8 Ways To Rough It Out & Live It Up In The Smokies

Thrill-seeking can be addictive. The rush of adrenaline, feeling the wind on your face, and making exciting discoveries as you hike, swim, or trek is incomparable. So, it’s natural that you’re always on the lookout for the next exciting destination, which will provide you with a mixture of action and adventure wrapped in one. It is where Smoky Mountain comes into the picture. 

Tennessee has much to offer besides the cozy weather. You will get to have the vacation of your dreams once you start exploring the many towns which make up the Smokies. From relaxing cabins, wild rides, and unforgettable scenery, here’s why you should visit these valleys in the south:

Wears Valley

Wears Valley, also known as the Jewel of the Smokies, is a gorgeous valley between Townsend and Pigeon Forge located north of the Smoky Mountains. Once you’re in the area, there is much for you to do in zip lining, trekking, hiking, or enjoying looking out of your cabin. Here’s how you can make the most of your trip:

Make Yourself Comfortable

Before hitting the valley like Indiana Jones, you should arrange for accommodations. Traveling can get exhausting, and you will need a cozy bed at night to rest your feet and loosen your aching muscles. If you deprive yourself of good sleep, you will feel cranky throughout your trip. Therefore, like a weary traveler looking for a moment of peace, you should look into wears valley tn cabin rentals and find the best choice for you. 

Cabins come in varying sizes and shapes, with some luxury sheds fitted with a pool. Not only do you get to put your feet up, but you will also have a front seat view of the sprawling scenery in front of you. With an Instagram-worthy venue, you will get to make the most of your journey. 

Visit The Park

Wears Valley is right next to the great smoky mountain national park. A unique entrance only opens up at the valley’s side and is worth checking out. You will get to relish 520,000 acres of natural scenic beauty while biking, fishing, and even hiking through the bountiful park. Near the park itself is another subsection waiting for your attention called the Cades Cove. It is a verdant valley that many wildlife often frequent, such as coyotes, groundhogs, and white-tailed deer. So, while you’re at the cove, take pictures but don’t disturb the animals in their natural habitat.

Zipline Through the Mountains

Wears Valley offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to check out the Wears Valley Zipline adventure in Sevierville. You will access Zipline rides that tower over 7,000 feet and stretch for miles. Once you strap yourself securely, you will shoot through the mountains and get an unadulterated view of the Smoky Mountain National Park and Mount LeConte. 

Depending on how adventurous you feel, you will get to choose from five-line, six-line, or eight-line zip courses. Make sure you call ahead for reservations. It will ensure you get the best spot and let the park make arrangements for your underaged child to ensure safety will never be an issue. 

Go For Horseback Riding

If you want a tranquil exploration along a trail, you should opt for a horseback ride. Stables such as Waldens Creek and Jayell Ranch have a range of beautiful and well-trained horses ready for your tour. You can either follow a group or go on your ride around the National Park. Some stables will also let you rent a horse for a day to go around Wears Valley in style.

Pigeon Forge

Nestled in the foothills of the northern Smoky Mountains in Tennessee is the quaint town of Pigeon Forge. This popular tourist spot is also home to Dollywood, named after the lovable southern sweetheart Dolly Parton. So, if you’re in pigeon forge, here’s what you need to check out:

Enjoy The Mountain Coaster

Almost every activity in Pigeon Forge is around the Smoky Mountains, which is why you should ride the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. This low-level coaster will take you on an eight-minute journey down the mountains for one whole mile. What makes the alpine coaster so great is that you will control the speed. You can try your hand at inducing an adrenaline rush as you navigate through the route or set a leisurely pace if you’re all about the views.

Enter the Forbidden Cavern

Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, slightly ahead of Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, is the Forbidden Cavern. The enclosure will expose you to dripping stalagmites underground streams, and the cool temperature remains at a constant sixty degrees. So, either go trekking alone or join a group, you must climb into the cavern and witness the hidden treasure of Smoky Mountain. 

Gatlinburg

Located six miles away from Pigeon Forge in the foothills of the Smoky mountains stands the proud town of Gatlinburg. With its sweeping landscapes and tourist attractions, you should make the most of your stay here:

Gatlinburg Whitewater Rafting

If you wish to enjoy the water in all its glory, you should make your way to the Gatlinburg whitewater rafting. You will conquer the fast-flowing and gushing water by riding several regional rivers like the Little River. Whether you’re new to rafting or have experience, you can easily enjoy rafting for two straight hours. You should register with the raft outdoor adventures to make the most of your water trip.

The Ghostwalk

Dialing the notch up in spookiness and eeriness is the Gatlinburg ghost walk that you should check out. The tour guide will walk you through the Tennessee unsettling history of murder and disappearance while taking you to the sites in the discussion. You will also walk through the 19th-century cemetery notorious for its nighttime noises. If you’re all about the thrill, carry an EMF reader with you and make it into a ghost hunt. 

Final Thoughts

Adventure is out there if you are willing to look for it, which is why you should make a trip to Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains, home to some glorious parks, rivers, and trails, are a thrill-seekers treasure and should make your list. While staying in Wears Valley, get yourself a comfortable lodging. Set out to visit the park, enter the Cades Cove, or zipline through the mountains. You can also enjoy the scenic views by riding your trusty steed. 

In Pigeon forge, make sure you cruise with the mountain coaster and explore the forbidden carven to learn about the hidden beauty of the Smokies. In Gatlinburg, you should make a splash in the water and walk the spooky trail within the town to shock yourself.