typically amazed by all the city has to offer. In this one, unique location, mountains meet music, art meets adventure and culture meets cuisine. The pure walkability of downtown allows people to explore and discover vibrant murals, local music, historic sites, art museums, parks, greenways and more. With its sophisticated mix of culture and cuisine, served up with genuine hospitality, Knoxville will surprise you.

Popular attractions include Knoxville Zoo, Sunsphere, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Star of Knoxville Riverboat and Three Rivers Rambler.

Townsend

Whether you’re visiting in the winter, summer, fall or spring, Townsend always offers beautiful views and fun things to do. Summer and spring offer the perfect hiking weather, beautiful wildflowers, and fun festivals. Fall gives a display of beautiful, colourful trees while winter offers holiday magic and the chance to see snow on a mountaintop. Any time of the year, it’s a great place to visit.

The Little River runs through charming Townsend, meaning there are so many water activities that you can enjoy with your family while visiting. As you explore the river, you will encounter beautiful scenery rich with foliage and wildlife. It’s the perfect place to escape from the stresses of daily life and have fun out on the water.

If you’ve had a chance to experience the pioneer spirit of Townsend, we won’t blame you if you want to bring a piece of it home by shopping in Townsend. The locally-owned shops offer everything from sweet treats to handmade crafts, with options that fit every budget. Make sure to browse around during your stay – you won’t be disappointed!

Cades Cove is one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the southeastern United States. It’s located at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short drive away from Townsend. There is a wide range of hikes accessible in this location, ranging from short, easy hikes that are perfect for families to more difficult trails that take you through a range of terrain and give you the opportunity to see stunning wildlife.

Suggested Itineraries

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