The Ultimate Bucket List: 20 Experiences on the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains region is a beloved destination known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming towns like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville. Each city offers unique experiences that showcase the very best the Smokies have to offer.
Planning a trip and don’t know where to start? In this blog, we’ve highlighted some of the top experiences in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville to help you create the perfect itinerary and make the most of your time in the Smokies.
Before We Start…
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer a variety of cabins with amenities like hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Check out our website to find the perfect cabin for your stay.
For more tips on what to do during your visit to Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge, head over to our destination blog. From the best rainy-day activities to the top eats in each town, we’ve got tons of local spots and insider tips just waiting for you!
Ready to uncover the Smokies’ most memorable experiences? Let’s explore!
The Ultimate Bucket List: Pigeon Forge
1. Dollywood Theme Park
Co-owned by American icon Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the top family-friendly attraction in Pigeon Forge, offering unforgettable moments with your loved ones. The park features thrilling rides, live entertainment, and numerous displays of Appalachian culture. Another highlight is Dollywood’s schedule of seasonal festivals that take place throughout the year. From Halloween to Christmas, special activities, performances, and stunning decor make every visit even more magical and fun.
2. The Island
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a vibrant entertainment complex offering shopping, dining, and family-friendly attractions. Highlights include the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a multi-story dancing fountain show, and a variety of unique shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for relaxation and fun in the heart of the city.
3. Titanic Museum
Want to learn more about the world’s most famous ship and its tragic story? The Titanic Museum is an interactive and immersive attraction that honors the ship’s legacy. Explore authentic artifacts, walk through recreated rooms like the Grand Staircase, and experience what life was like aboard the Titanic. This museum offers a moving and educational journey through history, perfect for visitors of all ages.
4. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Considered the longest downhill coaster in the U.S., the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster offers a thrilling ride that delivers an adrenaline rush as you slide down the slopes amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. You can control your speed as you twist, turn, and glide down the track, making it a fun and unique adventure. Open year-round, it’s a must-try experience whenever you visit town.
5. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud
Blending comedy, music, and acrobatics with a hearty, all-you-can-eat Southern meal, the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud is a one-of-a-kind experience in Pigeon Forge—perfect for families, especially those traveling with little ones. The show humorously portrays the legendary family feud, featuring singing, dancing, and impressive stunts, including diving dogs and hillbilly antics. The food? Expect a feast of American favorites, including fried chicken, pulled pork barbecue, mashed potatoes with creamy gravy, homemade coleslaw, and much more.
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the U.S. — a must-visit for anyone exploring the region. Known for its spectacular mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, nature lovers can enjoy activities like exploring its 800 miles of trails, visiting stunning waterfalls, and spotting the park’s captivating residents, such as black bears, elk, and a variety of birds.
7. The Old Mill Square
The Old Mill Square is a historic landmark and popular destination featuring the iconic Old Mill, a working gristmill dating back to 1830. Beyond admiring this historic structure, you can enjoy Southern dining at The Old Mill Restaurant, shop for handcrafted goods, and watch artisans create pottery, candy, and other unique items. It’s a delightful spot that blends history, shopping, and local flavors in Pigeon Forge. Plus, its picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for family photos.
8. Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River
This thrilling activity is often the highlight for many visitors to Pigeon Forge, offering an exciting adventure near the Great Smoky Mountains with options for all skill levels. The Upper Pigeon River features exciting Class III and IV rapids, while the Lower Pigeon River offers a calmer, family-friendly float with beautiful scenery. It’s a memorable way to enjoy the great outdoors of the Smokies.
The Ultimate Bucket List: Gatlinburg
9. Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg is a year-round adventure destination offering a mix of outdoor activities and stunning mountain views. You can have the best of fun skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in winter, while summer brings scenic chairlift rides, an alpine slide, and wildlife encounters.
10. Gatlinburg SkyPark
Boasting spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg SkyPark is home to the iconic SkyBridge—the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Stretching 680 feet across a deep valley, it offers breathtaking 360-degree mountain vistas. At its highest point, the bridge stands 140 feet above the ground, featuring a glass floor panel in the middle for an added thrill.
11. Anakeesta
This scenic mountaintop adventure park offers a mix of outdoor activities, dining, and stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Take a gondola ride or scenic chairlift to the summit, stroll along the Treetop Skywalk, zipline, explore lush gardens, and relax by cozy fire pits. Anakeesta is another hotspot for family fun, nature lovers, and those seeking breathtaking vistas.
12. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Considered one of the top-rated attractions in Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is the perfect place to see captivating marine life up close while learning fascinating facts about them. Standout experiences include walking through the Shark Lagoon tunnel, encountering stingrays, and watching playful penguins.
13. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot observation tower offering stunning 360-degree views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. As you ride the glass elevator to the top, you can begin to admire the gorgeous vistas. Be sure to visit at sunrise or sunset for an extra magical experience. This iconic landmark also features an arcade, educational exhibits, and is a perfect spot for photos.
14. Arts & Crafts Community
An 8-mile loop featuring the largest group of independent artisans in the U.S., the Arts & Crafts Community is a must-visit for those who want to see local artists and craftsmen in action and learn about their skills. The artists are warm and welcoming, often sharing their creative processes with visitors. Explore handcrafted goods like pottery, paintings, woodwork, and jewelry, many of which celebrate Appalachian culture.
The Ultimate Bucket List: Sevierville
15. Ziplining at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
Add more thrilling experiences to your Smokies itinerary with the multiple zipline courses at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park, including the Goliath Zipline, one of the longest and highest ziplines in the Smoky Mountains. The feeling of soaring above the trees while taking in the breathtaking scenery is truly unforgettable and it will certainly be a highlight of your visit.
16. Explore Forbidden Caverns
Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville offers a fascinating underground adventure through one of Tennessee’s most impressive cave systems. Guided tours take you past stunning rock formations, crystal-clear streams, and dramatic lighting displays, all while learning about the cave’s history and geological features.
17. Wilderness at the Smokies Water Park
Make a splash on exhilarating slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and kid-friendly splash zones at Wilderness at the Smokies, the largest waterpark resort in the Smokies. The resort’s indoor and outdoor water parks are an entertainment haven. Highlight attractions include the Storm Chaser Thrill Slide, The Great Wave Pool, and the Smokies Surf Rider, a unique indoor surf simulator where you can bodyboard or try to surf.
18. SkyLand Ranch
A unique mountaintop attraction that combines scenic views, family-friendly activities, and a touch of Western charm. You have the opportunity to ride the Horizon SkyLift to the top, where you’ll find a variety of experiences, including a mini animal farm with goats and miniature horses, live entertainment, and relaxing fire pits. The highlight is the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster, one of the longest in the Southeast, offering pulse-pounding rides with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
19. Hike to Harrisburg Covered Bridge
This local treasure offers some of the most scenic backgrounds in the region. Hiking to the Harrisburg Covered Bridge combines a peaceful atmosphere with lush surroundings and a touch of history. This historic 19th-century bridge, one of Tennessee’s few remaining covered bridges, provides a glimpse into the past with its charming wooden structure. It’s an ideal spot for a short walk, photography, and enjoying the quiet beauty of the Smoky Mountain countryside.
20. Hot Air Balloon Rides
What can be more iconic than riding a hot air balloon and taking in the spectacular landscape of the Smokies from the sky? As you gently float above rolling hills, valleys, and lakes, you’ll enjoy unforgettable panoramic views, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the scenery is especially magical.
Top operators like What’s Up Ballooning offer guided flights led by experienced pilots, with both private and group options available. The experience typically includes a peaceful one-hour flight and often concludes with a celebratory toast or keepsake.
Where Should You Stay When Exploring the Smokies?
Our short-term rental cabins provide the ideal blend of privacy, stunning mountain views, and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a truly relaxing escape in the Smokies.
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer cabins of various sizes and amenities, including hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Explore our website to discover our fantastic range of cabin choices.
We’re dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best possible experience in the Smokies. With Smoky Mountain Holiday, your vacation memories are guaranteed to be unforgettable.
