There are so many things to do and see when you stay at The Lodges at The Great Smoky Mountains. Check out the list below for a few of our favorite, iconic bucket list attractions and activities we think you will enjoy!
1. Go Hiking
It’s not a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains if you don’t venture into the great outdoors, so put on your boots and find the hiking trail that’s perfect for you. We recommend visiting The Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a range of trails featuring different difficulty levels.
2. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
This 200-ft tall Ferris wheel features glass gondolas that carry you high above the ground to provide beautiful views of the surrounding mountain area. It’s located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, so don’t miss this opportunity for sweeping views of your vacation destination!
3. Shop the Gatlinburg Strip
You’ll find dozens of unique shops and dining experiences in Downtown Gatlinburg along the Strip! Visit The Village, with 27 shopping options that include Alewine Pottery, Candle Cottage, Pepper Palace, The Spice and Tea Exchange, Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery, The Donut Friar, and more!
4. View the Smoky Mountains from the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Get ready to soar over 400 feet in the air when you step aboard the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle. After riding the glass elevator to the top, you’ll have access to 360-degree views of Gatlinburg and the beautiful mountain landscapes that surround it.
5. Go Whitewater Rafting
The Pigeon River offers myriad opportunities for whitewater rafting. With many outdoor adventure companies located within proximity to The Lodges at The Great Smoky Mountains, you can choose from Upper Pigeon River excursions or Lower Pigeon River adventures.
6. See a Smoky Mountain Sunrise and Sunset
Sunsets and sunrises over the beach may get most of the attention, but have you ever seen a Smoky Mountain sunrise or sunset? Prepare to be impressed by the melting colors that collide with the silhouette of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains.
7. Zip Line Over the Mountains
If you’re a thrill-seeker, then you simply must experience the excitement of zip lining through a mountain forest. There are two zip-lining companies in Pigeon Forge, The Dome Ziplines and Smoky Mountain Ziplines, and there are several more scattered throughout the Gatlinburg area.
8. Stargaze at Clingmans Dome
You’ll have to make a short 30-mile drive to this one, but if you are interested in the cosmos, this is one experience you won’t want to miss out on during your Smoky Mountain vacation. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in Tennessee, and since you can easily drive up close to the infamous dome tower to take in the view of the night sky.
9. Explore the Historic Old Mill District
Take a step back in time and visit Pigeon Forge’s Historic Old Mill District, where you can get a better understanding of how many farmers once utilized hydropower technology for all of their grinding needs. This living tribute to a bygone era also features shops, dining, and a distillery.
10. Take a Trolley from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg
Traveling from The Lodges at The Great Smoky Mountains to Gatlinburg couldn’t be easier! Leave your vehicle at the resort and take a ride on the Trolley, which travels back and forth throughout the area all day long and for a very affordable price!
Have you checked off any of these from your Smoky Mountains Bucket List? If not, be sure to set your sights on these iconic attractions and activities on your next mountain vacation!