Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
The 7 Most Adventurous Things You Can Do on your Smokies Vacation
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on June 7, 2016
A Smoky Mountain vacation does not have to be limited to scenic drives, shopping, and sightseeing. While the mountains certainly offer incredible views and relaxing experiences, East Tennessee is also packed with exciting outdoor adventures for visitors looking to try something new.
Whether you are visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, or the surrounding Smoky Mountain area, there are countless opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and create unforgettable memories.
The best part is that many of these adventures are beginner-friendly. You do not need years of experience or advanced training to enjoy activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, or scenic mountain hiking.
If you are looking to add more excitement to your next Smoky Mountain getaway, here are some of the best adventure activities to experience during your trip.
1. Experience Ziplining in the Smoky Mountains
One of the most popular outdoor adventures in East Tennessee is ziplining through the Smoky Mountain forest canopy.
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines in Pigeon Forge, guests can soar high above the trees while taking in incredible mountain scenery and panoramic views. The experience combines excitement, speed, and natural beauty into one unforgettable attraction.
Many first-time visitors are surprised by how quickly they become comfortable after their first launch from the platform. Experienced guides provide safety instructions and help guests feel confident throughout the adventure.
Ziplining is perfect for:
- Families looking for outdoor fun
- Couples seeking unique experiences
- Adventure travelers
- First-time thrill seekers
- Visitors wanting incredible Smoky Mountain views
Smoky Mountain Ziplines also features canopy tour elements that add even more excitement to the experience, making it one of the top outdoor attractions in Pigeon Forge.
2. Hike to the Summit of Mt. LeConte
For visitors who enjoy hiking and mountain scenery, climbing Mt. LeConte is one of the most rewarding adventures in the Smokies.
Located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mt. LeConte is one of the highest peaks in the region and offers breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.
Several trails lead to the top, each providing different levels of difficulty and scenery. Some routes are longer with gradual elevation gain, while others are shorter but steeper.
Popular trails include:
- Alum Cave Trail
- Rainbow Falls Trail
- Bullhead Trail
- Trillium Gap Trail
Guests planning this hike should prepare for a full-day adventure and bring:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Water and snacks
- Sun protection
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- A camera for scenic overlooks
Even beginners can complete the hike with proper preparation and a steady pace.
3. Go Whitewater Rafting in East Tennessee
If you want a combination of adrenaline and outdoor scenery, whitewater rafting is another excellent Smoky Mountain adventure.
Several rafting outfitters operate near Hartford, Tennessee, which is located about an hour from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Guided rafting trips are available on rivers such as the Big Pigeon River and the Ocoee River.
Professional guides lead guests through exciting rapids while providing safety instructions and paddling guidance throughout the trip.
Whitewater rafting is especially popular during the warmer months and offers:
- Fast-moving rapids
- Beautiful river scenery
- Team-oriented fun
- Beginner-friendly guided tours
- Exciting outdoor experiences
Many visitors combine rafting with other outdoor adventures during their Smoky Mountain vacation.
4. Try Indoor or Outdoor Skydiving
Skydiving may sound intimidating, but East Tennessee offers both traditional tandem skydiving and indoor skydiving experiences for adventurous travelers.
Outdoor skydiving allows guests to jump from an airplane while securely attached to a trained instructor. The experience delivers unmatched views and an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
For visitors who prefer something less intense, indoor skydiving attractions in Pigeon Forge simulate freefall conditions using large vertical wind tunnels.
Indoor skydiving is a great option for:
- Families with children
- First-time flyers
- Visitors nervous about heights
- Travelers seeking unique attractions
Both experiences offer exciting ways to step outside your comfort zone during your Smoky Mountain getaway.
5. Visit Outdoor Gravity Park
One of the most unique attractions in Pigeon Forge is Outdoor Gravity Park.
This attraction allows guests to roll downhill inside giant inflatable spheres in an activity known as zorbing.
Visitors can choose different experiences depending on the type of ride they want. Some options involve rolling and tumbling down the hill while others use water inside the sphere to create a smoother sliding motion.
The attraction delivers a completely different type of excitement compared to traditional rides and has become a memorable stop for many Smoky Mountain visitors.
6. Experience Bungee Jumping Attractions
Pigeon Forge and nearby areas have long been known for thrill attractions, including bungee jumping experiences and high-adrenaline rides.
For adventurous travelers, these attractions provide another opportunity to test their courage while enjoying the excitement of the Smoky Mountain Parkway entertainment district.
Many thrill attractions in the area combine height, speed, and scenic views to create unforgettable experiences for guests visiting East Tennessee.
7. Explore Even More Outdoor Adventures
The Smokies offer far more than just the activities listed above.
Depending on your interests, you can also enjoy:
- ATV and off-road tours
- Helicopter rides
- Scenic horseback riding
- Mountain coasters
- Hot air balloon rides
- Wildlife experiences
- Scenic chairlift attractions
One reason visitors return to the Smoky Mountains year after year is the incredible variety of activities available throughout the region.
You can spend one day hiking through mountain trails, the next soaring through the trees on a zipline, and another exploring the entertainment attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Why Adventure Travel Is So Popular in the Smokies
The Smoky Mountains combine beautiful scenery with family-friendly attractions and outdoor recreation in a way few destinations can match.
Adventure activities allow visitors to experience the mountains from completely different perspectives while creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Whether you prefer high-speed thrills or scenic outdoor exploration, East Tennessee offers something for nearly every type of traveler.
If you are planning your next Smoky Mountain vacation, consider adding at least one new adventure to your itinerary. You may discover that trying something outside your normal routine becomes the highlight of your trip.
And if you are ready to experience one of the top outdoor adventures in Pigeon Forge, book your next tour with Smoky Mountain Ziplines and enjoy an unforgettable experience high above the Smoky Mountain forest canopy.
Related Posts:
- What to Expect on Your First Zipline Adventure in the Smoky Mountains
- Smoky Mountain Adventures Guide
- How to Spend a Full Day in Pigeon Forge Tennessee
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide
