Do you love learning about all the different creatures on Earth? If so, a Smoky Mountain vacation is perfect for you! Whether you want to take a scenic drive in the mountains or visit one of the thrilling attractions in the Smokies, you are bound to come across all sorts of different critters. Here are 4 Smoky Mountain attractions for animal lovers:
1. Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo
If you want to see a multitude of different animals, be sure to visit the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo in Sevierville! In the petting zoo, they have all types of fun creatures, including baby goats, camels, zebras, emus, and even a Rocky Mountain elk. Be sure to bring your camera along to snap photos of all the amazing animals in the petting zoo. Afterwards, you can go horseback riding with the family! Just a heads up, you will need to make reservations ahead of time to go riding.
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Do you want to go under the sea and explore thousands of marine animals? Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a marvelous activity for all ages. Not only will you get to see all the amazing creatures, but you can interact with a few of them thanks to Ripley’s interactive exhibits. Step up to pet the back of a stingray or go nose to beak with a penguin in the Penguin Playhouse! To see more of the aquarium’s most adorable creatures, be sure to stick around to see the penguin feeding show and the Penguin Parade! With everything there is to do at the aquarium, it is no wonder why it is one of the top rated Smoky Mountain attractions!
3. Take a Drive in Cades Cove
Take a break from the attractions and take in the natural wildlife in one of the Smoky Mountain National Park’s most popular areas, Cades Cove. As you tour the 11-mile one way scenic road, be on the lookout for a multitude of different species wandering through the fields. Some of the animals you might see during your trip include white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, horses, and coyotes. Of course, the main prize is catching a glimpse at the mascot of the Smokies, the black bear. The most common times to see bears are in the early morning or near dusk, when they venture out to look for food!
4. Goats on the Roof
By the name of this Pigeon Forge attraction, you might be able to guess what animal you will see when you visit. That’s right, they actually have real goats on the roof! Once you are there, you can purchase a can of goat chow and head to the roof to watch the hungry residents eat. In addition to goat feeding, Goats on the Roof has plenty of other activities to check out, including a mountain coaster, gem mining, and a gift shop to purchase all your Smoky Mountain souvenirs.
Now that you know about some of the best Smoky Mountain attractions for animal lovers, be sure to check out our free attraction tickets to save you money during your vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon!
