Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on May 10, 2016
Honestly, there are way more than just four reasons to visit the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee any time of year. The biggest is the mountains themselves and the national park that celebrates their beauty and history. And then there are all kinds of family attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville as well as outlet malls, specialty shops, arts and crafts, and restaurants.
But just in case you need four more reasons to spend some time in the Smokies this week, we have a few recommendations, including some special events that you can only take advantage of in the next week or so.
We may be a little biased on this one, but of course, we believe that ziplining is one of the most fun things you can do in the Smokies. It combines high-speed adventure with the beauty of the great outdoors, not to mention the fact that we've had some spectacularly pleasant weather around here lately.
And if you're looking for the best place around here to have fun on a zipline, Gatlinburg and Sevierville attractions don't offer what we have here at our course in Pigeon Forge. Our new course is scheduled to open in the very near future, so depending on when you visit, you might get to be one of our first guests to experience the fun.
2. Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival
Celebrate Appalachian culinary history and enjoy some tasty local cuisine in the process at the Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival, presented by Bush Brothers & Company. The event takes place Thursday, May 12 on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, between traffic lights 6 and 8, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The event will feature a beans and cornbread cook-off, antique engines and lots of beans and cornbread for the tasting. The festival is free, but attendees can purchase a spoon for $10 and sample recipes from all the booths while supplies last. Children ages 7 and younger can sample for free.
Entertainment will be provided by country music singer Tara Thompson, who has recently been performing as the opening act for the Queen of Country Music, Loretta Lynn.
3. Dollywood Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival
Here's yet another chance to enjoy down-home Southern cooking and some tasty sounds as well. This annual festival at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon forge is included in park admission and gets you access to free concerts by some of the greatest bluegrass acts in the country as well as some delicious barbecue. The event runs May 13 through 22.
The concerts will be held at stages and venues throughout the park, while the Market Square area of Dollywood is barbecue headquarters. There you can sample Tennessee pulled pork, ribs, succulent chicken and more. A variety of sauces will be available, ranging from savory sweet to smokin' hot.
4. Wilderness Wildlife Week
This is one of the biggest events taking place in Pigeon Forge each year, and it's coming up soon. This year's Wilderness Wildlife Week runs May 18 through 22 and is free to the public.
Nature lovers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of a variety of programs for all ages and interests, ranging from programs specifically for kids to guided hikes for more adventurous folks. In all, there are hundreds of options from which to choose, and the programs and hikes usually run from around 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
In addition to all the walks, talks and workshops, there will be vendors on site offering handmade crafts, gear and even some live wildlife specimens. Wilderness Wildlife Week will be based at the LeConte Event Center in Pigeon Forge.