Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Last Call For Outdoor Fun
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on December 14, 2021
We've been looking at the extended weather forecast for the Smokies through the end of the year, and it's a good one. We're seeing daily highs of near 50 degrees or more and not a whole lot of rain, almost through the end of 2021. That's good news if you're thinking about visiting the Great Smoky Mountains one more time to close out your vacation year. The conditions are ideal to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and enjoy the beauty and grandeur of one of the most beautiful spots in the country.
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, we'll be operating our Gatlinburg canopy tours on a limited schedule through the end of the year, open weekends and on select dates during Christmas and New Year's week. But we're not accepting walk-ins during this time. We ask that you contact us in advance to book a zipline tour. Nevertheless, we're looking forward to a strong close to our 2021 season. We're seeing plenty of sunny, mild afternoons-ideal for harnessing up and experiencing the excitement one can only realize when flying through the treetops on a zipline cable.
But ziplining isn't the only thing you can do here in the mountains of Tennessee. There are plenty of other ways to make the most of the situation and soak up all that Smoky Mountain beauty while the conditions are favorable. Here are a few other suggestions for how to maximize your outdoor time over the course of the next few weeks.
Take A Hike
With nearly 800 miles of trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has enough hiking opportunities to fill an entire year. Fortunately, there's something for every schedule and level of ability. You could take a short nature stroll near Sugarlands Visitor Center or walk the handicapped-accessible trail to Laurel Falls. There are also more challenging destination hikes to water features like Abrams Falls and Rainbow Falls or scenic-view sites like Charlies Bunion or Max Patch. For a real challenge, you could go for the amazing views offered by the Chimney Tops or take one of the six different routes to the top of Mt. LeConte. Please note, however, that for any of these hikes that go into higher elevations, you'll need to be prepared with proper hiking gear and layers of clothing. Even if weather conditions are pleasant in the valley, temperatures drop as you gain altitude, and you might even encounter snow and ice near the mountain peaks. Please don't take on more than you're equipped to handle.
Rent Some Wheels
Another way to soak in the beauty of the Smokies is on four wheels, with the top down. There are any number of scenic routes you can take through the national park and surrounding areas. These include the Cades Cove loop, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Foothills Parkway, the Tail of the Dragon (U.S. 129 to Robbinsville, NC) and the Cherohala Skyway. If you happen to own a convertible vehicle of some type, that's great. Just put the top down and enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air. However, there are also a number of businesses in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville that rent ATVs, Jeeps and other open-air vehicles by the hour or the day. With ATVs, you can actually get off road and take on the challenge of riding a rugged trail in the mountains.
Saddle Up
The Smoky Mountains area is home to several horseback stables where you can sign up for guided and unguided tours of the surrounding foothills. One vendor is actually located within the national park, in the Cades Cove area. In each case, however, you'll get matched up with a horse that's right of your size and experience level and hit the trail for a unique horseback perspective. Whether your ride is led by a guide or not, you'll be able to enjoy the Smokies at a slower, more relaxed pace.
