Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Best Day Trips and Excursions Near the Smoky Mountains
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on December 3, 2024
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the centerpiece of any East Tennessee vacation, but the surrounding region also offers countless opportunities for memorable day trips and adventures.
Beyond the hiking trails and scenic mountain overlooks, visitors can explore vibrant towns, historic communities, family attractions, outdoor recreation areas, and cultural destinations throughout the Smoky Mountains region.
Whether you enjoy shopping, history, outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, or family entertainment, there are excellent day trip options located just a short drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
Here are some of the best Smoky Mountain day trips to add to your vacation itinerary.
Gatlinburg: Gateway to the Smokies
Located directly beside the national park entrance, Gatlinburg remains one of the most popular destinations in the Smoky Mountains.
The walkable downtown area combines mountain charm with attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
The Gatlinburg SkyPark offers some of the best panoramic mountain views in the region.
Guests can ride the chairlift to the top of Crockett Mountain and walk across the famous SkyBridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in North America.
The observation areas provide incredible photo opportunities overlooking Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
Ober Mountain
Formerly known as Ober Gatlinburg, Ober Mountain is a year-round attraction featuring:
- Indoor ice skating
- Alpine slides
- Mountain coasters
- Wildlife exhibits
- Skiing and snowboarding during winter
The attraction combines mountain scenery with family entertainment and remains one of Gatlinburg's most recognizable destinations.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Families visiting Gatlinburg often include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies on their itinerary.
The aquarium features interactive exhibits, underwater tunnels, marine life displays, and family-friendly educational experiences.
Downtown Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg itself is worth exploring.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Local candy and fudge shops
- Unique boutiques
- Mountain-themed restaurants
- Moonshine tasting locations
- Arcades and attractions
- Handcrafted Appalachian goods
The walkable atmosphere makes Gatlinburg especially appealing for couples and families looking for a relaxed day of sightseeing and entertainment.
Pigeon Forge: Family Fun and Entertainment
Pigeon Forge offers a completely different atmosphere from Gatlinburg while still providing easy access to the Smoky Mountains.
Known for family entertainment, attractions, dinner shows, and outdoor adventures, Pigeon Forge is packed with activities for visitors of all ages.
Dollywood
Dollywood remains one of the most popular attractions in the Southeast.
The park combines:
- Roller coasters
- Family rides
- Live entertainment
- Traditional crafts
- Seasonal festivals
- Southern dining experiences
Dollywood's connection to Dolly Parton and Appalachian culture gives the park a unique Smoky Mountain identity.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island offers shopping, dining, and entertainment centered around the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
Guests can enjoy fountain shows, restaurants, specialty shops, and family attractions while spending an afternoon or evening in the heart of Pigeon Forge.
Titanic Museum Attraction
The Titanic Museum Attraction provides an immersive experience that allows guests to explore recreated sections of the famous ship while learning about passengers and historical events connected to the Titanic disaster.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Adventure seekers often enjoy riding the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, one of the area's most exciting mountain attractions.
The coaster allows riders to control their own speed while descending through scenic mountain terrain.
Cades Cove
Although technically located within the national park, Cades Cove deserves special recognition because of its incredible combination of history, wildlife, and mountain scenery.
The popular 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road allows visitors to explore one of the most beautiful valleys in the Smokies.
Things to Do in Cades Cove
- Drive the scenic loop road
- View wildlife including deer and black bears
- Visit historic churches and cabins
- Explore Cable Mill
- Hike to Abrams Falls
- Enjoy picnic areas surrounded by mountain scenery
Cades Cove remains one of the best destinations in the Smokies for photography and wildlife viewing.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is one of the most unique cultural attractions in East Tennessee.
Located just outside Gatlinburg, this historic 8-mile loop features hundreds of local artisans and independent craft shops.
Visitors can browse:
- Pottery
- Wood carvings
- Jewelry
- Quilts
- Candles
- Glasswork
- Handmade Appalachian crafts
Many studios also allow visitors to watch artists at work, creating a more personal and interactive experience.
Cherokee, North Carolina
Located south of the Smokies along US-441, Cherokee offers a quieter atmosphere combined with rich Native American history and beautiful mountain scenery.
Museum of the Cherokee People
The museum shares the history and heritage of the Cherokee people through exhibits, storytelling, and educational displays.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
This living history attraction recreates 18th-century Cherokee life through demonstrations, traditional crafts, and cultural presentations.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Visitors can enjoy scenic train rides through mountain valleys and along rivers while experiencing some of the most beautiful landscapes in Western North Carolina.
Cherokee is also popular for:
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
- Scenic mountain drives
Cataloochee Valley
For travelers seeking a quieter and less crowded Smoky Mountain experience, Cataloochee Valley offers incredible scenery and historical significance.
The valley is especially famous for its elk population, which was successfully reintroduced to the Smokies in the early 2000s.
Things to Do in Cataloochee Valley
- View elk during early morning or evening hours
- Explore historic churches and cabins
- Hike trails like Boogerman Trail
- Photograph mountain scenery and wildlife
Because Cataloochee receives fewer visitors than areas like Cades Cove, it offers a more peaceful and secluded atmosphere.
Add Outdoor Adventure to Your Smoky Mountain Vacation
While sightseeing and scenic drives are a major part of any Smoky Mountain trip, many visitors also look for exciting outdoor adventures during their stay.
One of the best ways to experience the Smokies from above is at Smoky Mountain Ziplines in Pigeon Forge.
Guests can soar high above the forest canopy while enjoying incredible mountain views and unforgettable outdoor excitement.
Whether you are planning family activities, scenic drives, cultural experiences, or adventure-filled excursions, the Smoky Mountains region offers endless opportunities for memorable day trips and exploration.
Related Posts:
- How to Spend a Full Day in Pigeon Forge Tennessee
- Best Ways to Explore Downtown Gatlinburg at Your Own Pace
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide
- Smoky Mountain Vacation Planning Guide
