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Top 5 Outdoor Attractions in the Smoky Mountains You Can’t Afford to Miss

View of the Great Smoky Mountains from one of our Pigeon Forge cabins near Dollywood.
March 21, 2018

When the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, there is nothing better than being outdoors. When you stay in our Smoky Mountain cabins, you’ll be able to breathe in the fresh mountain air and explore everything the area has to offer. Make the most of your time in the sweet sunshine trying new things and having new adventures! Here are the top 5 outdoor attractions in the Smoky Mountains you can’t afford to miss:

1. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Family hiking at Smoky Mountain Cabin in the Spring

There’s no better way to experience the true beauty of the Smoky Mountains than going for a hike. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 850 miles of hiking trails for you to explore. On these trails, you’ll have the chance to see gorgeous cascading waterfalls, beautiful wildflowers, stunning mountain views and even some wildlife. The trails vary in levels of difficulty, so everyone from children to athletes can enjoy a hike in the Smoky Mountains! A popular trail for families is Porters Creek Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip. During the spring, the trail offers spectacular views of the Smoky Mountain wildflowers.

2. Horseback Riding

If you want to explore the Smokies in a different way, go horseback riding! Horseback riding provides a fun adventure for people of all ages. Sugarlands Riding Stables is one great option for horseback riding in Gatlinburg. They offer guided trail rides through the Smokies, so everyone from first-timers to experienced riders will have a good time. You can also go horseback riding with Cades Cove Riding Stables. They offer horse-drawn carriage rides through the Smoky Mountains as well!

3. Visiting Outdoor Gravity Park

zorbing in the smoky mountains

Outdoor Gravity Park is a unique outdoor adventure in Pigeon Forge. You can choose from 3 different zorbing experiences. For those who have never heard of zorbing, it’s when you climb inside a giant plastic ball that resembles a human-sized hamster ball and roll down the hill. To beat the heat, go wet zorbing for a slip and slide adventure like none you’ve ever had before! You can try the FUNnel course, where you’ll zig zag down the hill for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Speed Demon course, specially designed for those who have a need for speed, or the Extreme Zig Zag course, made for those looking for an extreme adventure. Whichever course you choose, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime!

4. Ziplining

Nothing compares to the feeling you’ll get when you go ziplining in the Smoky Mountains. You’ll soar high above the ground for a bird’s eye view of the Smoky Mountains. This is one of the most incredible outdoor attractions in the Smoky Mountains. Not only will you be able to enjoy the feeling that you’re flying through the air, but you’ll be able to conquer any fears you have! There are plenty of options for ziplining in the Smoky Mountains. Whichever zipline adventure you choose, your feet won’t touch the ground for about 2 hours as you soar through the air! It’s the perfect activity to get your adrenaline pumping and allow you to experience the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

5. Whitewater Rafting

whitewater rafting in Pigeon Forge

Whitewater rafting is one of the best outdoor attractions in the Smoky Mountains. How would you like to race over rapids down the river while experiencing the Smoky Mountains in a whole new way? Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers a great rafting experience for visitors! You can choose to go rafting on the Upper Pigeon River for an exciting ride down the river with plenty of rapids, big waves and big drops, or raft down the Lower Pigeon River for a more leisurely trip that allows you to enjoy the scenery. Whitewater rafting is a thrilling outdoor experience that’s great for groups and families. There are plenty of opportunities in the Smoky Mountains to go on a rafting adventure!

Where to Stay

There’s no better place to stay in the Smoky Mountains than a cabin! Our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals put you close to all the best outdoor activities and provide a home away from home for you. We have cabins ranging from 1 bedroom to 15 bedrooms to accommodate groups of all sizes. Our cabins have amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, pool tables and more. We even have cabins with game rooms, home theaters and indoor pools!

When the weather is nice, plan a trip to try all of these incredible outdoor attractions in the Smoky Mountains! Browse all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and get ready for an unforgettable vacation.

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