Great place to go hike. The top of chimney rock was really neat to see. You could see the whole river along lake lure and chimney rock. The hikes were moderate. My 4 and 6 year olds did the waterfall hike and the trail to exclamation point. There is a elevator that takes you to the top if you can’t climb the stairs up. Great family place. Will be back.

The park features hiking trails for all skill levels, views of the Devil's Head balancing rock, a tight squeeze through Subway, and a 404-foot waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls. Its most notable feature is the flag-waving, 315-foot gneiss monolith named Chimney Rock, which is accessible by elevator or up 500 stairs and provides views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Lure. There is a timed entry admission per person that is done online. Parking at the bottom and top. Shuttles run during peak seasons. Gift shops and food sales.

This is a great place to visit with a beautiful you. My 92-year-old father came with us on this trip, so the elevator was definitely a draw to here. He still gets around very well for his age, can walk around quite easily without a wheelchair but does get winded. The elevator gave him the ability to view from a much higher level than if it had not been there. They are gift shops, a cave, and spectacular views from the gift shop level. We've been a few times before and walk the entire trail, was just very appreciative of him being able to come and see the sites.

Chimney Rock is one of the most iconic and breathtaking spots in North Carolina. The moment you reach the top — whether you hike or take the elevator — you’re met with these incredible panoramic views of Lake Lure, rolling mountains, and endless sky. It feels like you’re standing on the edge of the world. The trails are well-marked and offer a mix of challenge and reward. Hickory Nut Falls is definitely worth the walk — the waterfall is tall, peaceful, and surrounded by gorgeous forest scenery. Even the shorter pathways have amazing viewpoints and spots for photos. What I love most is how clean and well-maintained the park is. The stairways and overlooks feel sturdy and safe, and there are plenty of resting points if you want to take your time. You can go at your own pace, breathe in the mountain air, and just take in the views. If you’re anywhere near Lake Lure or Asheville, Chimney Rock is an absolute must. The scenery is unforgettable, the photos come out stunning, and it truly gives you that magical North Carolina mountain experience.

Beautiful views from the top. Very tourist filled place even in the off season. Take the elevator or make the climb up a ton of steps. Nice pull off stops for photo ops. Views of the river and recovery process from Hurricane Helene. Nice fall colors emerging.

Easy trails and stunning views. The drive into the park was gorgeous! We didn't bring food with us, although there were plenty of picknick spots. The store at the top has some great sandwiches though, and this location can serve as a relaxing quick bite place with a stunning view.

Loved every second! Glad I came and supported such a sweet, cute mountain town, especially after the destruction that Hurricane Helen caused, it was good to pop in and spend money and be thankful for everything! I’m from Florida and a part where we hadn’t seen this in 100 years, it was crazy to see how affected such a place like chimney rock! I’d go back in a second. Asked a sweet woman in one of the shops about the lake, learned they had to drain it because of the damage from the hurricane. Wild. Sending love and prayers, I’ll be back.

Our Group had the best time ! This was such a wonderful experience, thanks to our guides River and Rainer (probably spelling that incorrect). These two made our day so fun and enjoyable. It was a thrilling, fun, and something I definitely would come back and do. It’s great for a group of people. The booking and check in process is very easy. 10/10 would recommend.

Amazing experience! Our guides Gabby and Alex were knowledgeable, friendly and made all of us (me especially) feel very safe and comfortable. The views are GORGEOUS and well worth the hike and the nerves. Highly recommend asking how they get the lines through the forest, it's a very wild process! If you live in or are taking a trip the area, this is an absolute must do experience!

This was quite possibly the best zipline experience I've ever been on. The view was gorgeous especially going on a peak color weekend. Felt like it was well worth the investment given the amount of time we were on the line for the Mountaintop Tour! Check in was easy and they have a rest area with games. Ethan and Alex are awesome and chill dudes. The zipline itself was very innovative, felt like I could sit back and enjoy the ride. They have automatic brakes. So glad I paid for GoPro option too. The pictures and videos were emailed to me within a short amount of time and the quality was excellent. Highly recommend!

Emily and Hunter were awesome guides! We did the mountain top tour. It was so much fun! Such a wonderful experience and so beautiful! I took my son for his 15th birthday yesterday and we had the best time! When we walked into the gift shop, there was a sign that said happy birthday Isaac, which was so awesome! We paid for the photo package and got some amazing pictures! Definitely worth the extra money! Hunter and Emily were very personable, made us laugh, told us some cool information along the way which was also definitely helpful to take a breather on the way up to the mountain top 🤣 Thanks for everything!

Did the mountain top tour. We've gone ziplining at 4 other places and Navitat is by far the best experience!! And our tour guides, Alex & Ethan, were so awesome!! We enjoyed every part of this adventure - playing games in the waiting area before the tour, the van ride up the mountain, the hikes, the zips and the gorgeous views of the mountains in the fall! I'm so glad I got the photo package too. The views during the zips are amazing!! We will absolutely be back!!!

We had a great experience doing the mountain top tour with Raynor! He was so nice, knowledgeable about the trees and plants, and encouraging about all of the zip lines we did. We had a great experience for a bachelorette party to do something outdoorsy, in nature and got the 2 in 1 experience of zip lining and hiking. Even got to see some chipmunks! We’ll be back in the future if we’re in the area again. Highly recommend Raynor, Parker and PJ again!

A must-do experience if you’re ever in Asheville or anywhere nearby. Emily and Raynor (sorry if I spelled that wrong!) were amazing tour guides who made the adventure even more enjoyable with their knowledge and positive energy. The ride up was also great — Alex did an excellent job driving us safely to the first spot. From start to finish, everything was well-organized, exciting, and VERY scenic. I highly recommend Navitat — it’s absolutely worth every penny!

Lovely time to come visit the Folk Art Center. We visited last winter when NC had been severely damaged from the Hurricane Helene and it is wonderful seeing all of the beautiful crafts on display in the center and seeing the artists who made them. So happy to be able to support local artists and to support the reconstruction of the Blueridge parkway. Thank you for all you do!

This might be an interesting stop at the start of Blue Ridge Parkway. The exhibits at this center change, and we found some lovely wool works. They were very cute and made us smile. There's a wonderful gift shop, which already had a lot of interesting and truly beautiful Christmas tree decorations in October. I can only imagine what luxurious Christmas tree decorations will appear here in November and early December! We didn't buy anything because the prices were too high for us. But if the prices had been a little lower, I would have left with three or four purchases for sure!

The Folk Art Center in Asheville is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you’re driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We headed north toward the top of the mountain, and the colors were absolutely beautiful. It’s a great time to visit — this weekend was amazing, and the coming weekend should be just as lovely with the fall colors. The place is clean, well-maintained, and offers plenty of free parking. There’s no entry fee, and they even have restrooms available. Inside, you’ll find beautiful handmade crafts and artwork, as well as a few art galleries where you can purchase unique pieces. The lady at the help desk was very kind and helpful — she patiently answered all our questions and explained everything clearly. Overall, it’s a lovely stop with a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of local charm. Definitely worth visiting if you’re exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I always stop here whenever I’m in the area to see what I can find. Wide variety of gifts for yourself or others with a range of prices. If you have young children, you may want to have one parent walk around with them outside since there are lots of breakable things. There is also a small gift shop for the Blue Ridge Parkway that has some cute things for kids! There are also usually crafters demonstrating their techniques. Lots of parking as well

Outstanding collects of local arts and crafts. Here you will find a bit of everything and many offerings are reasonably priced or unique in style. This place is worth a look and your time. Great for gifts or for your personal collection of goods s.

If you're in the area and you need something to do this would be a great place to stop and explore lots of different exhibits on the folk art of the Blue Ridge Parkway lots of things to look and the way it was set up was planned out well they have a visitor center gift shop and a Folk Art Center gift shop you'll definitely find something interesting here

The Folk Art Center is one of the stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A lot of the Parkway is still closed and this is the last stop at the moment as there are barriers preventing you from going north. The Folk Art Center is free to visit. Sometimes when I visit, you can see people working on their crafts. They were during my most recent visit. The building is accessible for everyone. The first floor has restrooms, the Southern Highlands Craft Guild shop and a Blue Ridge Parkway shop and an information desk. The second floor showcases the art. I love seeing all the different types of art from the quilts to woodworking to basket weaving. I enjoyed the stained glass and a canvas that was woven. It was quite unique. I enjoy the rotating exhibits as it is different each visit. Outside there are some trails if you want to explore nature.

Beautiful property. Well maintained. Lovely and knowledgeable staff. Loved the audio. Listen at your own pace and the extra tidbits of information we learned on the audio before entering a new room. Very interesting.

I had my bridal luncheon here and it was amazing! Vanessa and Cole were so sweet and kind. I also really appreciated that I forgot to tell my aunt who hosted, that one of the bridesmaids was gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian. When I asked Vanessa, if it was just possible for them to make one salad without the dressing so she could eat, she took initiative and made sure to prepare a whole meal for her to be able to eat lunch with the rest of us. That meant a lot to me to know that someone I love dearly could partake in lunch with us even though it was an error on my end. Overall I absolutely had the best time, the scenery is beautiful but the staff and service is a quality like no other!

Highly recommend! Everything was perfect! Excellent service. Our room was beautiful, spotless and the bed was so comfortable. The view from our room was over the top! We loved morning breakfast. It was outstanding. Drinks and music on the main floor was a delight.

A fabulous stay! I recommend it highly! They have excellent staff, rooms and food! The Biltmore is beautiful!

Loved staying at the Biltmore Inn. We had one of the newly renovated rooms with a fantastic view. The room was very clean and comfortable. We had the package which included the buffet breakfast and private morning tour of the house before they opened. The private tour is a must. We had a group of 5 plus the guide. It was quiet and you could really ask questions and go at a pleasurably pace. We also had a pass for the length of stay and we went back to the house after lunch and it seemed like there were several thousand people in the house. It was noisy and hard to maneuver through the rooms. The grounds of the estate were the most impressive to us. I highly recommend staying at the Inn where It’s easy to experience the entire estate.

Probably the worst experience I ever had . Beth the Director of Reservations and Dina at the front desk were very difficult and condescending.

Most marvelous place to stay. Take an extra day to truly enjoy the experience.

I wish I had better planned the trip so I could have spent more time here. I was in awe of this waterfall. I’ve never seen anything like it. The hike there felt like a magical scavenger hunt- I saw so many vibrant mushrooms that I had never seen before. I want to come back to NC soon just to camp here and explore the entire park. The path to the waterfall had gravel and was really smooth. We didn’t bring our pups but it’s absolutely dog friendly! Remember- please don’t toss your trash out there!<3

The waterfalls at DuPont State Park are well worth the stop. Even though waterfalls are typically associated with elevation changes the falls we visited were fairly easily accessible. High Falls was definitely the highlight. An easy, slightly uphill, walk gives you a magnificent view. A more vigorous but doable trail takes you close to the base of the falls. Doing a little rock hopping and you can get within feet of base. Very enjoyable day and an unforgettable experience.

Excellent. I was intending to see Hookers Falls, but got adventurous and hiked Triple Falls and High Falls too. What a treat. Triple Falls was so beautiful. Although venturing to all of the falls was intense it was completely worth it. It took me about four hours to see them which wasn't bad..The trails and maintained and the bathrooms are clean. If you love chasing waterfalls this is a must see.

DuPont State Recreational Forest is (12,400) acres tucked away in Henderson/Transylvania Counties, NC. The weather was perfect! Had a great time hiking through a few trails, exploring different sections of the forest, including the visitors center. The waterfalls are breathtaking. There are (5) waterfalls in the forest. Lots to see and do, hiking, hunting, fishing 🎣 cycling 🚴🏽‍♂️ and there’s an equestrian 🐴 trail. Very crowded on the days I was there. Will definitely circle back this fall. Grateful I had an opportunity to visit. The world is a beautiful place, if you know where to look. “Where the water falls, peace rises.” from Journey Era Fun Fact: The Last of the Mohicans and the Hunger Games were filmed at various locations around DuPont Forest, including Hooker Falls, High Falls, Bridle Falls, Triple Falls, and other portions of the Forest. #NeverStopExploring🥾 #GetOutAndPlay🌞 #ProtectPreserveEnjoy🪾 #NCStateForest🌳 #HappyPlaces❤️ 8/2025

The walk to the waterfall was about 0.8 miles from the parking lot and really easy. The trail was nice, and the view at the end was beautiful. The waterfall is huge and peaceful, and we enjoyed just sitting and taking it all in. Some people were walking on the rocks near the bottom, which made it even more fun to watch. Definitely worth the visit — great for all ages!

Best State Forrest hands down. Several beautiful waterfalls. User friendly trails for everyone including children. Pet friendly. Scenic lake and streams. A nice Visitor Center with bathrooms. Decent amount of parking. I urge you to get there early. Other scenic places nearby too. I promise you will not be disappointed!

What a wonderful basic hiking experience - family friendly - the triple falls + high falls at the end were so beautiful - bring a lunch & sit down on the rocks at the High Falls base relax & enjoy the water splashing from the falls - we got rained on entired way back but was an adventure for sure.

What an amazing team dynamic with all of the instructors and staff. I went with a party of 6 and everyone had a great time as first timers with White Water Rafting. Our raft guide Sam made our experience top notch by giving us humor, great connection with communication and challenging our group with different skills on the water. You will be entertained from start to finish for sure! Loved how detailed the staff were when explaining the safety rules because it really prepared us to feel comfortable and confident when entering the raft. Would like to say thank you to the whole staff for providing an amazing time to us Florida Boys and giving us another reason to visit Marshall, NC!

GREAT half day white water rafting trip last weekend for my sister’s bachelorette! We were a group of 9 and our guides, Pete and Kerrie, were both amazing! They were knowledgeable, skilled, and kept us entertained throughout the whole trip! Some of us were more nervous than others but we all felt safe and had loads of fun! We would definitely do this trip (or the whole day trip) again!!

My daughter and I had a blast Ziplining with TJ and Avahni! Very fun, knowledgeable, safe and personable experience. Thank you so very much for helping to make our mother daughter trip memorable!

BOOK IT! My fiancé and I were debating on which company to go with for my first time white water rafting and I’m so glad that we chose them. Let’s just say I am a 33 year old woman and was nervous all day. But the moment we got on the water I could not stop smiling. Rob was an amazing guide! I feel like he made the experience even more amazing. He was very knowledgeable and gave us tips on what to do and not to do. We also had such a great group! He had us to a few tricks like rock spins and a splat rock! I never thought I’d be doing tricks my first time. We booked the 4 hour and I immediate regretted not choosing the full day tour. Next time we are definitely doing a full day. New hobby unlocked! Also I have to mention, Amy our bus driver was a champ and John did a great job keeping us entertained on our 20 minute bus ride with all of his dad jokes. Amazing! All the tour guides were so nice and friendly. I also loved how they took pictures! I know some companies do not.

What a fun day ebiking along the French Broad River through Pisagh National Forest in NC to Painted Creek through Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. You pass wild turkey, cruise along the river, see waterfalls galore, dip in a swimming hole and more. The bikes are comfortable and easy to use. The guides, Amy & Mike accommodate all riding levels. You go at your own pace. This outfit has their act together. The site is simple, informative for payment, directions, FAQ, etc. They have your bike, helmet and optional backpack ready. You show up, put on helmet, get on bike and ride. Amy & Mike are professional, knowledgeable, skilled, engaging, fun, personable and helpful. They also offer rafting, canyoneering/rappelling, ziplining and wall climbs. Check them out. Strongly recommend

My white water rafting half day trip was wonderful. I'd had an equally great zip lining experience a few years ago with this company and they excelled again on this trip. All the staff were helpful & knowledgeable and eager to share their love of the area. Our experienced guide John took care to make it a fun & safe trip and was a wealth of info about the river, the environment and history. The two photographers who kayaked ahead were also great and knew just where to position for great pictures. I'll be taking another adventure with this company whenever I'm back in the area!

Our family did a half day rafting trip with John on Tuesday. We had a great time seeing the sights, learning about the amazing river and bouncing around and off the rocks. John is a great guy and kept us all in the boat. We enjoyed hanging out with him and his entertainment on the bus was A+. My kids are begging for more and want to come back earlier in the year when the river is at its peak.

This was a very nice museum. They had many motorcycles and it was very interesting. I got to see many one-of-a-kind motorcycles. The people giving the tours were very informative and provided us with lots of information. They have a wide selection of souvenirs and T-shirts to purchase if you would like.

This place has the most amazing, beautiful, insane and unique collection I've ever had the opportunity to see! They have everything from antique untouched bikes to fully restored antiques. One off builds and some amazing cars too. The staff are super friendly. This is A Must visit if you are near the Maggie Valley area or Cherokee NC

If you are a biker or like bikes or even the slightest bit I interested in bikes this is the place to learn American biking history. From the earliest to the gaudiest display of being on a bike, tou can see it here. We traveled hours to get here and don't regret it at all. The family and bike club alike will learn and enjoy an American historical adventure.

We've visited WWT many times. The permanent exhibits feel like old friends that we are always happy to see, while the new items and changing exhibits keep the museum fresh, allowing us to learn even more history! Matt and all of the staff members are doing an excellent job, in Dale's absence, and it's evident that they all truly love this place! They're very knowledgeable, and filled with amazing stories about everything! We loved listening to Tony, as he started various machines and gave us more history than we could imagine! On this visit, my husband donated a beautiful lap robe that had been passed down from his grandparents. Matt was very excited to receive it, and said we made his day! We are very happy that a piece of our family's history, now has a wonderful home where everyone can enjoy it!

It's an Excellent Museum Definitely a 'Bucket List' Item If you have an interest in Bikes and Any other associated items. I'm a NHS Maintenance Fitter in England. Anything Mechanical interests Me 😏 Only supplied 5 photo's of the 56, inc videos that I took. As I don't want to spoil the enjoyment of it for anyone.

This was my first visit here. I am pleasantly surprised! The amount of inventory was astounding. Only $15 per person with a hand stamp that allows you to leave and come back. Worth every penny

This review is way overdue. We had an amazing visit at Dale’s Wheels Through Time. 10/10 would recommend. There were no official tours, however, we were lucky enough to have Tony show us numerous bikes and answer any question we had. He even started up a few bikes for us! By far the best collection we have ever seen and beautifully displayed.

Our first experience as a family going rafting and the lower river family float was the perfect way to g et our feet wet! Our son LOVED it and was ready for more. We felt completely safe and our guide Allie was amazing! Highly recommend for anyone wanting an adventure without the fear!

Moss was a great guide. Had a 9 yr old with us and she had a blast. She said it was her favorite part of our week long trip. She got to just sit in the front since the paddle was too big and enjoyed all the dips and splashes. Loved how quick and efficient everything was to get into the water. Grabbed a bunch of souvenirs and quality photos from the experience.

Everyone there was super nice, friendly, and welcoming. The rope course had different levels for each person’s comfortability. The guides for the rope course made sure to explain the rules and that they could assist throughout the whole course. There is a chance for rope blisters, but the staff had first aid prepared. To avoid blisters, one could ask for some gloves. The guides for the zip lining were very experienced and could show off their tricks on the line. It was cool to see and a great experience!

We had an amazing experience with Rafting in the Smokies! The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and ensured everyone's safety while keeping the adventure fun. The rafting trip down the Pigeon River was thrilling, with just the right mix of rapids and calm stretches to enjoy the stunning scenery. The equipment was top-notch and well-maintained. This is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Smoky Mountains, and we highly recommend Rafting in the Smokies for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!

Lots of fun!!! Camping was amazing!! Nice clean showers and kind owners. Fourth of July was incredible with fireworks. Definitely be back!! Very family oriented. Thank you for a fantastic time.

Such a fun experience for my husband and I, and it was super affordable!! We were walk-ins and they were able to get us in within the hour. Our guide Mason was super funny and knowledgeable, and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. We highly recommend eating at the Pigeon River Smokehouse right across the street before or after your trip. The brisket sandwich was sooo good!!

Went here with a group of 11 with kids and adults. We first went zip lining and it was great way to have my first zip lining experience. The zip lines are not super long so for first timers is helpful. The workers were informative and attentive. Sean and J1 were our guides and made sure everyone was safe, comfortable and having a good time. We brought lunch and were able to eat at the picnic tables but they do have food places around. Our second activity was the lower level rafting, due to ages of kids, and it was one of the coolest things I have ever done. You have to paddle on the lower levers rafting but get to relax more down the river. We were able to hop in the water at one point and float down the river with the mountains all around us. The Mountain Views were a sight to see. Our guide Jason was the best. He was friendly, informative and helped us be the first boat to make it to the pick up spot. He also was able to lift me out of the water and back into the boat which I was worried I wouldn’t make it back in. He was able to answer all our questions and made the trip enjoyable. The youngest kids got to sit in the front of the boat and enjoy the ride while the rest of us paddled. You need water shoes to participate and will be putting on a helmet and life vest. Great place to bring the family.

KO was our guide and she was amazing! I took my 5 year old granddaughter for her first rafting trip so we did the Lower River trip. My granddaughter and I both had an amazing experience and I’d have to say this was the highlight of our week long trip in the area too top everything else we did. My granddaughter started out with telling KO she wasn’t going to row when she was handed an oar but quickly changed her mind once on the river and saw how much fun it was. I’d definitely recommend this company to anyone thinking of doing rafting. When we get a chance to come back this way we will definitely come back.

Today, I got to mark rafting off of my bucket list. We chose the upper, and I will have to say, I'm ready to go again. Our guide was Chris (Fornite), and he was amazing, I highly recommend him. He was very informative about the river & told about Hurricane Helene. He was so upbeat the entire ride. Chris, thanks for an amazing wild ride today. I can't wait to come back.

The whole family had a fantastic time. “Thank you” to all the competent staff and Griz, our guide. We rolled up to the outfitters down a scenic route, got there early for plenty of parking, by the time we hung out for a little while and were ready it was time to grab the gear and get a quick lesson. We piled onto the bus for a quick trip upstream and dropped in. The bus was a little cozy but the ride is pretty quick and it wasn’t a big deal because in no time, after another lesson on the bus and a few extra jokes from the staff it was time to hit the water. It’s a short one hour trip with a few really fun class threes, just enough to cool off, have a thrill, grab lunch after, and catch a small hike to round out the day. Nice job guys.

We had the best time on the river today. Our guide, Jay, was friendly and shared stories and facts about the area that made our trip even more entertaining. He is also very skilled at helping a girl out when she fell out. She is me. Thanks Jay!

They were awesome! The guides were really experienced and fun. When my youngest child was a bit nervous, one of guides spoke with her and made her feel less fearful and more excited about the trip. Our whole family had a blast!

My fiancé, cousins, and I had so much fun rafting with Raft Outdoor Adventures! Our guide, Lance, ensured we were safe and well-prepared and kept us entertained with a wealth of knowledge about both local history and rafting. I highly recommend rafting with Raft Outdoor Adventures and will definitely return if the opportunity arises!

I don't usually do reviews, but couldn't pass up this one. Our family went rafting for the first time ever over Labor Day weekend on the III course to celebrate our daughter's upcoming 16th birthday. Courtney was our guide. Our party was 5 people, myself, my spouse, and our daughters, age 15, 10 and 10. We had the BEST time and everyone wanted to go back and do it again. Courtney was so great with our group and patient as we learned, but also able to teach us and encourage us. This was one of our favorite experiences and I can't say enough about how awesome our guide was. Highly recommend! If you are wondering who all was there and what type of crowd goes on these trips, I can share with you that other people who went out in our rafting group included a college group, couples without children, and a group of young men out for a bachelors weekend, and a few other families. Everyone had fun! We will go again and seek out other rafting opportunities in the future. Courtney hooked our whole family on this

We had the most wonderful time on our Lower River trip with the kids. Our guide was a delight and we felt we were in good hands through the whole tour. It was a first time for most of us and everyone loved it so much we’re dying to go back. The river was beautiful and on the Lower River trip there was enough excitement to be fun while also having plenty of time to enjoy the view and chat with others on the boat. Highly recommended!

Our family of 3 had an awesome time! Perfect amount of thrill and beautiful scenery. My 8 year old son was nervous at first but Bart, our guide, made him relax and he loved every minute of the river. Bart "nailed" the experience! We will definitely be back!

Soooo much fun!!! Must do!!! You realistically may fall in but you’ll be ok! Just a blast. They give you all your gear and there is a guide. We made a reservation

Absolutely 5 stars!!! We had an awesome time! It was definitely the highlight of our family vacation and we’re all talking about how we will 100% do it again! Our guide Lilly was awesome! All four of us were first timers and I am not a swimmer and she made the experience an amazing one for all of us. Thank you all for a great experience all around and for memories I’m sure we’ll be talking about for years to come! Can’t wait to join y’all again next time!!!

Booked thru trip advisor as one of the planned events on my Bday tour to Gatlinburg/ Pigeon forge. This was the best and most value eccentric tour I did out of 4. Courtney Shoemake our river guide made this a very fun and memorable experience. I do like the organization and extra thought put in here. All the guides have pictures on the wall with their venmos vs alot of places want u to hunt them down or give cash. Big thumbs up on that! Og I was scheduled for the upper pigeon River which has the lvl 4 rapids but the upper river was closed due to interstate flooding. Unlike apparently some other tours that just canceled ppl for upper river (according to other people I met elsewhere the next day) they just switched us to a longer stretch of the lower river. Perfect thing to do to enjoy the scenery and the water is nice and cool there's even a stretch they let u swim in. A good HR and half -2 hrs of occasional paddling. *Highly recommended to bring swimming trunks or swim gear and water shoes. Big parentheses on water shoes. You need something that can get wet but allow u to shove your feet in the nooks and crannies of the raft so u don't get knocked off. If not u can buy some on station ** Advisable to arrive very early . You need enough time to park, check in, get dressed, and get ready to get organized into the tour and catch the bus to the start point. They send an email about it the day of but if you're like me that's prob far too late of a notification to rearrange times. I think they're pretty flexible with it I arrived with about 15 min to spare so I'm pretty sure I got flexed into the 1:00 tour. There is a bathroom with a shower to get dressed in with stalls. They have lockers (paid for) but honestly if u have a phone water pouch your keys and phone can fit in there and u can catch the entire trip on the video if u secure it right. Otherwise a go pro or insta (waterproofed camera in housing) can prob catch the trip and scenes for u. They do have a picture package however it is 36$. And only 12 shots which ,depending on your raft orientation and seating arrangement, may not have many of u in it. ( I think with mine I could only clearly be seen in maybe 3) It is shot on one section of the river. You get a link to download via text or email. There was a food truck on site( don't know if it was a weekend thing or not) and it was great, bc Hartford was about an hour away from where I was staying, to have hot food after 2 hrs plus. *** Side note apparently most of the guides apparently stay near the base camp they have neat lil cabin with western names they get to have for 120$ a month as a guide! Nice I definitely want to come back and try the upper river with the same company as I had an amazing experience and hope other do as well. Almost makes hertz messing up my original trip last October worth it ( as this was not available at all in my Original planning)

We had a family of 6 and used SMO to do white water rapids for the afternoon. It was a gorgeous day in August (temp around 75). According to our fabulous and amazing guide Eleanor (get her if you can!!), the post hurricane river landscape has changed dramatically, but we still had a lot of fun! The SMO buildings are pretty much brand new (built in Feb 25) because of that hurricane as a result. Everything about the experience was great, and I would highly recommend it.

Had a great experience rafting with Miami as our guide. Staff were fun and competent, buildings were under construction following Helene but were coming along great. It was sad seeing the destruction TN faced in the hurricane, but good to see the area and businesses recovering. The river itself was awesome. We opted for the 2hr tour for ages 8+. Nothing too crazy but definitely enjoyable.

⭐ 3.5 out of 5 stars Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is a beautiful property surrounded by amazing mountain scenery and close to plenty of unique shops on the reservation. The casino itself is nice, and the employees were all friendly and helpful. We stayed overnight for the first time, and while our room in the Cherokee Tower was clean and spacious, it definitely felt dated and could use some redecorating and updating. The only rooms available at the time were smoking rooms, but staff went out of their way to treat it with ozone spray to help with the smoke smell, which was appreciated. It is quite a walk from the rooms to the casino floor, so be prepared to do a bit of walking. Food options are somewhat limited, but we really enjoyed Gordon Ramsay Burger, and our favorite meal was actually at the Asian noodle spot inside the casino. As for the gaming, the slot machines felt pretty tight and it was tough to win much on the tables. Still, we had a good time overall and will definitely be back for the friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings

🎰 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Real-World Review 🚗 Getting There: The Ride from Pigeon Forge Brace yourself for a high-responsibility, curvy ride through the Smoky Mountains. The drive from Pigeon Forge to Cherokee is scenic but winding, with elevation changes and tight turns that demand full attention—especially if you're coordinating a group or traveling with kids. Budget extra time and consider motion comfort strategies if anyone’s sensitive to road curves. 🏗️ Current Status: Under Remodel As of late 2025, the casino is undergoing renovations, which may affect layout flow and some amenities. Expect construction zones and temporary signage, but the core gaming and dining experiences remain operational. Staff are generally helpful in navigating the changes. 🅿️ Parking & Arrival - Plenty of parking—multi-level garages and surface lots make arrival easy, even for larger vehicles or groups. - Valet options available, though self-park is efficient and well-lit. 🏨 Hotel & Amenities - The hotel is massive, with multiple towers and a range of room types. Great for families, couples, or travel medics on rotation. - Rooms are clean, modern, and spacious—some with mountain views. - On-site spa, pool, and fitness center offer solid downtime options. 🍽️ Dining & Things to Do - Restaurants range from quick bites to upscale dining. Notable options include: - Brio Italian Grille – reliable pasta and steak - Selu Garden Café – buffet-style with Southern comfort staples - Lobby Café – grab-and-go sandwiches and coffee - Plenty to do beyond gaming: - Bowling alley and arcade for families - Concerts and events in the on-site theater - Nearby hiking and cultural sites (Museum of the Cherokee People is worth a stop)

My husband and I stayed here for the first time a couple months ago. When we pulled up it was beautiful at the front of the hotel. They obviously put a lot of money into it. The front desk area… luxury hotel. The rooms… 🤢 Okay, I can’t go that far. They weren’t terrible but they definitely spent their money on everything EXCEPT the rooms. Rooms are pretty clean, I guess. Hard to tell sometimes because the room was so outdated. For as much money as they surely rake in they can afford to update the rooms from the 80’s feel they have now. Maaaybe 90s. Called the front desk at one point because I spilled a drink. I cleaned it up as quickly as I could but the fabric on the chair worried me. I told them what happened and someone was supposed to come up. We finally got tired of waiting, on no one apparently, so we finally left. It was nice having food options 24 hours (although if I were gordon Ramsey I would NOT let my name be attached to that pizza place. 🤮) and the casino, well, it was a casino. Not the best I’ve ever seen but I haven’t been to many. There was a certain smoking area on a balcony that had a beautiful view. Overall, IF we ever decide to come back to the casino (because we will definitely be back to the area, it’s beautiful) we will stay somewhere else and walk there. Not worth the price.

I've been coming to this casino for many years. I'm glad to see that it has grown and improved the customer experience. I always feel safe here, and for the most part the bathrooms are clean. There are plenty of game options, and the player offers and rewards through the Caesar Rewards program are very nice. Hopefully, I will be able to use the flight and room packages that I have been receiving so by mail. I would like to be able to enjoy every one of the amenities that Harrah's has generously offered me as a player. The commute to the casino's location is long, but it is beautiful and scenic!

We had never been to a casino before, but decided to give it a try. I don't see the appeal, honestly. All the games are just video games like you see in truck stops really...there were some table games but we didn't try those out. If you enjoy gambling that way, it's probably fun. But I'd pick Dave and Buster's over the casino any day lol the servers were nice, though, and there is a lot of other stuff inside besides the casino.

I rated the location as a 5 because it's the closest real casino tonus in Georgia. The rooms are fine nothing spectacular and they need a really good dusting especially above bed and curtains, also in hallways and elevator waiting area. The service is usually friendly and fast. The weekend rates are ridiculous and honestly no room is worth the weekend rates. The poker room is good and the noodles bar is delicious! The only restaurant at Cherokee that I would highly recommend is Brio, delicious entrees!

It pains me to leave this review but I feel I have to. I’ve been coming here with my family for years and within the last year the whole experience has went downhill. The rooms are dirty and falling apart. This trip out toilet constantly ran and the beds are visibly falling apart and the curtains are dry rotted and ripping. The food is expensive but in the past you’ve gotten a fair portion and it was delicious. Tried the Asian food restaurant and laid 18 dollars for 6 pieces of mediocre chicken and maybe a cup of plain white rice. All of this I could forgive but believe me when I say this place has the absolute tightest slots I’ve ever experienced. I’m more that happy to lose, I understand the casino always has the advantage but this is extreme. I’m well versed on slot rtp and the math behind the machines and even when playing low volatility slots often you will absolutely lose every time. Three trips in a row everyone losing no matter what and not seeing anyone win we are now forced to find another place to play. We love this beautiful location but the impossible gambling odds, the quite literally falling apart rooms and elevators and the extreme decrease in value in food is unacceptable. I hope all this changes for the better but until it does we will be finding another property in the Caesar’s franchise.

A Bean-Lover’s Dream! This place has all the lowdown on the world’s best baked bean company! The museum may be small, but they’ve packed it full of cool exhibits and fun facts about the history and process of making Bush’s famous baked beans. There’s even hands-on stuff for kids, making it a great stop for families. The parking lot is huge, and everything is easy to access. Don’t miss the gift shop, they had cans of beans I’ve never seen in stores before! If you love Bush’s, or just want a quirky and fun roadside stop, this is a great way to spend an hour. So much bean-packed goodness in one place!

Mom wanted to treat us to the restaurant and go through the museum. I honestly had my doubts about a bean factory museum. I was completely surprised at how much of a good time it was. It's really great and very interesting. Interactive, informative, fun, well laid out and a very friendly staff. My daughters loved the scavenger hunt and prize they got. The scale that tells you your weight in beans is pretty cool. The video was interesting and informative. This place was fantastic. The exit through the gift shop is an opportunity to see every type of bean know to man and I bought several. Lot's of neat items and the usual merchandise. Hats, shirts, cups, kitchen items, and of course beans. Not only was this place a great time but the restaurant was fantastic as well. I highly recommend a visit and definitely bring the kids. Great place to spend the day.

Pleasantly surprised at how interesting it was to learn about the history of Busch’s Baked Beans. The grounds are beautiful and the museum is very well done and like I said lots of interesting history about how they started and how they did things back then and do them now. They also had some hands on stuff for kids. Shop was full of cool stuff too. We ate at the restaurant and it was good, I had their special, which was a taco salad and it was loaded with meat and a little bit of lettuce (would have liked a little more salad with the meat). The others had the Busch’s chili pie and they said their was good too, but not anything to rave about. The service was very good and the desserts looked amazing. Our friend got a milkshake and he said it was delicious. Definitely worth the visit.

While in Pigeon Forge we took a side trip about 12 miles out to Dandridge, TN to the Bush Beans Museum & Restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed this. Helps to be a bit of a nerd. We were amazed at the process, from field to table. We love family stories that show success from humble beginnings. I love the use of family photos & stories of early life, to the modern marvels that help to feed millions. There’s a neat souvenir shop, and a very nice restaurant. The whole place was very clean & well maintained. Our daughters are jealous they weren’t with us! Looks like another visit is in our future. If for nothing else, go for the restaurant. I don’t believe you will be disappointed.

Fun little stop along our journey. The museum is very well done and interactive. Very nice selection in the gift shop. Diner next door serves a delicious pinto bean pecan pie. I accidentally left my stickers at the diner and Gina is sending them to me, which is very much appreciated.

Loved this completely free museum. Had a great time learning about the Bush family and their humble beginnings and the transformation into what we think are the best baked beans around. Never realized they have 120 different products of fruits, vegetables, chili starters and bean varieties. It was cool to learn about the process from finding the beans to obtaining them on site, cleaning, cooking and canning. I had no idea of the process I learned a lot. I truly believe this company has high morals and integrity, I used to always buy them and will continue to knowing the employees are treated well and the process of their canning is of the highest standards.

Museum and general store are such fun. Store has VERY nice things and was fun shopping around. Unique gift items. Staff is super sweet. Grounds are beautifully decorated for Fall. Restaurant was not great, however. The chicken fried steak was dry and the gravy tasted of raw flour and was really pasty. The fried apples were overly sticky and sweet, like canned pie filling. Not good at all. Hot dog with chili was just okay. Bun was dry and hotdog, while big and juicy, was really salty. The chili on top was tasty though. The bowl of chili and grilled cheese were both very good. We would not eat here again but the museum and shop we will visit again! Staff was very welcoming and nice.

Very nice Museum that teaches us about the amazing history of the Cherokee peoples and also the indigenous peoples that preceded them. The museum told us that they may be working towards a new museum in the near future and that some of the exhibits were either down or being updated. There was also a great gift shop as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We have much to learn and appreciate about the Cherokee people.

Nice small museum that opens a window to past. Good opportunity to learn more about when Indians lost their land. They have gift shop inside. Entry fee is $15 per person. Free parking.

Interesting aspects of Cherokee culture,language & lifestyle exhibited here in the museum.I wanted to invest time & money in the area so chose to spend approximately an hour inside. It was spacious had low lighting & easy to read descriptions of each display or artifact ; i.e 7 Cherokee clans or the wasps nest mask.I'm really into anthropology and found info on the peoples in this region fascinating but would have liked detail about life - choosing a childs name, education, marriage/partnership practices, funeral practices. Overall a really interesting visit I look forward to the installation of the forthcoming interactive informatio.Tha

This is an excellent destination for learning about Cherokee history and culture. The exhibits are engaging and educational, offering meaningful insights into the heritage. The staff members are welcoming and approachable, and the gift shop features a wonderful variety of locally crafted items perfect for souvenirs.

A well designed beautiful museum pertaining to the Cherokee Peoples. There weapons, games and utensils that were used. Great displays that are very informative. Staff was very polite and helpful.

I feel like describing this as a cool or interesting place to visit is disrespectful of the history represented within the museum, but if you're looking for a way to connect with the actual culture of the Cherokee people while visiting then this is it. You move from era to era, learning how the Cherokee nation lived, worked, and played then learn about the Trail Of Tears and the treaties written (and broken) 2 centuries ago. It is eye-opening and appalling but I think it's absolutely necessary for those of us living today to study and understand the mistakes our forefathers made so we never do the same. There are wonderful exhibits of arts & crafts and the gift shop is filled with goods from indigenous artists and shop owners. One exhibit has the Cherokee alphabet on push buttons so you can hear the pronunciation which was really neat. There are just a lot of great things to see here!

Went to the Museum of the Cherokees and really enjoyed our experience. They have great exhibits with historical details to share with those who take the time to read the commentary. Great for all ages. Worth visiting and learning about their heritage and culture.

Our family took the Nantahala Excursion Steam Engine on Oct 3rd and it was amazing. We definitely recommend the open air car if the weather is nice, like it was when we went. The views were great and the overall ride was a good length. The website said 4.5 hours total but we arrived back at the station 5 hours after we departed. It gives you time to take plenty of pictures and videos as well as time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the views. During the layover, we opted to grab lunch from the food car and eat at the picnic tables by the river instead of attempting to get food at one of the restaurants at the NOC. It looked busy and an hour isnt enough time to make the walk, get your food, eat and be back on-board in time. We really enjoyed the ride and highly recommend it.

This was a great experience! We were in town for our anniversary and this was a perfect 1/2 day trip. We left at 1030 and saw some beautiful scenery along the way. Some interesting facts were shared with us such as the train wreck scene from The Fugitive was filmed on this rail line and we got to see the wrecked train, which is still there, along the way. We arrived in Dillsboro and had about 1.5 hours for lunch and looking around the small town. The ride back was fun because we saw things from a different perspective. Well worth the time investment! Highly recommend this if you like trains and wonderful mountain scenery!

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad scenic railroad located in Bryson City is a wonderful experience that should be recommended for anyone and everyone that appreciates the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and Western North Carolina. A great ride for families, couples, individuals, and even large groups, age does not matter. Regardless of the time of year, you will have an opportunity to enjoy endless scenic views. The typical route will last roughly a total of four hours, and can be most enjoyed on an open air car, especially if you are able to secure seats on the south side of the train. This affords the better vantage point. Depending on your class of seats, light refreshments and snacks are available and sufficient for a picnic afternoon, but don’t expect to be wowed by food. The town of Bryson City is also an attraction in and of itself, and the railroad company has installed several attractions and shops for visitors, including a historic train museum. We selected the Nantahala Gorge route which afforded beautiful views of the Nantahala River, along with a great number of tributaries, lakes, and mountains. The one very glaring and very negative part of the experience is parking. Parking is an absolute nightmare, especially on days with more full trains. Despite an enormous staff on site to direct guests, there is either not enough parking to accommodate all visitors, or they have not efficiently crafted a method for directing traffic. We arrived on site 40 minutes prior to our schedule train ride (2 P.M.) and did not depart our car in a parking spot until after 2 P.M., despite having traveled less than 500 feet. Thankfully the train was held, but the delay was also unexpected and unnecessary. That would be the only variable preventing us from a second visit. Also, in case of inclement weather, there is no covered seating adjacent to the train station to accommodate visitors waiting to board the train.

What a great time!! We decided to get tickets in an open air car so we can get better views and for the picture opportunities and it did not disappoint. The views are spectacular especially sitting on the station side of the train going to the NOC. The bridges and and the lake views almost are worth the ride alone. We will definitely be back for another ride.

We reserved the 9am ride and it was very cold. We brought blankets and hot coffee. Conductors were very informative. Scenery was absolutely breath taking. Extremely relaxing. 1 hour stop was along the tracks with not much to do with the time given. Lunch was rushed with a mediocre bbq sandwich which was overpriced at a food truck located along a park. We didn't purchase the bag lunches. Other than that, the trip was a great experience. We rode in the open air caboose which allowed for the best pictures.

Magical ride through the mountains! We took the Tuskegee Expedition on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and it was an unforgettable experience — especially with the beautiful Christmas decorations! From the moment we arrived, everything felt festive and well-organized. The staff was cheerful, helpful, and really added to the holiday spirit. 🎅🏼🎁 The train itself was cozy and clean, with twinkling lights, garlands, and Christmas music playing softly in the background. The scenic ride through the Smokies was breathtaking — we even spotted some snow-dusted peaks! ❄️🚂 Snacks and drinks were a nice touch, and the narration about the area’s history made the trip even more enjoyable. It’s the perfect mix of holiday magic and mountain charm — great for couples, families, or anyone who loves a good Christmas experience. We’d absolutely do it again next year! 🌟❤️

We did the Sunday, 10-19-2026, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Train Ride in an Open Car from Bryson City, NC. Train ride and Great Smoky Mountains were awesome and beautiful. The uncooked cheesy ham and potatoes were nasty. The uncooked biscuits were awful. The fruit cup they bought at the local grocery story is what you feed kids. Overall the food was absolutely horrible and an extreme disappointment. If we had a do over, we would NOT have bought tickets in a car that included their nasty “fancy” food but instead bought tickets in a car that did NOT include food but we would have brought our own food or bought the box lunch of sandwich and chips. Surely they could not screw that up. Plus if cold, most of those type of sandwiches are served cold. I thought the stop toward the end at their food truck was just for them to make money since most people threw away the nasty food and had to buy food at their food truck. The stop to me was very very bad PR - public relations and corporate greed. It really put a bad light on the overall experience. Overall the nasty food and their stop for more money in their pockets did not overshadow too much the awesome beautiful train ride and the Great Smoky Mountains. We would do again, but differently.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an amazing spot for both kids and adults! It’s much bigger than you’d expect, with tons of exhibits to explore. One of the highlights is the moving conveyor tunnel, you’re surrounded by sharks, rays, and all kinds of sea life as you glide through. There are interactive displays, fun photo ops, and even a penguin walk parade that’s a must-see! The penguins are adorable and it’s a unique experience you won’t find at most aquariums. A great place to bring the family, unwind, and learn something new. Definitely worth the trip!

Had a blast, loved the small aquarium setting, pleased to know they're sponsored by the San Diego Zoo and Conservation, seen things here that we haven't other aquariums like the sea dragons magnificent interesting creatures! We will definitely be returning here with our family's, and Gatlinburg was amazing in itself. Oh and the Dragon room was very informative with great history as well as several live of modern day dragons.

The glass bottom boat ride is a must! We had a good time, but for the price of admission we did expect some more sea animals. The shark lagoon area was our favorite; we went through a few times seeing something new each time. The parking garage behind the aquarium is the most accessible area for parking.

Wife and I went on a Thursday morning. Same time as hundreds on 2md and 3rd graders on a field trip. While it was fun watching kids see and learn about nature the chaos with all these screaming and running kids brought our enjoyment down a notch. The tunnel under the tank is incredible to see. Penguins never disappoint. Great location and a lot of other Ripley attractions and within a 10 min walk max. If in Gatlinburg I suggest you go here.

Very good small(ish) aquarium. Definitely a must see for the kids and sea life enthusiasts on your trip! Fair warning, they are a bit pricey, but it's not horrible. They have a daily parade of penguins at 1:15pm as well. HIGHLY suggest though that you go early right when they open to avoid the crowds!

Definitely worth the visit. A little crowded, but it was just before a holiday week. So much to see. Some interactive exhibits. Huge play area halfway through for kids to climb around and get a little energy out. Couple eatery places inside for a drink & snack.

Loved it! Many new attractions even since 2024. The fish all look great. It's very clean. Expect to spend at least an hour or 2 taking your time walk through. There is a kids play area and a food court near the end.

Gage is wonderful and kept the tasting going with his enthusiasm and energetic personality. His knowledge about the different products is unbelievable. You can tell he really loves his job and big on promoting not only the products but the company as well.

We just left this establishment and had an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL TIME!!! We had Judge Abbey for our tasting and she "held court" above & beyond fabulous!!! She was very funny & knowledgeable! She gave great ideas for mixing the different flavors of moonshine once home! We would (and WILL) come back, hoping we get Abbey to make our tasting humorous, more fun, and soooo enjoyable!

We signed up for a free tour of the distillery and it was so awesome to learn about how they make their moonshine!! The $5 tasting was also great and Josh was a funny bartender! This tasting and the staff were more engaging than other tastings we tried and places visited.

Out of all the tastings we did, this was the most fun and we liked the samples the best! Payton was such a fun bartender and kept us coming back each day. They also have a bar in the back where you can try some of the flavors they don’t serve during the tasting!

The guy we had during our tastings was hilarious, and you get a good amount to sample too. We bought a few jars to take home because we got a good deal.

We had amazing experiences at all 3 tasting options!! DK went above and beyond to make sure the Behind the Stave and Roaming Man tours were amazing. If you can catch Rob Ham for a tasting- do it!!

$5 for 12 unique samples of Tennessee Moonshine. I was referred by a couple that I met on a horseback ride. “When in Tennessee, one must try Tennessee whiskey”! The samples were delicious, but the best part was our server Ben! He was hilarious and made the experience memorable. Highly recommend it and you’ll love the $5/pp coupon that can be combined with anyone else in the group.

Had the best time at Ole Smoky! Me and husband did their tour and tasting and Tim was so funny and such a good tour guide. We loved every single part of it and when we’re done touring and shopping we could sit on the rocking chairs and watch some of the live music going on. Would definitely go back!

Loved this place! Friendly & funny staff! Very reasonably priced tastings & delicious flavors. We took home the sour watermelon. Thanks Emily for the great tasting! 😋 🍉 🥃

It was difficult to squeeze in to get a tasting on a busy night. The guys that guided you through the tasting were exceptional and kept it entertaining. Lots of products in the gift shop and plenty of moonshine to buy.

Really neat place. Very friendly. Love the taste testing, Gyver was very entertaining and super friendly. Lots of variety of you like their stuff. Very clean. Lots of souvenirs. Love the setup.

We had the best experience here! We did not feel welcome everywhere we went in town. This place embraced us, entertained us and provided a wonderful experience for our visit. We even came back twice and cleared out their merch. 10/10 would recommend. A MUST VISIT!! Would try to get your tasting with Keebler if you can, he was awesome

Absolutely terrible place I was trying to get my stamps for the old Smokey moonshine trail and I have already been to almost all the bars and got my stamps and I went in to get my stamp and the bartender kicked me out because I was having shots that I payed for and I was with my girl the whole time and I jokingly said that you got more then me and when she poured it I said I can’t believe you got more then me and the bartender cut Me Of because of what I sad to my girl and i was playing around with my girl friend the bartenders name was Jess and she took my cups and said I’m done I already payed for my shots and everything so as I got kicked out for absolutely no reason at all because I was joking with my girlfriend I asked for the manger we talked for a minute and then she left for awhile I talked to Jacob he was awesome and I had no problem with him what so ever i got my money back from the manger on duty and left while my girlfriend got her stamp and shots and stayed until she was done with the taste tasting I think the girl that was the bartender need more training and customer service training and the realizing what’s going on with a couple and that where a happy couple and love one another and was playing around and ask more questions or something before kicking a paying customer out of someplace I have spent so much money with this company so I’m very upset but even tho I was talking to my girlfriend I got kicked out for joking with her I will never be back to this place ever again I have never had this happen to me I’d go anywhere else in pigeon forge and Gatlingburge and pigeon forge before I would ever go here again very upset and unsatisfied with the way I was treated

Super fun spot in downtown Gatlinburg. They have an outdoor stage with rocking chairs to sit and listen to live folk music between the store and the distillery. You can read about the moonshine making process and the history. In the shop, you can pay a few bucks to do a fun tasting (they'll give you a $5 coupon to buy something when you do the tasting). Recommended!

It starts off with a tram ride that takes you up to Ober Mountain, where there are plenty of fun activities like a small zoo, aquarium, zip lines, swinging chairs, ice skating, and food stalls. The scenic views from the top may not be as breathtaking as some other parts of Tennessee, but they’re still beautiful and worth the ride. It’s a great spot for families and kids, and overall a solid 4/5 experience!

Very cool experience! Good long ride, the tram operators give lots of info and answer questions. The ticket purchase is good all day, unlimited rides and the ober mountain area has a lot to offer.

We had so much fun. In my opinion if you have kids and are looking for a day off fun for about 60 bucks per person it's one of the best. You get the tram ride plus tons of activities at the mountain top. Ice skating, bumper cars on ice, animal exhibits, sky lift to the top of the mountain (3,490ft above sea level), swings, wall climbing, shops, and the mountain coaster!!! You'll pay 30+ to ride just a coaster on the strip. I would recommend going and staying until dark. The views on the tram on the ride down at night is amazing. We have done so much here in Gatlinburg over the years but this was one of the best values and the kids had a great time. Not nearly as popular as Anakesta but offers the same type of entertainment.

Ober Mountain Tram, I thought this was. I need to give a big shout-out to STACY who advised us to get the fun pass. Loved the flowers in her hair. She is spot on. She has great southern hospitality, she is so knowledgeable! We had a wonderful day. Go there and spend the day. The fun pass includes the tram ride up, chair, lift up the mountain, ice bumper cars, ice skating, carousel and several other things. You will love it here. The mountains are alive once you get up to the top. It's a day trip. I forgot to talk about the Zoo at the top of the Tram Ride. Lisa was so loving to feeding the Otters. There was not a question that she didn't answer. Keep up the great work Lisa, you love for those animals shows.

Great experience! Beautiful views and we saw 3 bears playing in someone's yard below! My pictures aren't the best but really enjoyed it.

Fun ride to the top with amazing views. Check out the wildlife exhibitions. The animals are all rescues. There are all sorts of other things to do, ice skating, shopping, etc..

Riding the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway in the fall was absolutely worth it. The views were stunning—vibrant fall colors stretching across the mountains and a perfect mix of excitement and calm as we rose above the town. The ride itself was smooth, and the scenery felt like something out of a postcard. If you’re visiting Gatlinburg during autumn, the tram is definitely a must-do for the views alone.

Dollywood is one of those rare theme parks that feels like more than just a fun destination — it feels like a warm welcome. From the moment you step through the gates, there’s a beautiful blend of Smoky Mountain heritage, wholesome entertainment, and genuine hospitality that makes every visitor feel like family. What stands out the most is how thoughtfully designed everything is. The park is incredibly clean, the landscaping is beautiful, and the music — whether live or playing softly in the background — adds a special touch unique to Dolly Parton’s world. It's a place where thrilling roller coasters, peaceful craft demonstrations, and mouthwatering Southern cuisine all live in perfect harmony. The rides are top-notch and offer excitement for all ages, but even if you never stepped on a coaster, you’d still have an unforgettable day. The shows are heartfelt and professional, the artisans demonstrate real mountain craftsmanship, and the food is absolutely delicious — especially anything fresh-made in front of you. Another major highlight is the staff. They are genuinely friendly, patient, and happy to help, which makes the entire experience feel relaxed and inviting. You can tell the park takes pride in treating guests with kindness — just like Dolly would want. Whether you come for the thrills, the culture, the music, or the memories, Dollywood delivers a complete, heartfelt experience that stands out above most theme parks. It’s a place that celebrates joy, family, faith, and Appalachian tradition — and you leave with not just photos, but feelings you’ll remember.

A family friendly amusement park, with lots of thrill rides and AMAZING shows. We went during the Christmas celebration, and the lights were breathtaking. The Christmas in the Smokies show had a live orchestra, and the singers were outstanding. Going in November, on a weekday, made for super short lines. My family went on all the rollercoasters, and some of them 4-5 times. My daughter and my favorite coaster was Fire Chaser. It had a super cute theme, and is a less intense coaster. My son and husband liked Flying Eagle, but it is definitely a coaster made for thrill seekers. Our longest wait was for cinnamon bread, and it was well worth the 20-30min wait. Lunch was typical theme park food quality, but it might have just been hit and miss for us. There is something for everyone, and I really appreciated the family and faith focus.

Almost no lines when we went. Everyone was pleasant, do note that parking is $25 on top of the tickets. Food is priced like most theme park ($20 for an order of chicken tenders and fries with a soda). The establishment was clean and staff were helpful. The older staff were far more energetic and enthusiastic than the younger her ride operators. I do recommend doing the train ride as it gives a good tour of the park and is an experience in itself.

Such a great time! The whole park was decorated for Halloween and was so charming once it got dark. The rides rocked, I particularly loved Lightning Rod, pictured here in my review. It’s the fastest rollercoaster in the world and it felt that way! I also particularly enjoyed Barnstorm; a massive swing that gave a real thrill. Overall the park is themed wonderfully, fun to explore, and definitely worth visiting again and again.

Dollywood is fantastic! This was our first visit but won't be our last. Great holiday decor up already in mid-November made it feel like the holidays. We enjoyed it more than we thought we would. Great selection of roller coasters, enough to satisfy any enthusiast. Also a good selection of medium and lower intensity rides for families and all. Carnival games with good prizes. Good food choices. Do NOT miss the Cinnamon Bread (available at the bakery as well) and do not wait until the end of the day to buy it as the lines get long. Highly recommend buying tickets in advance and arriving early (about 45 minutes to an hour before park opens). Arriving too late means parking far away and a long walk or tram ride to get into the park. It's a spread out park across hilly terrain so you're going to walk a lot.

1st time visiting. One of the nicest amusement parks we've visited. Very clean and they've paid alot of attention to details in the decorating. Majority of the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Plenty kid-friendly areas and rides, but also, plenty of extreme thrill rides as well. Not to compare, but a Disney-like experience, in a much more laid back, down-home, relaxing atmosphere. Very well done, we'll be back. Highly recommend.

We absolutely loved our visit to Dollywood! We got there early and parking was very easy. We went to the Lightning Rod coaster first, what a rush! The train was delightful. Everything was beautiful, the hills were covered in fall leaves. That cinnamon bread is to die for! Every coaster was exciting and thrilling and did not make me feel sick. They felt very high end. I giggled a lot on the fun fire brigade ride. It was so quarky and silly and caught me by surprise. The Christmas decorations were plentiful and it felt like every structure was lit up. The Dolly Experience was so heartfelt abs inspiring. It felt like she was expressing who she was and sharing rather than showing off. The pink sparkly Christmas decorations in that area were so unique and every girl's dream. The gift shops had mostly decently priced items that were much more affordable than other theme parks. The staff were all friendly and it was clean. Dollywood knows exactly what their brand is and it doesn't feel like they are trying to compete with anyone.

Wonderful experience, despite the dreary weather on the day we came. Animals seem very happy and well cared for. All Zoo staff were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I brought my camera and snagged a few good photos. ❤️ Can't wait to go back!

One of the best zoos in the area, I volunteered there years ago as a kid and this year returned for the first time in decades. The changes were mindblowingly amazing and gorgeous. I loved seeing the old portion of the zoo turned into a playground and petting zoo. When you go make sure you don’t miss the animal encounters they are breathtaking and informative.

Very impressed with this zoo. The animals had amazing and large habitats and are very happy and well taken care of. I wish we had gotten in earlier in the day to spend more time there. Also, there are many little cafes to get food or a snack. Just a beautiful zoo!

Oh wow! We had an amazing experience at Zoo Knoxville! Great zoo, with friendly staff, and neat experiences!! I was able to feed a giraffe, a tortoise, and some budgies all in the same day! (I will be able to die happy now). The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about the animals. The enclosures seemed clean and there were enrichment items for the animals in many of them. Lots of great plaques with information about the animals. 10/10 recommendation from me for a fun experience in Knoxville!

We had a BLAST exploring the extremely well kept grounds at Knoxville Zoo! The artistic design and clear views of animals had us settle on leaving with a membership. We can’t wait to put into good use and are looking forward on being back for the new immersive experience opening soon! Thanks for making sure family fun days are done up RIGHT, Knoxville Zoo!

My son and I spent multiple days at the zoo and we did the VIP Rhino Experience, which was absolutely worth the money!, and enjoyed every minute we were there. We had the opportunity to interact with multiple staff that worked at the zoo and had such great conversations with them. We also did the Tortoise Feeding which again was well worth the money and the staff there was so knowledgeable about each of the tortoises from the tiny ones to Tex to those “visiting” while there enclosure is being worked on at their zoo. The staff at the Rhino Experience was not only knowledgeable, but had great personalities, as did the rhinos! Ranger and his brother Mylo were very gracious to let us interact with them and thank you Ranger for letting us pet/ love on you! There was so many great people that we met that were also visiting the zoo and happy to share facts back and forth with my son and I. We hope to be back at some point this year (we are from Florida). Thank you all for making the trip wonderful! We visited on both the weekdays and on Saturday.

We planned our trip for the first week of April, probably not the best time to visit. Lots of animals missing and several construction projects ongoing. In my opinion, the zoo could use some upgrades, so the construction is understandable. Altgough more transparency would be nice. It would have been respectable for the website to explain what to expect during this time. This zoo is also lacking many of the bigger animals that you are expecting to see. I am from Indianapolis and the zoo there is truly amazing, maybe my expectations were too high. On a brighter note Ashley was amazing!! She took the time to talk with us about our disappointing experience. She also explained about some of the upgrades and new animals coming. I am excited to see this. Planning a return trip in the fall!

We had the best time here! Started our visit with lunch at their restaurant which was delicious Southern cooking. They even have homemade cakes and sourdough bread. Look up their menu online and prepare to get hungry. After lunch we set off on our tour of the grounds. Just follow the map that you are given -everything is numbered. Our kids were given little maps where you stamp as you go along for a prize at the end. They admitted that they loved it and learned so much. I love how the daughter of the founder of the museum lovingly hand wrote many of the relic descriptions. As you went along on your self guided tour, you were greeted by various residents (chickens, roosters, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats etc). They roamed the property freely. I had no idea how cool this place would be!! Their gift shop had so much to offer. This place is worth stopping!! We have passed it up for almost ten years on our way to/from the Smokies. What dummies! Don’t make the same mistake-go, and go hungry (but before 2:30 pm). We will be coming again!!

Loved this. So much to see here. We spent half a day walking the grounds and exploring. So much to see. You can tell the ppl who founded this place have a real appreciation for the Appalachian people and their culture.

This museum is like a walk through history specifically for homesteading and agriculture. There is a museum and two out buildings that have a wealth of artifacts from days gone by. There are also numerous other buildings that show what life was like 100 years ago. The tour on most days is self guided so I guess the admission fee goes toward paying for historical fees or something. I really enjoyed all the animals and especially the peacocks that roamed the grounds. This would be a fantastic venue for a wedding or family reunion. Definitely worth seeing and plan to stay for several hours.

A very special and interesting museum. I spent an hour and a half there and really enjoyed every moment. It was fascinating to see the cabins and learn about the history of each one. The highlight was in the souvenir shop when a group of musicians played Appalachian instruments, it was absolutely beautiful.

I came expecting to be there an hour, ended up spending 4. Clean museum that truly told the story of the every day Appalachian person, along with the famous and well noted citizens. I especially appreciated the equal treatment given to every day people and the rich and famous. Large displays for wood carvers, crafters and musicians alongside founding fathers and military heros. I was really hoping to learn about the culture of Appalachia during my visit to Tennessee and this museum captured it beautifully. The museum is expansive and feels friendly, personable, like your neighbor or friend was the curator. Got a taste of great Southern cooking at the café for a great price. Very highly recommend.

Incredible collection showcasing Appalachian culture from the ancient to the everyday to the great American contributors who came from the hills and bettered us all by it. Best "snack shop" I've ever been to. Full dinners. Homemade.

Pretty cool. There's a self walk tour and a bunch of old time cabins, mills. There's a walk through museum. There are goats, peacocks galore, and a cute shop in the main house area.

A most beautiful waterfalls right off the road! Parking is a little tough, but you can view the waterfalls from the road and see it beautifully. They have a wonderful place there to walk and stroll and look at the falls taking your time. But this is a wonderful place for those who would like to see a waterfalls but can no longer hike! I took a group of ladies there who have trouble walking, and they were delighted to see the beautiful falls and not have to hike in to see a falls. It’s close enough to Tellico to find a neat place to eat in the community! This was my second time being there and I hope I get to go again!

Definitely put this on your list of places to see! It's a fairly short but scenic drive from Tellico Plains, albeit on a very narrow road for two way traffic. Once you get there, you can park right beside the falls and see it from the bridge or hike down the rocks to the bottom and get even closer. There's also a nice short 1/8 mile hike to get to the top which offers an excellent view as well.

A wonderful place to spend the afternoon with family. The new bridge and viewing area is fantastic. Plenty of room with excellent views and safe from traffic. Great family photo spot with the falls in the background. You can venture down a steep rocky path and go in the water. It's cold and the spray is enjoyable on a hot day. It's really a sight to see from any angle. It can be crowded at times but it's still enjoyable. The one drawback is the popularity far outpaces the amount of parking available. At times inconsiderate people will just leave their car in the road and take pictures. It creates a big traffic mess. You can't escape rude people but it is what it is. The other drawback is no porta pottys and no bathrooms close by at all. None of this is a big issue if you prepare ahead of a visit. It's so worth a stop. Really a beutiful peaceful spot in Cherokee National Forest. All your stress will wash away walking in the water at the foot of the falls. It's especially enjoyable after a big rain. Just bring some patience and come experience a natural beauty.

Beautiful Falls! There are two sections, an upper and a lower falls. There is more parking and a restroom at the upper falls. Walking down to the lower is not that far however it can be a hike for some going back since it would be up hill.

Bald River Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in the Cherokee national forest. The new pedestrian area on the recently completed bridge allows cars to continue moving and safety for amazing photo opportunities!

Beautiful falls right next to the road. You can walk down to the base of the falls and take a swim if you like. Warning… don’t get close to the falls while swimming, the current is very strong!

Really nice spot! The waterfall is right off the road so you can even see it from your car if you want to. The drive out to it is beautiful and makes for a great little trip. It can get a bit busy at times, but it’s definitely one of the easiest and most scenic waterfalls to check out without having to hike.

We had a great time on the tour! It was very informative, and the host very knowledgeable. My grandmother worked on the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge, and it was great to learn more about what her life would have been like there. It was only $15 for a 3.5 hour tour, and definitely worth every penny! I would highly recommend this tour, just be sure to register in advance, as they only do a few tours a week. Thank you for a great day!

Our family loved this tour. It was more than fairly priced. The tour guides, Janet & Jerry were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. All three stops on the trip provided unique insight into various aspects of the Manhattan project and history of Oak Ridge.

This was our first visit to the museum, and it turned out to be a fascinating place to learn about the Manhattan Project — America’s World War II nuclear program — and to see many original artifacts from that time.

We were visiting in the area and looked forward to attending this museum. We were not disappointed. It was very educational, and a lot of fun. Well we did not attend with children, I think there were enough interactive activities that any child over the age of eight or nine would have enjoyed it quite a bit.

I learned a lot about our Energy history connected to Oak Ridge TN. An interesting display on the Sustainable cleanup of the former sites like K25. There was a great display on the Presidents and their contributions to our Science, Technology and Energy futures. The staff was very helpful answering all my questions.

Overwhelming amount of information but very well done. Definitely worth the admission fee. My favorite part was the gizmo in the children's area that had balls rolling through it. They have a neat gift shop too, full of nerdy things. 😁

Very informative and interactive. The volunteer at the front desk was very knowledgeable. Lady at the gift shop was very helpful. Overall a great museum. The only downside was one employee in the James Webb area sitting on her phone playing a game loud enough that you could hear it throughout the back of the museum.

RaftOne went Above and Beyond with our experience! They took us Jumping off Rocks on to a Slide, we jumped into The Cats Pajamas Rapid which is 7 different currents converging into one that shoots you down the river - absolutely exhilarating! They also took us on a quick hike to a waterfall midway thru the trip which was beautiful! JB our guide was so friendly and knowledgeable he made this one of the best experiences hands down! Thanks to JB and the whole RaftOne Family! You Guys are the best! -Sacha

We had an awesome time rafting with RaftOne! Our guide Kaleb did an incredible job making our kids’ first rafting trip safe, fun, and exciting. He kept the whole family entertained and educated us about the river while giving us confidence on the water. We did the upper and middle sections and they did not disappoint. The lunch provided was great, and the facilities were clean and well-kept. Highly recommend RaftOne—and especially Kaleb—for an unforgettable adventure!

This was our second time coming here. We did the full rafting (upper and middle) package. Our guide Kitten was amazing! He was very knowledgeable about the area. We had a history lesson and rafting lesson in the form of a stand up comedy. There are a lot of places around that will take you rafting, but I promise you if you want to have a blast, chose Raft1!!! These folks are super passionate about what they do, and they all are hilarious. That’s what sets them above the rest.

Our family had a phenomenal time with Kaity and Sierra as our guides. They were great and made it extra fun for our son and daughter who truly loved it! The course was very fun and ended in a family race. Would recommend this activity for some Great memories. We enjoyed the morning slot before it heated up.

Had an absolute blast! This was my first time rafting. Caleb was our guide and he is a really nice person and also very knowledgeable. We had so much fun! Thanks Caleb, we really enjoyed our time. You're awesome!

Our family had a fantastic experience rafting the middle Ocoee river with Raft1. The number of rafters in our time slot was small (4 rafts), making the experience more personal. Our guide, Toast, tailored the experience to our level of adventure (high adventure) which we appreciated greatly! The guides added some additional activities along the way to include a water slide and waterfall hike mid trip, again adding to the unique experience that sets Raft1 apart from the other companies. Its outpost location is just upriver from the put-in making the shuttle ride brief. The souvenir t-shirt selection and Canopy Cafe provided quality options; the pizza was very tasty and made to order post-trip. I highly recommend using Raft1 for your Ocoee Rafting adventure.

Had a great time! Our guides Sage and Taylor were pros and talked us through the process to make sure we had it. Someone in our group got overwhelmed half way through and didn’t want to continue, and they were easily able to go back to the lookout and watch us. The only difference between this and other zip line places is that here you have to use your hand to stop yourself on these lines. It’s also not crazy high off of the ground for less adventurous people. 8/10 would recommend

Outstanding day on the Ocoee river with these guys! The manager Lance is top notch. Friendly and very professional. They run a fine operation. Our raft guide, Woody, was a real gem. He was safe and entertaining. Highly recommend for a great time!!

Wildwater is the best rafting company on the Ocoee. I've tried a few others. Our guide was Tia. She did a great job. The Boys and I had a blast!!!

My girlfriend and my two granddaughters and I had an amazing raft trip with our guide Martha. The entire staff was friendly and helpful. We will definitely come back again!

This was our third time rafting with Wildwater. We brought 4 friends with us for their first time rafting experience. We really enjoy the way Wildwater runs their trips. Professional, fun and with an emphasis on being safe. White water rafting is no joke so don’t underestimate it. They give a thorough orientation before you go. They throw in some humor to keep it light but pay attention to the message. This trip was another 5 star adventure. Olivia was our guide and she was amazing! Highly recommended. There are lots of raft companies to choose from but we will definitely stay with Wildwater.

Truly can't say enough great things about this outfitter! They are so professional and nice! It's the shortest bus ride to and from the water, they have a mid day launch for the full run so you don't have to wake up too early, and they serve a healthy and delicious lunch! I've been hosting an annual trip for 6 years now, and I've used 4 other outfitters. None are this on point amazing, 10\10 the absolute best!

We had an AMAZING trip this weekend. Our guide, Connor was the absolute best. Very knowledgeable about the river and area. He kept us engaged and made sure that we were all having a great time. He even let my daughter “ride the bull” at the end of the trip. I would highly recommend Wildwater and especially Connor to anyone.

We had an awesome time rafting the upper and middle rapids today with Connor as our guide! From the time we arrived at check in until we left the parking lot this evening, everything was top notch. I’ve rafted with other rafting companies but Wildwater is my absolute favorite!! Connor was very knowledgeable about every aspect of rafting and the river. His high energy was a fun addition to our trip. One very unexpected, excellent part of our trip was lunch. I’m gluten free and had no idea Wildwater plans for dietary restrictions and special diets!! There is nothing they haven’t planned for and perfected! 10/10 rafting trip. We will be back for another trip down the river!

We had an incredible time white water rafting, and Josh made the entire experience unforgettable! His energy was amazing from start to finish—super fun, professional, and clearly experienced. You could tell he genuinely loves what he does, and it made all the difference. Josh kept our group safe while still making it a thrilling adventure. He explained everything clearly, gave us confidence on the water, and kept the vibes high the entire trip. He truly represents the company in the best way possible. If you're booking a rafting trip, ask for Josh—you won’t regret it. Highly recommend!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! We had the wonderful Jon Hall as our guide. He made sure we were very well taken care of and safe as we went down the Ocoee. He was very informative about the local fauna, landforms, and rafting skills. Jon also made sure that my friends knew EXACTLY what to do on the raft (I was the only one in my group who's been rafting before) and made the three hour long experience feel like 45 minutes with how much we were talking and joking. The staff as base camp were also VERY friendly and helpful.

Such a GREAT and FUN adventure. The staff here are so kind and high spirited. They were all so hype and super kind. A big shout out to our boat guide, Ken. He definitely made the experience 10x more entertaining and enjoyable. He took us to the fun parts of the water and made sure we got some good splashes. He offered to let us “ride the bull” and experience a fall off the boat experience on purpose. Great time for sure. Thanks to all the staff and Ken!

We had a great time rafting on the Ocoee River today with Outdoor Adventure Rafting! Our guide was John who led us on a full river rafting trip. He was an excellent guide! The tour guide gave us detailed descriptions of all of the rapids as we approached them and he gave us the choice of how difficult we wanted it to be. So he could adjust the boat to soak us or just easily pop over the rapids. He did a bunch of different things like spinning us in the boat, and showed us many different ways to handle the rapids. He did a good job building trust from the start of the trip and paid attention to each member of our party to make sure they were okay and having a good time. He clearly had the whole river memorized and expertly handled every aspect of the trip. Since we did the full river trip it included a lunch break which was great. There is not room on the boat for water bottles or anything and they would fall out if you did bring them. Since the lunch includes water and other drinks staying hydrated wasn't an issue. Highly recommend and I would do it again!

Amazing adventure! This is the second time we have been white water rafting! Our tour guide Phillip was class 5 amazing! He was knowledgeable but also great with keeping spirits up and building the bond between the boat. This company does well to create a fun and friendly environment while also ensuring all safety is a priority. We will be back and ready to take on the Olympia again! We loved the full day adventure!

I could not have had a more perfect first time rafting experience. Guide Jon Hall provided a perfect blend of humor to ease our nerves and professionalism so we understood our safety is first priority. He took great care with briefings and instructions and kept us entertained from the moment we met him. He created a magic and thrilling experience with intentional peaks and valleys. The campus was clean and organized and the staff was friendly and helpful. I am excited to book another trip!

Don’t even search for any other rafting companies on the Ocoee because OAR is hands down the best!!! Our guide was Wesley and he was great! We were always provided thorough instructions on safety and communication and they gave us ample opportunities to go for more difficult routes and what to expect. The facilities at the outpost were also clean and the staff onsite was so friendly and inviting. You could tell that all of the guides had a special bond and all enjoyed working with each other. We did the full (upper and middle section) and it did not disappoint. I will absolutely be returning soon and will request Wesley as my tour guide. Thank you OAR for an amazing first time rafting!

We did the middle Ocoee Trip. We had a group of 8 people in two boats. Our guides, Ace and Cullen, were awesome. This is a highly recommended activity. I strongly suggest going with this company. From Registration, training session, bus ride and the whitewater experience, it was GREAT.

Melody answered the phone when I called for the reservation and each time after, she was extremely kind and informative! Our raft guide was Henry, I PROMISE YOU HES THE BEST GUIDE THERE. He knew the river well and did extremely cool tricks with the raft. He was also very funny and personable which added even more to the experience. While I almost felt like I would died a couple of times Henry kept us very aware of when to do what, so even with our crazy tricks none of us fell out at all.

This was my first time whitewater rafting, and I can 100% say that I loved it! The staff there were super welcoming and friendly, and they all had a light-hearted, upbeat attitude, and definitely made the whole experience that much better! After a scenic drive to the dam where the rafting starts, we met our guide and learned our commands, and this began our trip down the river. I won't spoil the trip, because I definitely think you should do it yourself, but just know that it is definitely worth it. Also, quick shout out to some of our guides, TC Lee, Jack, and Hannah!

My thirteen year old son described this as “one of the best experiences of his life”. We decided to do a father son rafting trip after finding a heck of a deal on Groupon. We arrived at 10:30 for the 11am middle river trip. The facility was clean and organized and the staff was super friendly. You can leave your keys and phone with them, which felt safe. There were clear instructions on how to be safe on the water and were separated into groups. The drive on the bus was fun and the time it took to get unloaded and on the river was impressive. These guys run a well oiled machine. The trip itself was so much fun and I won’t review it so that I don’t take away some of the adventure. It was safe, a good amount of time, and worth every penny. You will get wet, like within the first two minutes. I also highly recommend leaving your phone, camera and anything else valuable back at the lodge or in your car. It’s very clear within few minutes that there’s a good possibility you’ll be swimming. A photographer will get some great photos that you can purchase at the end of your trip. Do yourself a favor and, buy the photos. This trip will be something my son and I talk about the rest of our lives. We’ve even decided to make this a yearly trip and we can’t thank the folks at High Country Adventures for the wonderful experience. Shout out to our guide Ricky, thanks for pulling me back in my friend!

I had the most incredible time white water rafting. We had a big group & some were rafting for the first time (naturally apprehensive). TC Lee was our instructor & he did an amazing job from start to finish. He was funny, engaging, & super safety conscious while giving us a ton of thrills! Im looking forward to next year!!!

We took a family of five and had a fantastic experience on the middle part of the river. Sydney was our guide and we could not have asked for a better person to take us down the River. She was kind, respectful, and extremely knowledgeable. I trusted her to keep our family safe, but also to give us a great time together.

This is our 4th time with High Country. The place is top-notch. The guides are always excellent. White-water fun at its fullest. We did the middle Ocoee class IV. Our two daughters ages 12 and 14 went down this river for the first time, Mr. Pink made sure to keep us safe and kept the fun rolling. We will be back agian! Our daughters haven't stopped talking about how much fun they had. They are ready for some Class Five with Pink!

Wonderful train ride, beautiful fall foliage, water views and mountains. And our narrator was excellent and the entire crew was attentive and courteous. The accommodations were very comfortable. We throughly enjoyed ourselves. Rick and June Smith

It was a great experience very enjoyable. We choose the observation package. It was a very beautiful ride and also learned a lot along the way. The a/c was uncooperative on the way back but the staff did everything possible to make our ride enjoyable, even offered to move us to other seating. We were advised that boarding started 30 min before departure, although I would advise getting there around an hour before, even loading went very fast it would have given more an opportunity for seats.

We had a wonderful time along the Hiawassee River with the spectacular fall colors! We saw 2 bald eagles. Jason the conductor made our experience a thousand times better! He's amazing.

Our last minute trip to Summerville in November did not disappoint. From the fall colors to riding on a train with a nostalgic steam engine and fantastic tour guide to dining in the dining car, the day was perfect. It was a double header so the “paparazzi” was fun too. Spending the entire day on the train with my honey was the best mini vacation we’ve had in a minute. It was a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle. A+++

Really enjoyed the ride. Very educational. The staff went way beyond for us. We were running late and they waited. My mother in law had to be let off at platform instead of stairs, they accommodated for her.. Everyone was very nice. Definitely recommend the train ride. Loved the music

Absolutely Unforgettable – The Hiwassee River Rail Adventure is Pure Magic! I hadn’t been on a real train in years, so when I spotted an Instagram video of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Hiwassee River excursion, I knew it was the perfect way to celebrate my mom’s birthday. We made the 3-hour drive from home, and let me tell you – it was 100% worth every mile! We timed our trip for a Friday in mid-November, after hearing the fall colors were peaking a bit late this year. With just enough leaves fallen, the views of the majestic Hiwassee River opened up dramatically through the trees. Riding midday was key: the sunlight danced across the water, creating that breathtaking “jewel effect” John Muir raved about over 150 years ago when he walked these very banks: “My path all to-day led me along the leafy banks of the Hiwassee, a most impressive mountain river… Such a river is the Hiwassee, with its surface broken to a thousand sparkling gems, and its forest walls vine-draped and flowery as Eden.” He wasn’t exaggerating – the river truly sparkled like a thousand gems under the autumn sun, framed by the rugged gorge and Cherokee National Forest. It felt like stepping into a living postcard (or Eden itself!). This was the very last Hiwassee Loop trip of the season, and tickets were down to the final four when I booked – we ended up in coach class, but it was perfectly comfortable. The roughly 4-hour round-trip journey (50 miles through the stunning lower Hiwassee Gorge) flew by. We wandered freely between cars, snapped incredible photos and videos from the open-air vestibules (fresh mountain air + epic vistas = perfection), and soaked in the engineering marvel of the historic Hiwassee Loop where the tracks spiral over themselves. The staff were fantastic – friendly, hilarious, and full of fascinating stories about the railroad’s history, the local area, and the wildlife along the route. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that blends nostalgia, nature, and pure joy. If you’re debating it… book it now! You won’t regret experiencing one of the most scenic rail journeys in the Southeast. Highly recommend for families, nature lovers, history buffs, or anyone needing a memorable escape. We’ll be back! 🚂💎

Rode the last Summerville steam special on the 630 train. It was a beautiful fall ride 🍁 occasionally there were some kids acting wild but that is probably to be expected. Be aware that if you’re on an open air coach, there is soot and cinders floating down from the engine exhaust, so be prepared to be a little dirty after. Excellent service from the conductors and service staff, everyone was super friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend taking the trip.

This was one of the cleanest zoos that I have visited! All of the animals was cared for like personal pets and had their enclosures set up to their likings. I was also impressed that ALL the animals had indoor air conditioned or heat/ outdoor enclosures that they could choose from. Cooling stations all throughout the zoo for the visitors and educational programs. The zoo is not huge but it is definitely worth the visit and I was so happy to see the animals looked happy!

Small zoo compared to most but very nice. Feed the giraffe for and extra $5. Parking is better I bet, when there is not a ball tournament next door. Clean restrooms.

We had such a great time on our first, but definitely not last, visit! It’s pretty flat so it wasn’t hard to get around and I did most of the wheeling in my own. My daughter, Noelle, helped me some on the uphill spots which were VERY few. We loved it! So many great exhibits and animals and the people were very nice and accommodating. The restaurant seems really reasonable too. The gift shop is adorable. Definitely a great place for the whole family.

What a wonderful zoo! Great exhibits on the animals and a very clean zoo with friendly staff and plenty of restrooms. It's not a huge zoo, but the exhibits are well done, and you can get great views of the animals. We didn't get to see the anteater or the snow leopards. I think they were avoiding the heat. Appreciate the free admission for veterans. Very nice. Highly recommend the Chattanooga Zoo.

It was a hot August day on our vacation and my special needs daughter and I decided to do the zoo anyway. It is a smaller zoo so it did not take long to see everything. The animals were not overly active, who could blame them but there was still plenty to see. We were disappointed that there wasn't an elephant as that in one of two animals signs my daughter can do. I am not sure if we missed another way but the giraffe feeding was up some stairs and that did not work for my wheelchair daughter. Also, the red panda house was up a long ramp. Too much for me on the hot day so we skipped it. I wanted her to take a train ride as she loves that but the train they have is not wheelchair accessible. The only option was to take her out and walk her in. Again, too warm, and too much effort. The gal did say that their carousel had a ramp. We were finished at that point and headed to the carousel. As you can see in my photos they have a ramp that you can push the chair up into and something to click her into. It only clicks in one wheel not two as the spacing didn't work. Please consider straps where we can have two wheels in. The carousel doesn't go fast and we had her brakes on so it was safe but extra safety never hurts. The girls running the carousel were very nice and helpful. We left through the gift shop and since we did not see the red panda I purchased a small stuffy for her to have. It was almost $19. Overpriced in my opinion.

The animals seemed cared for. The staff was knowledgeable about the animals and happy to tell the kids fun facts about them at different exhibits. It's a bit on the smaller side, but it was clean. It was pretty cool that most exhibits had ways to see the indoor part of the enclosures where the animals would go the get out of the heat. The gift shop was insanely over priced and the drinks were expensive ($13 for 3 waters). For the price of admission the experience was well worth it!

We had a great time I feel due to the nice weather as all the animals were out and loving the temperature. My grandson loved it.