Great Smoky Mountain Region

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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.

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Sightseeing

Unmissable Experiences

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 offers a mix of urban and natural attractions for all ages. You can ride a sky lift above the clouds, walk beneath sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium, or explore the Space Needle, which provides a 360° city view, maps to plan your day, pizza, and arcade games. The city also features unique museums, mirror mazes, haunted houses, and miniature golf.

For stunning mountain scenery, head to Ober Gatlinburg via its 2.1-mile aerial tramway, with an ice rink, mountain coaster, and chairlift to the top. The Gatlinburg Bypass Overlook and Newfound Gap provide easy access to breathtaking vistas, perfect for photos, sunrise views, or exploring trails like the Appalachian Trail.

Sevierville

Sevierville, Tennessee, sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, just ten miles north of the park. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hunting, fishing, hiking, ATV riding, rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, and more. Just minutes from America’s most visited national park, visitors can hike its trails or explore caverns on guided tours beneath the foothills.

Sevierville is also a shopper’s haven, home to two large outlet malls with over 120 high-end stores. The town proudly celebrates its native daughter, music legend Dolly Parton, with a statue at the Sevier County Courthouse and, of course, her world-famous Dollywood theme park nearby.

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

Townsend is a year-round destination, offering beautiful scenery and activities in every season. Spring and summer bring perfect hiking weather, wildflowers, and lively festivals, while fall showcases colorful foliage, and winter delivers holiday charm and snowy mountaintops. The Little River flows through town, providing plenty of family-friendly water activities amid scenic views and abundant wildlife—perfect for escaping daily life and enjoying the outdoors.

Townsend also offers a taste of local culture through its charming shops, where visitors can find sweet treats, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs. Nearby Cades Cove, at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the region’s most stunning hiking spots. Trails range from easy family-friendly routes to more challenging hikes, all offering a chance to experience diverse terrain and spot local wildlife.

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