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Top cities between Brevard and Bryson City
Best stops along Brevard to Bryson City drive
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39 Best Stops Between Brevard and Bryson City

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedApr 10, 2023

How long is the drive from Brevard to Bryson City?

The direct drive from Brevard to Bryson City is 89.5 mi (144 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 51 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Brevard to Bryson City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, Cherokee, Hendersonville, Highlands, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Maggie Valley, and Franklin, as well as top places to visit like Paris Mountain State Park and Catawba Falls, or the ever-popular Campbell's Historic Covered Bridge.

Visiting Brevard or Bryson City? See our Brevard Trip Planner and our Bryson City Trip Planner.
89.5 mi
Total Distance
1 hr 51 mins
Drive Time
39 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Brevard and Bryson City

The top cities between Brevard and Bryson City are Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, Cherokee, Hendersonville, Highlands, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Maggie Valley, and Franklin. Gatlinburg is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Brevard and 1 hour from Bryson City.
1

Hendersonville

Hendersonville, located south of Asheville in North Carolina, offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and wellness activities. Visitors can explore the Henderson County Heritage Museum's Civil War artifacts and a replica 1900s general store in downtown. For stunning mountain views, they can head to Jump Off Rock overlook or enjoy picnics and dog-friendly spaces at Mills River Park. The Park at Flat Rock showcases indigenous flora and fauna amidst a former golf club setting.
4% as popular as Gatlinburg
9 minutes off the main route, 26% of way to Bryson City
2

Asheville

Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, is a city renowned for its thriving arts scene and historic architecture. The area is home to the impressive Basilica of Saint Lawrence and the grand Biltmore estate, which showcases masterpieces by artists like Renoir. The Downtown Art District features numerous galleries and museums, while the nearby River Arts District occupies former factory buildings that now serve as artists' studios.
31% as popular as Gatlinburg
7 minutes off the main route, 36% of way to Bryson City
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1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
3

Highlands

Highlands, located in Macon County, North Carolina, is a charming town nestled on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains within the Nantahala National Forest. It's a popular destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway with its stunning natural beauty, rich history, lively entertainment, and romantic restaurants. The town offers various lodging options from hotel suites to private cottages.
4% as popular as Gatlinburg
8 minutes off the main route, 44% of way to Bryson City
4

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, located in eastern Tennessee, is a charming mountain town known for its array of attractions. One of the highlights is Dollywood, an Appalachian-themed amusement park founded by country singer Dolly Parton. Visitors can enjoy rides, a water park, and a museum showcasing Parton's costumes and memorabilia. The city also offers entertainment options such as country music revues at venues like the Smoky Mountain Opry and dinner theaters including Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.
97% as popular as Gatlinburg
1 hour off the main route, 57% of way to Bryson City
5

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, a charming mountain town in eastern Tennessee, serves as the gateway to the expansive Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town offers various attractions that provide stunning views of the neighboring park, such as the Space Needle observation tower and the Sky Lift aerial cable car. Gatlinburg is conveniently located near multiple park entrances, making it an ideal base for exploring the natural wonders of the area.
Most popular city on this route
59 minutes off the main route, 61% of way to Bryson City
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6

Maggie Valley

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina, Maggie Valley is a charming town located on the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty, including wildflowers and black bears, along trails like Deep Creek Trail with its stunning waterfalls. For winter sports enthusiasts, Cataloochee Ski Area offers slopes and trails for skiing and snowboarding. History buffs will enjoy the Wheels Through Time Museum's collection of vintage motorcycles and rare cars.
3% as popular as Gatlinburg
4 minutes off the main route, 63% of way to Bryson City
7

Franklin

Nestled within the Nantahala National Forest, Franklin is a charming town and the county seat of Macon County in North Carolina. With a population of around 4,000 people, it boasts a neighborly atmosphere and a historic downtown area. The town's rich heritage is influenced by both the Eastern Band of Cherokee and Highland Scottish roots.
3% as popular as Gatlinburg
9 minutes off the main route, 65% of way to Bryson City
8

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National park
Nature & Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for millions of visitors who come to enjoy its campgrounds, trails, and fishing streams. The park boasts incredible biodiversity and holds cultural significance for the Cherokee people as their ancestral homeland. Additionally, it is important to descendants of Scottish-Irish settlers who shaped Appalachian culture.
26% as popular as Gatlinburg
1 hour off the main route, 66% of way to Bryson City
9

Cherokee

Cherokee, located in western North Carolina, is a town on the reservation of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Visitors can experience the 18th-century Cherokee lifestyle at Oconaluftee Indian Village through live demonstrations and watch the tribal story unfold at the outdoor Mountainside Theatre during summer performances of 'Unto These Hills.' The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers campgrounds and Appalachian hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
13% as popular as Gatlinburg
5 minutes off the main route, 84% of way to Bryson City

Best stops along Brevard to Bryson City drive

The top stops along the way from Brevard to Bryson City (with short detours) are Dollywood, Sugarlands Distilling Company, and Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting. Other popular stops include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, The North Carolina Arboretum, and French Broad Adventures.
1

Campbell's Historic Covered Bridge

Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Bridge
Built in 1909, SC's sole remaining covered bridge spans Beaverdam Creek & is surrounded by parkland.
Great little side trip if you happen to be in the area. You can even have a picnic there. Nice and quite. Worth a 30 minute detour.
Tim S — Google review
A pleasant little park. The Covered Bridge is beautiful but as you can tell it is the main and only attraction to the park currently. If you're in the area it's worth stopping by, but not something I would make a special trip to visit.
Jonfit04 — Google review
Nice little price of history and park. Great place to take a walk and also enjoy a picnic. Holiday pictures would turn out amazing here.
Thomas R — Google review
Campbell’s Covered Bridge in Landrum, SC built in 1909, 35’x 12’ featuring diagonal timbers and vertical iron rods. There are a few trails and a picnic area. It was a beautiful day and saw lots of colors.
Donna L — Google review
Very cool old bridge in a nice park. Great place for lunch or to picnic. You can walk down to the waters edge to dip your feet on a warm day.
Kathy F — Google review
Really cool to see the last covered bridge in South Carolina and read the history behind it. There’s also a great little half mile loop trail. I was amazed at the actual architecture of this bridge. Definitely worth seeing.
Michel B — Google review
Stopped right as it was closing. Was able to grab some photos. The bridge looks like it might not have much more life in it. Looks very crooked. Very picturesque.
Emptynesters T — Google review
Easy access, handicap parking, trails, well maintained, dog friendly, very pretty park
Sherry E — Google review
4.7
(1271)
•
4.5
(152)
171 Campbell Covered Bridge Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA
https://greenvillerec.com/parks/campbells-covered-bridge/
2

Paris Mountain State Park

Mentioned on 
1 list 
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Nestled just a short drive from downtown Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park is a tranquil oasis perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With an array of hiking and biking trails that cater to all skill levels, visitors can easily spend hours exploring the scenic beauty of the park. The picturesque Lake Placid serves as a stunning backdrop, complete with picnic tables and even a small beach for swimming on warm days. The park's amenities include canoe and kayak rentals, making it easy to enjoy some time on the water.
We have enjoyed this park on several recent occasions. My interests (as you can see form the photos) is mainly on nature and finding trails more or less secluded. But this is also a great place for outings for friends and family. There are a number of well-maintained trails. Signage is pretty good as well.
Tom R — Google review
We traveled through the state park on the weekend of October 18th. The drive through was amazing, so much beauty in there. Where are the roads are posted 15 miles per hour, do that. LOL You don't want to miss a scenic view, but you also do not want to drive off the road and down hundreds of feet into the trees below. It's just a short walk to view the 19th century dam, which is located just inside the park. Watch your step, however. On the day we went, there was not much water coming over the top, being early in the fall and not having much rain in the area. It did not detract from the beauty and the incredible workmanship that produced the dam. This would be a beautiful place to just come to relax and take in the sounds of the water and the animals nearby.
John H — Google review
Admission is $6 per person, there was an employee working at the entrance so it is possible to pay via card. The employee working inside the office in the park was helpful and friendly when choosing a trail. The lake was beautiful and calm. There is a short trail that circles the lake and has stunning views of the lake and dam. It is child and dog friendly. There were many other trails in the park but limited parking. Arrive early if you want to find parking.
Desiree W — Google review
Great park loaded w terrific, moderately challenging trails. Not a ton of vantage points but the trails are really well maintained and pretty easy to navigate. We use the trails for training for tougher hikes and climbs.
John V — Google review
Peaceful park to relax at. My huge family loves to come and picnic here. They have a little Lake and so many hiking trails! A nice easy one goes all around the lake and passes by a dam waterfall. I would check water quality before swimming because sometimes the bacteria levels are high. $5 for a 30 minute paddle boat ride! Green & beautiful.
Vita Y — Google review
Excellent hiking trails all levels. Area to swim kayak paddle boat and even fishing. Staff we're kind and offered a wealth of information about the park.
Jarrett B — Google review
Beautiful state park, exceptionally clean and well maintained. We walked turtle trail and it was such a cute, magical, little trail. Will always remember it! *my only issue was that the stamp for the ultimate outsiders booklet was dry :( so we didn’t get to get our stamp since the front office was also closed.
Kofeii — Google review
What a great spot in Greenville! Lots of trails for all abilities, a lake with a beach where you can swim and kayak, and a playground. I love bringing my kids here. Would recommend getting the SC states parks pass for $90 if you plan to come here frequently (can buy the pass at the visitors center).
Emily G — Google review
4.7
(3891)
•
4.4
(432)
2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609, USA
https://southcarolinaparks.com/paris-mountain
(864) 244-5565
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3

Catawba Falls

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Nature & Parks
Hiking area
Waterfalls
Catawba Falls is a stunning series of waterfalls located in the Mossy & shady forest trail near downtown Asheville. The trail leading to the falls is well-maintained and wide, albeit a steady uphill hike all the way. Visitors with mobility challenges are advised to use a hiking stick for stability and easy uphill/downhill travel. A stream crossing lies on the way too.
3 years ago I wasn't happy with the plans to put stairs up beside the falls to access the upper falls. Well today, I finally went there. The parking lot was packed, but found a parking spot near the falls trail. Although the parking lot was packed, it didn't seem overly crowded to be able to take the pictures I wanted. I climbed those stairs. It has an excellent viewing platform 3/4 the way up. What an amazing view. I was able to access a view of the falls without risking my neck on a dangerous climb. It was a challenge for this almost 64 year old, but I did it.
Chris M — Google review
Beautiful hike. We took the stairs up to the upper falls. Totally worth it if you can do it. There are lots of places to stop and take a break if needed. We visited on a Wednesday and it was not crowded at all. We feel truly blessed we were able to see both the lower and upper falls.
Kristina H — Google review
Catawba Falls is reputed to be one of the best water falls in Western North Carolina. Having just visited them, I would agree they're outstanding, and definitely should be seen. It is a very popular place, and though the parking lot is large and often nearly full, it doesn't seem crowded. The two falls are completely different in their appearance. Linked by a series of 500+ steps or stairs with an observation platform midway, a visit to both is worth the effort. From the parking lot to the Lower Falls is an easy mile hike that gradually gains elevation the closer you get to the falls. Many people will choose to turn back after seeing them and not climb the stairs. If you climb another 0.3 mi to the Upper Falls, you may return the way you came or continue up Ridge Trail (2mi) and complete a loop back to the parking lot. Initially the Ridge Trail ascend along a broad level path, giving glorious views of the Piscah Natl Forest. Then it begins a long, more shaded, downhill path until you arrive back at your car. The loop this way is highly recommend as most of it is downhill. Nice moderate hike; well maintained trails with some repairs being done. Trailhead is easy to find; near Old Fort & I 40 exit. Vault toilets and trail map at the starting kiosk.
Gordon S — Google review
A breathtaking place, full of stunning autumn colors. The trail can be completed in about two hours, but it’s quite a challenging climb. Heading right takes you up the stairs, while turning left leads to a longer, scenic path through the forest. Truly a must-visit for nature lovers!
Halina I — Google review
We love this hike, especially in late fall as it’s a bit lower elevation so the colors hang around a little longer. Our two littles do great as it’s flat with slight gradients and stairs for the big ascents. There are two pit toilets which can get a bit of a line and parking can be difficult sometimes but there’s usually good flow with people leaving. The stairs are a beast if you want to do the full loop, but it’s easy to get to the base which still offers great views! And afterwards we love stopping by Foothills Watershed or Hillman for some snacks and bevs.
John C — Google review
Strenuous hike either way you choose to go on the loop- highly recommend clockwise so you have 500+ stairs on the way down. Path well maintained entire way. Pretty waterfall up at the top but very crowded with people climbing all over and their stuff spread out on every available bench. Trek down the stairs was pretty with mini waterfalls all the way. Highly recommend starting early to avoid crowds, bring lots of water and not stopping except for short rests it will take you about 2.5 hours to complete. We went on a Thursday around 9am.
Alice D — Google review
This is a pretty long hike but unfortunately I wasn't able to complete due to the person I was with. It was very busy in the afternoon, but it was a beautiful Saturday & the leaves were holding on to their last bit of color. There are places to stop & rest.
Victoria D — Google review
We had a group of 16 hiking this trail. Kids ranging from 3-8 years old and a few babies in packs. It was a good trail, wide and enough space. We chose to hike the 1.1 mile to the lower falls, had lunch and came back down. It is very beautiful.
Alvina — Google review
4.8
(1771)
•
4.5
(111)
3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=81789
4

Mount Mitchell State Park

State park
Nature & Parks
Mountains
1,946-acre park on the highest peak east of the Mississippi, with camping, hiking & panoramic views.
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak on this side of the Mississippi and well worth the trip. It’s literally a change in weather to come here from Hendersonville. I imagine it drops from 7 to 10° on this particular day. It was cloudy so we had no visibility it also rained on the way back, but it was all good fun and a great time and so glad that they have repaired the parkway in order for us to get there.
Mr. P — Google review
We visited Mt.Mitchell in October during peak leaf season. Unfortunately, the higher elevation of Mt.Mitchell was past it's peak. But it was still totally worth the drive and the walk. We were up above the clouds on a beautiful fall morning. We got wonderful pictures and a nice little workout. We would definitely do it again. The drive getting there is spectacular.
Elizabeth T — Google review
What a beautiful view — 6,523 ft up! The drive to Mount Mitchell State Park is absolutely scenic with plenty of viewpoints along the way. The mountain roads are a bit narrow, so it’s not ideal for new drivers, but the journey is totally worth it. We visited during the fall season, and the view from the top was breathtaking — it’s one of those places where you just want to sit quietly and take in the beauty around you. 🍂🏞️
Ashruti S — Google review
We were lucky that part of the parkway and road up to Mt Mitchell recently opened. Terrific twisty turny ride up the mountain was fun. The ranger we met was a friendly young lady full of information and knowledge of the area. The coffee shop even opened up for the first time in a a while. Fyi, if you're over 70 you do need to walk UPHILL to the summit. Its doable, just take it easy. Great park. You need to see it.
Paul R — Google review
It's worth checking out, especially in October. You'll need to use this address in Google Maps: 867VQP8M+HW, otherwise, it'll just drop you on the road instead of the visitor center or a hike. The museum could use some updates, but this spot itself is really cool and has a lot of potential for improvement. It's a breezy and relaxing place to hang out with the family.
Amol G — Google review
Wonderful day driving up to Mount Mitchell, nature at its best. The leaves were spectacular! The scenery surrounding the blue ridge parkway will take your breath.
Sandra W — Google review
Love it up here was glad to bring my friend Rama here when she and her husband came up from Florida they are from Syria originally we had a wonderful day. I also grew up around here spend many days galaxing growing up to make money for school clothes so mt Mitchell is home this is my home town my heritage all I know I wouldn’t be able to venture far from these mtns I love them so much they are the most beautiful in the world in my book a lot of history around this area you just got to talk to the locals who live on or around the mtn we can take you to places that’s not pointed out on the map you will never want to leave .
Linda P — Google review
Beautiful drive up, great area. Easy hike. Lots of rest spots if needed. Clean bathrooms. BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
Carla W — Google review
4.9
(5268)
•
5.0
(812)
2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
http://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park
(828) 675-4611
5

Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center

Mentioned on 
+60 other lists 
Art center
Museums
The Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center is a must-visit destination for those interested in traditional and modern Southern Appalachian crafts. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it serves as part museum, organizational headquarters, and living art workshop. Visitors can explore museum-style exhibitions showcasing various artworks and crafted items while also enjoying live art demonstrations by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Additionally, there's a library and gift shop offering unique handmade items for sale.
I am truly in love with this place. I love all the art and unique items. If you have an appreciation for art, whimsy things, craft, or just history. Definitely come. The upstairs was so lovely. I LOVE the wood carved birds. I recommend getting one, the gentlemen is also so kind and hardworking. I would definitely say, everything is so expensive, but everything’s so nice to look at. The blue Shaw, I will come back for it ONE DAY, I’ve never been so in love. The place was great, the staff was so sweet and friendly. The information was great. The lady at the information desk also, wonderful I adore her. I just so recommend this place.
Angela O — Google review
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!
Juliet C — Google review
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!
Natalya M — Google review
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.
Anurag K — Google review
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
Heather P — Google review
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.
C L — Google review
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
Lewis K — Google review
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.
Rebecca M — Google review
4.7
(544)
•
4.6
(1439)
382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, USA
http://www.craftguild.org/
(828) 298-7928
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6

Navitat Canopy Adventures

Adventure sports center
Tours
Attraction offering guided zipline tours through the forested terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What a wonderful experience! We did this with my wife on her birthday, and it was an awesome experience. The course consisted of three ziplines total and is very beginner-friendly. We had amazing guides who made the whole process a breeze, and they shared some great knowledge about the local nature. They were also very friendly and knew a lot of places worth checking out, as it was our first day of the trip. Kudos to Judson, Emilie (the van driver), River, Teresa (the manager), and Melanie (who checked us in and out); River also took some awesome pictures of us. I highly recommend this experience to everyone!
Nikita S — Google review
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.
Cheyenne T — Google review
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!
Sydney S — Google review
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!
Kim A — Google review
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!
Jim H — Google review
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!!!
Joanna K — Google review
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!
Alexa M — Google review
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!
Holden H — Google review
5.0
(3760)
•
5.0
(2237)
242 Poverty Branch Rd, Barnardsville, NC 28709, USA
https://www.navitat.com/asheville-nc/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=yext
(855) 628-4828
7

The Biltmore Inn

Hotel
Nature & Parks
The Biltmore Inn is a beautiful, historic hotel located outside of Asheville in South Asheville. It has a wide variety of rooms and suites to choose from, as well as several great restaurants and lounges within the property. The atmosphere is romantic and inviting, perfect for any special occasion.
"The Vanderbilt Way" of excellence continues at this Inn with unparalleled customer service, food, and lodging. We absolutely enjoyed our trip. They made our Honeymoon so special by treating us & going "above and beyond' to ensure our trip was romantic, comfortable, and enjoyable. We are so grateful. Thank you.
Elizabeth E — Google review
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.
Tammy J — Google review
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!
Allison C — Google review
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.
Ashfield L — Google review
A fabulous stay! I recommend it highly! They have excellent staff, rooms and food! The Biltmore is beautiful!
Shari L — Google review
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.
Ken R — Google review
Probably the worst experience I ever had . Beth the Director of Reservations and Dina at the front desk were very difficult and condescending.
Harry H — Google review
Most marvelous place to stay. Take an extra day to truly enjoy the experience.
Kathy R — Google review
4.5
(106)
•
5.0
(2287)
One Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
http://www.biltmore.com/stay/inn
8

Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

Mentioned on 
+37 other lists 
Basilica
Sights & Landmarks
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr is a must-visit in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. This iconic minor basilica showcases stunning and unique architecture designed by a Spanish architect. The basilica offers free tours for those interested in its history and design, including its famous stained glass windows. Completed in 1905, it features a distinctive Catalan style and boasts the tallest freestanding elliptical dome in North America.
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence is one of the most beautiful churches in America! The alter is very unique and the dome is awesome! Mass here was great. The priest gave a nice homily, and there was a pretty good crowd!
Andre M — Google review
Beautiful church! The woman inside was very informative and told us some information about the Church
Savannah G — Google review
Remember to check the visitor schedule. Since it is open, just for someday if the week and in a specific time. But I truly recommend visiting the Basílica, the place brings calm and gives you peace. It's full of history and art wherever you look. Love my time at the Basílica
Andrea C — Google review
A small basilica worth the trip for several reasons. The priest that celebrates mass is very reverent and one can see him shortly before mass, praying on the side altar. Always a sign of devotion, at least I like to see priests praying. Check the schedule directly with the church as the times do not coincide with the ones posted online.
S. D — Google review
You can definitely feel God y la Virjencita when you walk in. Love it. Priest was great, and the lady's up front made me feel welcomed. Thank you
Francisco A — Google review
Beautiful church and the guy at the door was very welcoming. You do need to pay attention to the visiting hours. Self guided tour and the informational sheet was full of helpful history and pointed out awesome details.
Douglas A — Google review
Beautiful building, closed on the day we went to visit. Perhaps another time.
C L — Google review
Beautiful. Undergoing renovations so check their website for changes to Mass times and tours. Great Jubilee 2025 stop if you are interested.
Cynthia A — Google review
4.8
(985)
•
4.6
(1234)
97 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
http://saintlawrencebasilica.org/
(828) 252-6042
9

River Arts District

Mentioned on 
+29 other lists 
Arts organization
Art Galleries
Neighborhoods
The River Arts District, also known as RAD, is a vibrant and eclectic area in Asheville. It's home to nearly 300 artists who work in various media such as paintings, textiles, ceramics, glass, and jewelry. The district features repurposed industrial and historical buildings that now house artist studios, shops, restaurants, and even a boutique hotel called The Radical. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to meet artists and explore their creative endeavors.
Picture perfect way to enjoy the day. Lots to look at and do, interact with local artists, appreciate the artsy characteristic of the building and vibe of the district, view a vast variety of artwork on display or for purchasing, quaint restaurants and shops... it's also a nice outdoor activity.
Fred H — Google review
Trying so hard to recover. Many places open and ready to serve and delight! Always great shopping, creative places, and great food. Spend plenty of time exploring!!
Frank L — Google review
It was my first time. Only came for a day but will be coming back for longer next time 💖 Such great people, artist, energy was 10/10. I’m from NY so it was refreshing to experience art in a new way. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Also the food at 12 Bones Smokehouse was very flavorful!
C J — Google review
I don't know what to say, Helene has hurt the Arts badly. But what is still there is definitely worth seeing. Oh hey there is this new art that you look at, then hold your camera up and it comes alive! It's wicked!
Robert N — Google review
Very nice park to play and or relax. Lots of places to sit by the river. The have picnic tables and benches up and down the sidewalk and plenty of trees in the park or by the river bank to hang a hammock. It's a cool place to go to enjoy hanging out at a park that has all kinds of things to do or not doing anything at the same time. Tubbing the river, fishing, swimming, walking, running, reading, sunbathing, napping, having a picnic, or like I did showing off my artwork. Not only there are all kinds of people visiting from outta town, there are locals enjoying the same stuff to do too. Pretty cool vibes and very friendly smiles. I would definitely come back and enjoy this beautiful park again.
Uvspacewater — Google review
Loaded with shops art, music, restaurants, excellent beer garden, and a nice little cinema. Good restaurants too. Looks like they are building some nice apartments, this area will flourish even more. Right by the French broad river with a walking path along the river.
Rod T — Google review
As tourists, my family and I have been excited and curious to explore many popular things to do in Ashevile and this place popped up in the search. We were really glad that we came. This place is huge and we had a chance to explore only small part of it. The local artists are so talented. The next time when we spend our vacation in this city again, we'll definitely explore the rest of this amazing place ☺️
Kim N — Google review
Great place to go. Very energetic and expiring. When you walk in various studios, you will see the artist and their friends actually doing their art. You can actually see the love for their art and the love for meeting new people. Many artists studios that I went in the artist was there creating the art right there. They will stop and talk to you. Walk you around the studio. Show you the prices of the art. Let you know what went into it and everything. It is a great experience just seeing people doing what they love to do. Moreover, just take a stroll and take your time. It's also calming for your soul. You will find very various food places in adult beverage spots to go to as well. You even find a record store which is also fun. You can park and you can walk. You'll probably have to do both, but one thing you will do is enjoy.
Mr. B — Google review
4.5
(1517)
•
4.2
(1327)
240 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
http://www.riverartsdistrict.com/
10

The North Carolina Arboretum

Mentioned on 
+107 other lists 
Arboretum
Nature & Parks
The North Carolina Arboretum is a public garden located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Western North Carolina town of Asheville. The arboretum contains more than 60 acres of carefully cultivated gardens, including one of the most extensive bonsai collections in the United States. The gardens also showcase a variety of flora, including one of the most extensive ericaceous (acid soil-loving) plant collections in the United States.
Beautiful place to stroll around nature! I love flowers and saw a lot of things blooming. The Bonsai trees were amazing, truly something to see. The cafe served up a nice BIG sandwich as well. We had a tour guide to take us around and she pointed out a lot of interesting things we may have missed if walking around alone. So thankful that North Carolina has such a beautiful place to show off!
Carol — Google review
This was the best part of our mini vacation. All employees are sweet and very nice. They truly appreciate our business and our visit. It truly shows. The gardens and views are also great. Recommend to all young, old and small. Lots of benches for resting if you need it.
Raiders G — Google review
My visit to the Arboretum was absolutely lovely! 🌻The stroll through the gorgeous gardens was so relaxing and refreshing. I love how they’ve managed to find the perfect balance between manicured and wild. There are plenty of spots to relax and well placed restrooms throughout the path. 🌳 To our surprise and delight my friends and I had a close encounter with a precious deer along one of the trails. 🥹Everyone should come and enjoy this little paradise. 🥰 I will definitely return!
Niki H — Google review
If you love nature, Christmas lights, nice people, and plants, this is a must see!! If you are a solo traveler who loves to be outdoors but is concerned about lost or hurt on a trail, this is the best place ever! Well marked trails, emergency call boxes, beautiful gardens and bonsai, Christmas train display, lunch cafe, dulcimer music. educational placards on the trails…plenty of miles of trails with enough safety items that a solo traveler can comfortably enjoy the day and not worry about anything. As a solo traveler, I want to be hiking on the trails in the state parks but realize I could get injured and it would be awhile til I was found, this place had good trails and people and call boxes so I felt like I could hike all day there!! Can’t wait to go back!
CN A — Google review
A lovely park and public gardens! Definitely smaller than we expected but still enjoyable. All the water features were off for the season and a few of the outdoor interactive elements were broken which was disappointing. The signs around the park were very informative and interesting! Our favourite part was definitely the bonsai exhibit. So cool!
Shayanne B — Google review
Came here in the evening for Winter Lights. There was a line of cars waiting up to an hour to turn into the arboretum for Winter Lights. Perhaps it was because it was opening night. It was a really fun atmosphere. The trolls were so charming. The lights were fantastic! Go into the Winter Lights gift shop to see the animatronic animals singing Christmas songs. Admission price is per carload. It’s a great deal if you have a big family, not so much for a couple. You can save $5 on admission if you are a member and get free parking. Parking is $20 for non-members. It was a fun experience!
Elizabeth D — Google review
We were anxious to visit and explore the extensive grounds of the North Carolina Arboretum on a slightly warm Fall day. We were lucky enough to catch the groundskeepers and staff in the midst of constructing the Winter Lights display for the upcoming holiday season. The Arboretum still unfortunately shows signs of extensive damage from Hurricane Helene (visit was October 2025), but the recovery efforts are clearly underway and appear to likely be finished within the next year. Despite the damage and closure of several areas of the acreage, there are still several miles of wonderfully pleasant hikes available to visitors, and the main buildings highlighting the central gardens and bonzai display remained undamaged. The Arboretum offers a beautiful respite to nature, and we look forward to our next visit.
April — Google review
Absolutely loved this place!!!! Visiting from Orlando and was submerged in gods beauty. The bonsai garden was unique and cool to catch. We fortunate enough to experience the gardens in the day and winter lights at night which are mesmerizing. Loved this place
Juice28rsx — Google review
4.8
(7361)
•
4.6
(2835)
20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
http://www.ncarboretum.org/
(828) 665-2492
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11

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides

Horseback riding service
Outdoor Activities
Equestrian facility
Stable
Horseback Riding Tours
We had an absolutely amazing time at Sandy Bottoms Horseback Riding! The booking process was super easy, and as soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the kindest staff and had zero wait time — we were getting ready to saddle up right away. The views along the trail were breathtaking — like something out of a postcard. Our tour guide was incredible: friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel so at ease throughout the whole ride. Everyone there made us feel so welcome. It was truly a peaceful, scenic, and fun experience. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area!
Markayla F — Google review
Our family had a great ride! We took an hour long trip on the trail that felt longer than an hour because we had so much fun! We were grouped with another family which gave us an opportunity to meet some new people and learn about the area (they were locals) . It was a fun and safe adventure for all of us despite having no riding experience. We had great guides that gave us plenty of guidance and the views were gorgeous. The trail offered plenty of shady breaks as the horses climbed to the top of the hills which was just what we needed to keep the ride comfortable on a hot summer day.. I would highly recommend Sandy Bottom Trail Rides! The horses were gentle and all of the staff made us feel welcome, even though we had never ridden before.
Lisa — Google review
We visited with guests from out of town (experienced equestrians) and we all thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, hospitality and time with the horses that were well taken care of. Brian, our guide, was amazing! He was professional and kind, making sure we were comfortable with the horses on the two hour trail ride. This family run operation is really great. Don’t miss this place! And then go to the town of Marshall for a meal.
A S — Google review
My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Sandy Bottom Trails! Our tour guide, Sal, and one of the ranch hands, Norman, were incredibly accommodating, knowledgeable, and friendly. My husband booked us a private, hour-long trail ride, and it turned out to be one of the most romantic experiences we’ve ever had. The views along the trail were absolutely top-tier — easily the best we’ve seen compared to other horseback riding excursions we’ve done. I felt completely safe throughout the ride, thanks to the professionalism of the staff. Sal even took so many incredible photos of us along the way, making the memories even more special. After the ride, my husband had the great idea to bring apples, which we diced up and fed to the horses at the stable. The horses were so sweet and gentle, and it was such a joyful ending to the perfect day. Thank you, Sandy Bottom Trails, for such a memorable and heartwarming experience!
Roxanne L — Google review
My wife and I had the privilege of riding here today and we couldn’t be more pleased with our experience! Our guide, Kelly, was encouraging and very informative as it was my wife’s first time riding. Kelly, along with the rest of the staff, made us feel more than welcome and right at home on the ranch. Quick and simple lessons on how to lead and guide the horses, how to keep up with the others make this place an amazing experience, even for first time riders! We over heard their conversations with other groups and am proud to say the staff treated those groups just as nice as they did ours. Thank you Kelly! We can’t wait to ride with you again soon!
Mitchell L — Google review
Such a wonderful experience! Just call and decide whether you want a 1hr, 2hr or 3hr trail ride and they'll give you a designated time to saddle up and head out on the trails. We went with the 1hr to test it out. This was our first time doing horseback trail riding and a really long time since riding a horse. All horses in our group seemed very tame and well mannered. Our guide and all staff involved were extremely pleasant. I rode "Woodrough" and my wife rode "Big Momma". If you're reading this or any other review, just go ahead and reserve your ride.🐴
E C — Google review
Extremely beginner friendly! Tour guides were incredibly helpful and kind and made my entire family feel confident even though it was our first time riding and we were extremely nervous. 1000% recommended for anyone who wants to ride but feels unconfident. Beautiful views and very responsible and well trained animals!
Frogger E — Google review
“Quit wishing you could ride a horse- just get out there and do it” I brought my daughter here for her very FIRST trail ride experience. She is a petite kid for her age and felt she was ready to ride. We arrived and received a warm reception with instructions. We got our helmets and saddle bag and only waited a very few minutes to have our horses brought up. ( Extra bonus points because they did great keeping the appointment time ) We petted all the pretty horses while we waited and were called up over to the loading deck. Getting on was super easy and quick. No climbing ladders or balancing on a stool. You just walk up the ramp to the deck and they walk the horse up for you to ride. Brian was our guide who took us out for a two hour trail ride. The weather was perfect and the scenery and views were phenomenal. It’s nothing short of a dream ride. We got to experience riding Ollie and Big Mama. Two gentle horses who took direction very well. The views can’t be beat. Once our ride ended we were welcomed to pet all the horses and see the other farm animals if we wished. We can’t wait to get back out there again. Thank you to the staff and team of horses at Sandy Bottom Trail Rides! We can’t wait to come back and ride again!!
K H — Google review
4.8
(653)
•
5.0
(384)
1459 State Rd 1125, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
http://www.sandybottomtrailrides.net/
(800) 959-3513
12

French Broad Adventures

Raft trip outfitter
Tours
Adventure sports center
Tour operator
River Rafting & Tubing
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
Our family went on the E-bike easy mountain adventure along the French Broad River into Tennessee. We had so much fun, and the scenery was beautiful, like a postcard! Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with our group and made the trip so pleasant. I highly recommend this adventure, and we will definitely be returning in the future.
Carla W — Google review
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!
Winston L — Google review
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!!
Megan A — Google review
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!
Delise P — Google review
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.
Natassia Y — Google review
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
Jan M — Google review
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!
Susan G — Google review
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.
Allison R — Google review
4.9
(1334)
•
5.0
(1718)
12 Good Adventures Ln, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
https://www.frenchbroadrafting.com/
(828) 649-0486
13

Gorges State Park

Mentioned on 
1 list 
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Gorges State Park is a stunning natural wonder, featuring a rainforest that ascends to 2,000 feet and boasts waterfalls, trout streams, and rugged trails. The large visitor center offers an excellent starting point for exploration. Accommodation options include cozy cabins with electricity and comfortable sleeping arrangements. The park's Rainbow Falls trail leads to an impressive waterfall, though the difficulty of the trail may be underestimated by some sources.
What a great park full of adventure! There were plenty of trails that were pretty well maintained. The difficulty scale was also pretty accurate which I definitely find helpful. We took out two dogs and had no issues . I really enjoyed how dog friendly everyone was that we came across.
Sherree T — Google review
This state park is a must try! Location is close to Cashiers so you can head over there in a 20 minute drive. Cabin can sleep up to 6 with 4 bunk beds. Heat works great! Cabins 1-5 are directly across from bathrooms and shower. Rainbow Falls Trail is inside of the park and it’s worth every step. The camp host and her husband were helpful! So friendly! I highly recommend!
Amandaintheqc — Google review
Awesome park to visit and camp! There was a moderate hike out to rainbow and turtle back falls, but they are totally worth it. Showers were very clean, and campsites were tidy when we arrived. I will definitely be coming back here in the future!
BudZ2003 — Google review
The hike to Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park was clearly labeled strenuous but worth the amazing views. However, there are some places along the hike where I would suggest watching your step as there are no ropes or anything to hold onto. Overall the trails were prestine and the campgrounds were very well maintained. I would highly recommend!
Joseph L — Google review
I stayed at the campground and it was really nice. The campsites were close but somewhat secluded. It was nicely spread out with the where the cabins were in one area, tents another, and RVs in their area. The bathrooms were clean and they had showers. They had potable water spigots throughout the campgrounds. It was cool watching the bats fly are nightly and hearing the whip-or-wills calling. The campground host Connie and her dog were super helpful and engaging. She was the best campground host I’ve ever encountered. She made rounds checking on you, called you by name, and asked about your day. She definitely went above and beyond and is an asset to the park staff. The park was beautiful and well maintained. Nice trails and beautiful waterfalls. You can see some wildlife. Raymond Fisher pond is nice and peaceful, a great place to sit and meditate. I was lucky enough to see an elusive white squirrel in the park but missed a photo opportunity. The visit center and gift shop nice. Definitely worth a visit. Nice informative movie on the gorge and ecology. They also had picnic tables around the building and rocking chairs facing the mountains in the distance.
Michiganamygirl — Google review
We did the hike to Rainbow Falls. Beautiful hike , in any season, to a very large waterfall that always has a good water flow, even when the water levels are lower. There are places to step out on the rocks and view the river and little falls.
Kay O — Google review
5/2025 Great place to go camping. Fills up on week-ends. Rainbow Falls and Upper Bearwallow Falls access from the park. Bathrooms and showers are cleaned daily. Rangers are very helpful in answering any questions you may have about the area.
Orrin H — Google review
Gorges is Gorgeous! Wonderful campground with full hookups, and amazing visitor center. There are lots of hiking trails including access to the Foothills Trail. We hiked to Rainbow Falls which is about 3 miles round trip. It was worth the hike!
Tracy H — Google review
4.8
(1430)
•
4.5
(328)
976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA
http://ncparks.gov/gorges-state-park
(828) 966-9099
14

Whitewater Falls

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Scenic spot
Nature & Parks
Whitewater Falls is a must-visit destination, boasting the title of the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. Situated in Jackson County within the Appalachians, it offers two overlooks and steep forest hiking trails for adventurers to explore. The area features Lake Glenville at 3,500 feet above sea level and Whitewater Falls at an impressive 411 feet.
Breathtaking views and a peaceful hike! Whitewater Falls is absolutely stunning — the waterfall is massive and powerful, and the views from the overlook are just beautiful. The trail to the main viewing platform is short, easy, and well-maintained, making it great for all ages. There are also a few stairs if you want to get a closer look from the lower platform. The area is clean, peaceful, and surrounded by gorgeous forest. It’s a perfect spot for photos, a quiet walk, or just soaking in nature. Highly recommend making the stop if you’re in the area — it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen in the Southeast!
Niki G — Google review
Quick and easy hike on a paved road. About .5 miles. Stairs down and up are optional to get closer to Whitewater falls. The sound and the views are remarkable. You’ll need to pay $3.00 (they accept cashless / Apple Pay) to park. Dog, stroller, kid and wheelchair friendly.
Amandaintheqc — Google review
Probably the best waterfall to visit in North Carolina. The is a slight uphill walk from your car for about a 1/10 of a mile to see the falls. If you want a better view from the platform, you’ll have to climb down the stairs, which makes it a moderate hike. This day we went to the base which I highly recommend not doing unless you have done a lot of off trail hiking before. You have to climb over huge boulders and the rocks are very very slippery!!! $3 parking fee
Kipp W — Google review
Amazing waterfall! Just a heads-up—there are a ton of stairs and the path down is pretty steep, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. We got caught in the rain while we were there, so unfortunately we didn’t make it all the way down to see the best part. Still, it’s a beautiful spot and totally worth the visit!
Leyla B — Google review
Short walk on a paved path to a staircase leading to a viewing platform. You can still see the falls from the end of the paved path, so if you can’t (or would rather not) take the stairs, you can still get a nice view. There is a $3.00 per car entrance fee, collected by kiosk or iron ranger.
Tracy H — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous waterfall!! Tallest east of the Mississippi River, shared by both North Carolina and South Carolina. It's 1/2 a mile walk to see it. There are 151 steps down to a platform to see the waterfall more centered and absolutely recommend going down the 151 steps but overall is 302 by coming back up. I felt a stadium affect at the bottom of the overlook. I went during the fall peak colors of the trees and it was an experience I will never forget! You don't have to go down the steps to capture the beauty of this waterfall. It's a fairly easy 1/2 a mile walk with a slight incline.
Efrain G — Google review
We took my foster pup hiking for the day. Great space for enrichment and training. Great pictures. Too many people to get a good picture of the falls and no good access to explore. Definitely had a great time.
Tabitha J — Google review
Whitewater Falls is one of those places that makes the drive worth it before you even step out of the car. Tucked near the point where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, it’s an easy three-hour trip from Atlanta that takes you through three states and lands you somewhere that feels a world away. The falls themselves? Majestic doesn’t even cut it. You can’t get right up to them. There are no trails down to the base. However, the overlook gives you a sweeping, unobstructed view that’s honestly stunning. It’s the kind of place that quiets you without asking. Just trees, rock, water, and air. The park is clean and well cared for. Three bucks per car (cash or card) and you’re in. There’s a calm here that’s hard to describe. No crowds. No noise. Just the sound of the falls in the distance and the rustle of the wind through the trees. For the more adventurous, there are hiking trails that snake off into the hills. For everyone else, the main viewing area is an easy walk and still offers plenty of payoff. This place doesn’t need much selling. It’s just beautiful, plain and simple. Peaceful, powerful, and easy to reach, exactly the kind of spot you wish you’d found sooner.
Jonte M — Google review
4.9
(1957)
•
4.5
(468)
Cashiers, NC 28717, USA
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5188436
15

Hot Springs Resort And Spa

Mentioned on 
6 lists 
Resort hotel
Spas & Wellness
Nestled in the picturesque Hot Springs, North Carolina, the Hot Springs Resort and Spa is a delightful retreat that combines relaxation with adventure. This Swiss-style hotel offers an array of accommodations from cozy cabins to primitive camping spots, catering to all types of travelers. After a day spent exploring the stunning trails of the nearby national park, guests can unwind in rejuvenating hot mineral water pumped into private jacuzzi tubs.
I rented three campsites over the Labor Day weekend for my family and friends. We had a wonderful time walking around the campground, making nightly fires, and enjoying the cooler evenings and nighttime sky. It was perfect. Along the French Broad River in the sweet little town of Hot Springs, it made for a memorable time for us all. Laid back with restroom and shower facilities. I highly recommend.
Marion G — Google review
We came to Hot Springs Resort and Spa for a bachelorette party, and it was the perfect choice! The atmosphere was both fun and relaxing—exactly what we were looking for. The hot springs were amazing, and we loved being able to unwind together while still celebrating. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and everything felt well taken care of. It was such a unique and memorable experience, and we all left feeling refreshed and happy. Highly recommend for group getaways, girls’ trips, or anyone who just needs a little time to relax and recharge!
Michelle M — Google review
I went there a couple years ago to celebrate my birthday and had an amazing time! I booked the natural hot spring for 90 minutes. It wasn't a terribly hot day. So, make sure when you go, it's not very hot if you're spending that length of time. Cost is not extremely expensive. It does depend if you are staying somewhere nearby. It's a small town and I feel the greatest attraction would be the springs. I love it though! The food nearby is awesome! The salad I ordered has a salad dressing that hasn't been recreated around TN. The music nearby was wonderful as well as the small shops.
Heather L — Google review
We stayed at the Hot Springs Resort Campground and for $60 a night you can get a tent site with water and power. The water spigot doesn't have a regulator so it shoots out 4 feet so be ready. The riverfront view is beautiful and the river itself is really lovely. We have been going to this campground since before Hurricane Helene and it's clear the owners just don't care about the campground then or now. The bathrooms have always been rough and disgusting and this year they put pot a potties around which maybe kindof helps... If you pay $45 for the tent site without power and water there is no public spigot for you to refill containers at. The whole place is just rough, it's a real shame since the river is beautiful and I wish they would just invest some time and money on good bathrooms and cleaning the place up and paving the gravel road. The cabins our friends have stayed in are really nice and have linens now. Note: the river tent site pictured is D7
Katherine B — Google review
My wife and I visited Hot Springs Resort and Spa and rented a tub for an hour to soak in the hot springs mineral water. The cabanas were private with an amazing view of the Spring Creek. When I say we are completely refreshed and renewed by our session at the Spa, it is definitely worth a visit. Highly, highly recommend to visit. The pictures and video are from our soaking tub. This was the view that we got to experience during our time. Peaceful and serenity is how I would describe the wonderful time spent there was.
Ken Y — Google review
Employees are fantastic. Room was pitifully in bad shape. There is No heat in the rooms! It was uncomfortably cold. The.metal closet doors areaso rusted it could not close. Wall plaster is cracking lose thru wallpaper. Was told they turn of the heat for six month every year. The masseuse and employees are the best.
Mike L — Google review
I live in Asheville and I have been to the resort many many times. Everything is great, but I wish you guys would try to doing a booking yourself on your own website on a phone. Because it is still woefully inadequate I have to always call which is a major hassle. I would just love to be able to book a site pay for it and be done, but you can barely see the numbers it’s very hard to navigate there’s no quote button… And I probably just went the last 20 minutes screwing around with it and I’m just frustrated. It’s just like it was before. I was hoping you guys could at least get that Improved…. please for the love of God get a real website Host.
Sparkle B — Google review
The hot springs were great. You get a discount if you camp with them too, and we did! The site was hit by a hurricane so the camp grounds are a little rough but they’re recovering very well. Can’t speak for the rooms but the tubs were great! It’s in a very small town though so don’t expect to be able to run and get anything you forget easily.
KJ P — Google review
4.6
(2525)
•
4.1
(387)
315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743, USA
http://www.nchotsprings.com/
(828) 622-7676
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16

Cataloochee Ski Area

Mentioned on 
4 lists 
Ski resort
Outdoor Activities
If you're looking for a ski resort with plenty of variety and challenge, Cataloochee is definitely worth checking out. With 18 slopes and trails to choose from, it's perfect for all skill levels. Plus, there are areas for snow tubing and lessons for adults and children all season long. You can purchase day or season passes, or stay in one of the resort's hotels.
We always have a great time skiing and boarding here. Staff is friendly and helpful. The food is surprisingly great, and they have a nice variety of craft beers at the bar. I love how your session starts on your first run, not at specific times. They really have the equipment rental process as fast and efficient as possible, especially the boot fitting station.
Robert G — Google review
Fun fun!! Lots of slopes ranging from little to Black Diamonds, which made it excellent for the beginners as well as the seasoned snowboarders. All the staff were really friendly and helpful as well. I just wish that the Western Theme Park, Ghost Town in the Sky- that is 2 seconds down the road from the Ski Area, was still open! So bummed it closed down. So many great memories from going there when I was little! Nothing beat the long chairlift ride that you had to take to get up to the top of the mountain to get to the entrance of Ghost Town.❤️ Someone needs to buy that place and reopen it!!
Rebecca M — Google review
Thanks to the snow storm. The first night when we arrive here, the snow is as good as the snow in Salt Lake City. Very powder! And less people during this weekend. The rental is 50 with tax coming with boost and board. Very reasonable price. The second is a big sunny day, cozy weather. And the snow is still quite good! Parking lot is pretty spacious. Always check the lower parking lot first !
Chen R — Google review
Overall, we had a really good time! Wish their bunny slopes were a little bit wider. It was hard for the kids to get on it once all the little school kids got out there. Lodge was nice, budge to spend a lot of food though. Haven't been here in 15 years, so it was nice to come back.
Sarah K — Google review
If you are a beginner, this is probably not where you want to start. We decided to try this place with our 11 year old who wanted to learn and for my husband and I to refresh our skills, since we haven’t been on a snowboard in 15 years. This was the closest place to us and a few other reviews stated it was good for beginners. Both my husband and I learned to snowboard at a resort in PA, so perhaps all the resorts in the south are just very different than what I’ve been to in the past, but after we got our rentals and I saw Creek Hallow (green slope where most start), I had to laugh. If you are truly a beginner you are going to find it to be a nightmare if you go on a weekend!! People stand in the middle of the slope, people walk UP in the middle when you are trying to ski/board down, people just sitting in the way hanging out. I’ve literally never seen anything like it at any of the places I’ve been to previously. Nobody enforces any rules here? I’m not sure how people are actually supposed to learn when you can’t even get down the slope. It was actually super frustrating for our son, who was ready to just give up after 30 minutes. Since obviously this isn’t a cheap day, and we did sign him up for a lesson, we encouraged him to give that a chance. Thankfully the instructor took the group over to the Beginner’s luck slope, which was closed off to the public, so far less chaotic and because the instructors enforced some form of order over there the kids could actually make it down the slope. After his lesson we were able to wait in line and do a few runs down Easy Way as the crowds for the lift had dwindled down a bit. Prior to that the lift lines were just insane and it’s hard to even maneuver around them. I would say if you are advanced and don’t need to use the easy slopes (like Creek Hallow), this place is maybe more for you. Just be prepared for large crowds - long lines for rentals, lifts and the line for food wrapped the entire way around the building.
Heather T — Google review
I would like to warmly recommend a trial lesson at this ski resort. I came today to learn skiing for the first time without ever trying it before. After an hour's lesson and a few more hours of practice, I understood the technique and was able to ski. This is largely thanks to the teacher who taught me, Nancy, who patiently explained the basics and gave us tips. Later, we practiced and Nancy corrected us. I am very happy with the experience and hope to return soon.
Nitzan L — Google review
I had a blast coming to ski here! I purchased tickets online to help speed up the process. I arrived early so there were no lines to obtain our boots, & skis. Just know you'll stop at 3 buildings before hitting the slopes. The 1st is admission to obtain your passes, the 2nd is the building right behind it to obtain boots & helmets, the 3rd the building behind it to obtain ski & poles. I don't know what the bad reviews are talking about because everyone I encountered was pleasant. The staff on the slopes were so helpful in providing tips (I'm a beginner lol). It did get crowded as the afternoon crowd arrived. The lines for the lift would get long but moved quickly. There was someone scanning passes & someone helping people get on so maybe a 5 min wait max. The bunny hill for learning was packed with people so idk how anyone was able to practice. I saw a few instructors teaching various age groups how to ski down the mountain throughout the morning. Overall, I'd suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds and coming ready to have fun.
Patricia J — Google review
We decided to visit Cataloochee Ski Area for our first skiing experience, and it was an incredible choice! We booked a last-minute trip for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and the 3.5-hour drive from Atlanta was totally worth it. As first-time skiers, we took private ski and snowboarding lessons, and the instructors were fantastic—patient, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience enjoyable. The lodge was a great spot to relax, offering food, snacks, and adult beverages. For our first time on the slopes, it couldn’t have been better. We thoroughly enjoyed our time and would highly recommend it!
Vitality T — Google review
4.0
(1089)
•
3.7
(449)
1080 Ski Lodge Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
http://cataloochee.com/
(828) 926-0285
17

Cataloochee

Mentioned on 
+63 other lists 
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Cataloochee, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, is a historic valley that has transformed into a recreational area within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Once inhabited by an Appalachian community and used as a Cherokee hunting ground, it now offers visitors a glimpse into its rich past. Accessible only via a winding gravel road from Exit 20 on I-40 in North Carolina, reaching Cataloochee takes about an hour from Gatlinburg.
4.6
(393)
North Carolina 28785, USA
18

Raft Outdoor Adventures

Mentioned on 
5 lists 
Raft trip outfitter
Tours
River Rafting & Tubing
Raft Outdoor Adventures is an outfitter in the Smoky Mountains that offers a variety of guided rafting trips, catering to both leisurely floats and thrilling whitewater experiences. Families visiting the area can also enjoy activities like scenic hikes and educational programs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors have praised the friendly staff and knowledgeable guides at Raft Outdoor Adventures, who provided informative insights about the Big Pigeon River.
It was absolutely one of our favorite things. our guide was wonderful and calm and kept us informed on what was needed done and when. I got to sit up front at the princess place on the raft (😉)and video and take pictures it was my first time going such a blast. Highly recommended
Terrie B — Google review
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.
Cathy S — Google review
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.
Brenda G — Google review
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.
Ken — Google review
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!
Melisss L — Google review
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!
Jennifer B — Google review
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!
Matthew C — Google review
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
Sara M — Google review
4.9
(4022)
•
5.0
(2014)
3635 Trail Hollow Rd, Hartford, TN 37753, USA
https://raftoutdooradventures.com/
(866) 333-7238
19

Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater Rafting

Temporarily Closed
Rafting
Tours
Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater Rafting offers a variety of whitewater rafting excursions in the Smokies, catering to both beginners and experienced adventurers. Families with young children can enjoy a thrilling yet safe experience, thanks to skilled guides like Barbie who excel at easing fears and building excitement. Booking online is convenient, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The facility is easily accessible, making for a hassle-free experience.
When I tell you, we had the most perfect day on the water, that is not an exaggeration. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, but our raft guide took the cake. Bate was super energetic, funny, and ready to give us the ride of our life! We cannot recommend River Rat enough! They take their time and make sure you are truly enjoying yourself. We’ll definitely be back again to try the upper rapids with them next time.
Aria T — Google review
This company has their stuff together and I would highly recommend you book with River Rat! My family of four had an excellent adventure with our guide “Tommy”. The organization upon arrival, safety brief, and comrade tie amongst the guides made it even more fun. We felt safe the entire time and will definitely be going back. It was about a 3 mile raft ride and we saw some 3s and one class 4 whitewater.
Joe H — Google review
We went whitewater rafting with River Rat in Hartford, TN, and had an absolute blast! Our guide, Haas, was phenomenal—super knowledgeable, funny, and made the entire trip feel safe and exciting at the same time. He had us laughing the whole way down the river and gave us a memorable experience we’ll be talking about for a long time. You can tell he really knows what he’s doing and genuinely cares about making the trip awesome for everyone. If you’re thinking about rafting here, ask for Haas—you won’t regret it! Thank you, River Rat, and big thanks to Haas for making our day so much fun!
Adam F — Google review
Awesome experience ! Ethan was a fantastic guide! Turns out eberything he told us to do was the correct thing to do! Lol. One dude fell out and we, with Ethan help , got him back in quick and kept moving on! Super fun ride.
Katie R — Google review
This place was amazing. We did 3 boats on the upper extreme adventure and one on the lower rapids for the littles and we all had a blast. Polly, Jamie, and Liam were amazing and really made the experience for us. Seeing the pictures afterwards was so fun too.
Katie S — Google review
This was the second time white water rafting for my wife and me. We decided to take the whole family including my parents this time. We had a total of 8 people ranging from 65-8 years old. Everyone had an amazing time and enjoyed the wonderful experience our two guides took us on, Sarah and Bobbie. My mom who was leary at first, never been, had a great time and was able to check that off her bucket list. My son who is 8 enjpyed himself and Sarah made sure he was good the whole ride. Wpuld for sure recommend this place if you are new to it or someone that is experienced.
Steve M — Google review
This was absolutely the best choice we could have made!! The staff is so knowledgeable and friendly, they are all about keeping you safe and being able to enjoy your trip. Our guide Dan was amazing!!! He made us feel secure and made sure we had a great time keeping us laughing the entire time. We would DEFINITELY choose this group again! YaYa's 2025
Lori M — Google review
I’ve been rafting plenty times before but this was my son’s first time and he loved it. Most of that reason was because of our guide Dan. He had us laughing most of the trip and even had heart felt conversations. He quickly calmed my son’s nerves and he was hyped for the trip. River Rat has everything. They have the mount clips for GoPros, water shoes, clothing, hot showers, food, and drinks onsite. They also have splash suits to borrow which was great for the trip but my son had such a blast that despite the water being really cold, he jumped in the water and floated the rest of the end of trip in. The entire staff from check in, guides, and bus drivers are the friendliest as they come. I can’t say enough about them all. After the trip my son said it’s one of the best memories he’ll have. Thank you!
DocOffGrid1819 — Google review
4.9
(1347)
•
5.0
(907)
3630 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753, USA
https://smokymtnriverrat.com/
(865) 448-8888
20

Rafting In the Smokies

Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Permanently Closed
Raft trip outfitter
Tours
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting with 'Rafting In the Smokies' on the Pigeon River, just a short drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Maggie Valley. Choose between the upper tour for adventurous rapids or the lower tour for a more family-friendly experience. The guides are praised for their great communication and informative yet fun approach. After your exhilarating ride, take advantage of on-site showers to freshen up.
Rafting In The Smokies was an absolutely amazing adventure!!! Our raft guide, Barbie, was super amazing!! She not only provided awesome coaching and instruction (had us out there looking like an Ivy League rowing team...Harvard...Yale let's race) but she also jumped into action with no hesitation when my son fell in. Surely one experience he won't forget for years to come...in my opinion he had the BEST experience out of everyone. He was a little shaken up at first, but later (after lunch lmao) found the courage to jump in during the swimming parts of our rafting adventure!! The high tides (smooth ride), low tides (bumpy ride), the wildlife, and the scenery are all worth it!!! And if you are as lucky as my son, you'll fall in at some point and then get pampered like a prince for the remainder of the adventure. Definitely an adventure I'd go on again. Definitely worth it!!
Arthur J — Google review
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!
Jessica D — Google review
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.
H P — Google review
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!
Terri T — Google review
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!
Pradeep P — Google review
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.
Kim H — Google review
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!!
Hallie F — Google review
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.
Michelle C — Google review
4.8
(1576)
•
5.0
(3335)
3595 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753, USA
https://raftinginthesmokies.com/
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21

Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting

Mentioned on 
+8 other lists 
Rafting
Tours
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) Rafting on the Pigeon River, offering both fast-paced upper and gentler lower sections for an unforgettable adventure. Located in Hartford, TN, just a short drive from Gatlinburg, SMO Rafting is a reputable outfitter known for providing safe and enjoyable trips.
An unforgettable adrenaline-filled experience! We went rafting with this incredible team and it was one of the most exciting adventures we've ever had. From the start, they gave us all the necessary instructions to make us feel safe and enjoy ourselves to the fullest. The river had the perfect amount of excitement, and every rapid was pure fun. The guides were super professional, attentive, and had a great vibe. Plus, the scenery was breathtaking. Definitely recommended for those looking for adventure, laughter, and a good dose of nature! 💦🚣‍♂️🌊 We would come back a thousand times over!
Air B — Google review
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!
Lorraine L — Google review
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!
Brooke W — Google review
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
Melissa M — Google review
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!!!
Valerie H — Google review
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)
Kevin J — Google review
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.
Daniel T — Google review
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.
Jessica L — Google review
4.9
(2367)
•
5.0
(6041)
3299 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753, USA
https://smokymountainrafting.com/
(865) 430-3838
22

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Mentioned on 
+79 other lists 
Visitor center
Museum
Sightseeing tour agency
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a treasure trove of history and culture. This center features fascinating exhibits that delve into mountain life, alongside a charming Mountain Farm Museum showcasing historic log structures. A unique collaboration with the Cherokee community has resulted in bilingual wayside signs along a popular trail connecting the visitor center to Cherokee town.
Tons of parking and clean restrooms make this a super convenient stop. There are vending machines on-site and a great little gift shop with all kinds of cool national park merchandise. But the real gem is the covered back porch - rocking chairs and benches overlooking the stunning Smoky Mountains. The view is absolutely incredible, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot elk in the nearby field or close to the center. A peaceful, beautiful place to take a break and soak it all in. Highly recommend stopping here!
Sam — Google review
I would highly recommend stopping at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. They offer so much history about the area and some great displays. There is a historic settlement to walk through with old cabins, out buildings, and animals. You will also find hikes, restrooms, and a heard of elk if you time it right. (Around noon to 1pm and 4:30 to 5:30pm EST) Please take the time to stop, you won't be disappointed.
Mark B — Google review
I stopped in just before sunset to take a few photos on the way into the area for the weekend, and came through just after sunrise on the way out. It's love getting to see the Elk every year, and this year I finally got some pictures. I didn’t have the opportunity to tour inside this time. Bathrooms are okay with all the traffic coming and going this time of year. I noticed they have vending machines outside for drinks, too.
Jen D — Google review
Very nice, informative, friendly, and a nice facility! Only complaint is that all 4 soda vending machines by the bathrooms said “sold out” and there was no drinks inside for purchase. Nice small gift shop, cool 3D mountain topography that you can touch/see.
Brian J — Google review
My family and I enjoyed walking through the farm museum made up of old farm structures like a corn crib, apple house, spring house, barn etc. They had chickens and pigs there as well. There is also a trail by the river that you can walk, which is fairly flat. Inside the welcome center is a gift shop and a small museum like display about early settlers life in the mountains as well as some info about the wildlife. There are restrooms available. Sometimes you can view elk in the fields next to the center around dawn and dusk. We didn't get to see any though.
Spring S — Google review
The Oconaluftee visitor center is found along New Found Gap Road, where breathtaking views ignite a sense of wonder. The visitor center's interpretive signs unveil the mysteries of life in the day, while the gift shop offers mementos to cherish. Behind the visitor center, the Mountain Farm Museum awaits, featuring buildings that reveal the distinct character of the other side of the park. It is totally free to walk around the museum and totally worth it.
Sandra W — Google review
I enjoyed this visitor center. We were fishing right down the creek from it and stopped to get a souvenir. They have a nice selection of items to choose from. They, also, have a little museum of sorts. We didn’t do any trails or visit the historic buildings, as we had more fishing to do. But, we did see elk there right at dawn and again later in the evening.
KenNyang — Google review
If you’re looking for Elk , this place definitely did not disappoint. Don’t forget to purchase a $5 parking tag . Bathrooms were clean , was busy during the weekend. Trails are stroller friendly.
Tessa A — Google review
4.8
(8126)
•
4.7
(1103)
Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
http://www.nps.gov/grsm
23

Forbidden Caverns

Mentioned on 
13 lists 
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville, Tennessee offers an educational tour of an underground river and cave formations. The hour-long guided tour takes visitors through the subterranean abode, showcasing sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, grottos, and a clear underground stream. The paths are illuminated with colorful lights and equipped with handrails for easy exploration. The temperature stays just below 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so it's recommended to bring warm clothing.
LOVED this cave! The tour is a little less than an hour long and there isn't anywhere too steep or hard to access so it's a great spot for toddlers or those who may struggle with steeper inclines. Everything was beautiful inside. It's well worth the money to see a your. Only at one point did they shut off the lights and I was surprised that none of the kids in our group got scared. Everywhere else was well lit with lights to showcase different special areas of the cave. This is a must see!
Merriel B — Google review
An absolutely amazing experience. We travel cross country pretty often and decided to stop here on our way home which was an excellent choice. The time that was taken was perfect. Not to long, not to short. The lightening is great so you can see everything around. Our tour guide Ace was knowledgeable and could answer any/all questions. He did a great job, and made the experience that much better. Bravo, to not just a great establishment but passionate workers that care and enjoy what they are doing.
Erin C — Google review
Nice and cool in the cavern. Guide was informative and friendly. Lady at the front desk could smile a bit more but it was the end of the day and she made it clear everything would be closed when we returned from our tour. The entire staff had their personal belongings in hand at 450pm when the tour ended. It made us feel a little uneasy as if we were bothering them. Bathrooms across the street were also closed. I would suggest at least keeping them open until closing time at 5pm so people can use them after the 45 min tour. Just a suggestion.
Sherry M — Google review
A guide toured experience that lasted just over an hour I’d say. Our group had a chance of two all the way to 65 and it wasn’t that hard of a walk or anything. You take a lot of breaks when the guy is saying things about specific spots. You go 200 feet down into the cave and a couple people have to be brought back to the front because they couldn’t handle it. It was a really cool experience, probably the best out of our trip. Highly recommend.
L R — Google review
Caverns was great to tour. Took about 1 hour. Guide CJ done a good job with our group. We arrived at 10am and had to wait 30 minutes before tour to bring. So bring some patience, we thought the number of people in the entire group was too large. Seemed over 40 people. Overall I would recommend.
Sam M — Google review
This is a fun way to spend an hour and see some really cool geologic formations. The staff is very knowledgeable about the cave, it’s history and it’s geology. Very reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend visiting.
John V — Google review
If you have never explored a cave before, go here. It was fantastic, my family and I were a part of a larger group and we had a blast. The guide was great, very knowledgeable with a DJ voice that was fun to listen to. The cavern and its history was fun and entertaining. It is a short drive to get there but worth every mile. I highly recommend this as a place to visit with your family. The tour takes an about an hour and has a few steep grades but I was able to make it with a weak knee. Don’t miss this.
RVPeak — Google review
We absolutely loved our visit to Forbidden Caverns. One of our favorite parts of our trip to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg! The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Our tour guide was great and the group size wasn’t too big. The tour through wasn’t as strenuous as the other caves we’ve visited in the past. The temperature was cool and comfortable, no need for a sweater unless you’re cold natured. I wore a long sleeve shirt and leggings which was perfect and I’m a Floridian. Make sure to wear athletic shoes as some parts are potentially slippery. We wished we had brought cash to tip our guide but will be sure to revisit next time. Thank you!
Amanda Y — Google review
4.7
(3118)
•
4.4
(1367)
455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876, USA
https://forbiddencavern.com/
(865) 453-5972
24

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Mentioned on 
+136 other lists 
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a vast marine facility in Gatlinburg, open 365 days a year. It houses over 10,000 marine creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and penguins. The aquarium features interactive exhibits like the Discovery Center for hands-on experiences with animals. Visitors can also learn about the aquarium's Systems Control area that manages millions of gallons of saltwater. Additionally, it offers a glass-bottom boat ride experience.
My family and I took my son here so he could have some fun on our trip and he sure did here. He loved the selection of sea/ocean animals and the interactive games they had throughout the facility. We order tickets beforehand on TripAdvisor (we got them in a bundle) which saved us a good bit of money.
Savanna B — Google review
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!
Sam — Google review
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.
Jeremiah P — Google review
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.
L C — Google review
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.
Jon Z — Google review
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!
Alex H — Google review
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.
Amie H — Google review
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.
Sharon H — Google review
4.6
(42806)
•
4.5
(15188)
88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-the-smokies/
(865) 430-8808
25

Gatlinburg SkyPark

Mentioned on 
40 lists 
Bridge
Water & Amusement Parks
Gatlinburg SkyPark offers an open-air chairlift ride to an 1,800-ft. overlook with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. It features the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, known as the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, offering breathtaking views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. The park also includes the newly opened Gatlinburg SkyTrail with Tulip Tower, providing ADA accessibility along its Boardwalk section.
This was just breathtaking, you must go and take in the beauty of the scenery!! The chairlift ride up and down gave me thrills! When you get to the top of the mountain, you have the view of Gatlinburg and the mountains! And crossing the SkyBridge was an extraordinary experience, especially walking across 30 feet of clear glass panels in the middle of the bridge, where you can look straight down! Not to be missed! Also, the town of Gatlinburg is just wonderful. My husband and I really enjoyed walking along the Main Street area, with all the shops, attractions, places to eat, wineries, ice cream parlors.
Eva M — Google review
Had a good ride up on the chairlift. Got a drink and looked over the waterfall display. Walked across the sky bridge and returned via the hiking trail by the tower. All in all was very excellent.
John S — Google review
A great place to see the trees and explore atop the mountain... places to sit and enjoy the view, firepits, walking trails, food and beverage, too. Going across on the sky ridge was fun and not too scary...even managed the clear section of the bridgd, once my brain learned that I was supported.
Rose C — Google review
Absolutely incredible, breathtaking views! The ride in the ski lift up the mountain was just as fun. The center of the bridge is the only area where you can look straight down at the ground through the floor of the bridge. It does bounce pretty good if you try to stand in the center of the bridge. When you get to the other side, you can enjoy some food and drinks in the shade, if your lucky, it gets very crowded, and the prices are high.
What E — Google review
The view is astonishing, however a little pricey compared to what you have to purchase in order to have fun. Every ticket is separated so per person be ready to spend at least $60, not including food or drinks. For you/us smokers make sure you smoke enough before going up. You will find a "Please NO SMOKING" sign every few feet apart. I had my fun and enjoyed the stay.
Antuan M — Google review
My wife, friend and I finally got to walk across this awesome bridge. Views from the top are breathtaking! It was a cloudy day. Rained all week but bridge didn't disappoint. Tickets are pricey but worth it. Plenty of places to sit and food smelled really good. If we had not already eaten at a pancake house, we probably would have bought a smash burger.
James J — Google review
Nice place. Must visit. The view is very awesome and you wont regret. The overhyped thing about this location is the glass bridge, the glass is only there at the center of bridge. If you dont have tickets then the queue is very long, book it online and skip the queue.
Nikhil L — Google review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A once-in-a-lifetime view you’ll never forget! SkyPark in Gatlinburg isn’t just an attraction — it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. The moment you step onto the SkyLift and rise above the town, the Smoky Mountains unfold in front of you like a painting. Reaching the SkyBridge feels surreal — walking across the glass panels in the middle is thrilling yet peaceful, with the mountains stretching endlessly around you. What truly makes SkyPark special is the combination of adventure and serenity. The evening lights from downtown Gatlinburg sparkle below while the mountain silhouettes glow in the sunset. The SkyTrail adds a perfect touch of exploration, and every viewpoint feels designed for that perfect photo moment. The staff are friendly, the facilities spotless, and the atmosphere is pure magic — especially if you visit close to sunset when the colors shift from golden to deep blue. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or with family, SkyPark is the heart of Gatlinburg’s beauty — a must-visit that captures the soul of the Smokies.
Aditya A — Google review
4.6
(14977)
•
4.3
(7181)
765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
http://www.gatlinburgskypark.com/
(865) 436-4307
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26

Sugarlands Distilling Company

Mentioned on 
+64 other lists 
Distillery
Food & Drink
Sugarlands Distilling Company is a popular moonshine maker located in downtown Gatlinburg. The rustic, industrial-chic distillery offers indoor and outdoor tours, tastings, and live music. Visitors can enjoy a full seasonal cocktail tasting led by an expert TasteMaker, featuring samples of moonshine, whiskey, and more with tasting notes and cocktail ideas.
The Behind the Stave experience was a relaxed way to experience Sugarland's products. Jeff, our great bartender and host let us know that we would have an opportunity to experience new and unique cocktails in their distillery's speak easy, and that did not disappoint. The speak easy lounge has nice ambient lighting and mellow and loud jazz music so that conversations could be held without having to raise your voice. Jeff prepared 3 full sized drinks for us, two with moonshine and the third you had a choice of moonshine or whiskey. The first was a unique and a pleasant surprise, the second was delicious and a great brunch cocktail, and my third choice was a classic and smooth whiskey drink. The vibe overall was relaxing. Jeff was pleasant, and entertaining, all while not taking away from the relaxed atmosphere. Also, if you are a whiskey fan and want to pour and label and seal your own bottle of Sugarland's whiskey, that is an option you can purchase when booking. For the attendees who purchased it, they seemed very happy with the results and it was a neat process to observe. I do have two suggestions for the Sugarland Team,: 1) At the time of my reservation in early October, 2025, the package was advertised as including 4 drinks. However, Jeff let us know that prior customers requested full size drinks instead of 4 small drinks, so this change to three full drinks was reasonable. I suggest that the website be updated to reflect this change so visitors will know what to expect; and 2) While the website at the time of my booking stated a factory tour was included, there wasn't one at the 8:30 pm tour that I participated in. I would suggest updating the website to remove this because frankly focusing on the speak easy experience alone was worth it. Overall, these suggestions do not take away from the great job by Jeff or from this being an enjoyable way to be introduced to moonshine and trying local whiskey.
Denise S — Google review
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.
Ira W — Google review
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!
Mom 8 — Google review
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.
Virginia N — Google review
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!
Mia T — Google review
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.
Joe K — Google review
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!!
BraceYourself C — Google review
$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.
William W — Google review
5.0
(30297)
•
4.9
(30474)
805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
http://www.sugarlands.com/
(865) 325-1355
27

Ole Smoky Distillery "The Holler"

Mentioned on 
+82 other lists 
Distillery
Food & Drink
Located in downtown Gatlinburg, Ole Smoky Distillery "The Holler" is a rustic corn-whiskey distillery that offers tours and tastings of their award-winning moonshine. As the first federally licensed still in Tennessee, it's a must-visit for those interested in the history and lore of moonshining. Visitors can sample flavors like White Lightnin and Apple Pie, and even purchase merchandise to take home.
Had the best experience at The Holler! Did the premium experience and it was perfect! The team members demonstrating had the funniest dad jokes and explained the drinks really well. Ended up buying a nice assortment based off that employee and i am very appreciative.
Mini — Google review
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!
Eduarda B — Google review
Loved this place! Friendly & funny staff! Very reasonably priced tastings & delicious flavors. We took home the sour watermelon. Thanks Emily for the great tasting! 😋 🍉 🥃
Emily W — Google review
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.
Michael P — Google review
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.
Daniel Q — Google review
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
Gabby C — Google review
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
Justin G — Google review
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!
Jamie S — Google review
4.7
(6022)
•
4.8
(15988)
903 Parkway #128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
http://olesmoky.com/
(865) 436-6995
28

The Gatlinburg Tram

Mentioned on 
13 lists 
Outdoor Activities
Amusement park
The Ober Mountain Tramway Mall is a long-standing attraction offering an aerial tramway ride to a mall with indoor amusements and seasonal outdoor activities. The tramcars depart every 20 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, providing visitors with stunning views of the area as they ascend to the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort.
Riding the Tram was an exhilarating experience! It was about a 10 or 15 minute ride up to the Smoky mountains. Seeing all the mountains and homes tucked in the mountains was amazing! It is an adventure for sure to ride the Tram. I will check out the Ober/Tram again . We were wowed all the way!
Gary F — Google review
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!
Shiva M — Google review
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.
Jonathan W — Google review
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.
Marcus C — Google review
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.
JoAnn L — Google review
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.
Chrissy H — Google review
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..
Mark S — Google review
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.
Alok N — Google review
4.3
(8637)
•
3.8
(8454)
1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
http://obermountain.com/
(865) 436-5423
29

Dollywood

Mentioned on 
+89 other lists 
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Dollywood, owned by Dolly Parton, is a theme park offering a variety of attractions such as waterslides, rides, and live music shows. Visitors can also enjoy family fall activities in the surrounding area including wildlife sightings at Cades Cove loop and cave exploration at Tuckaleechee Caverns. The theme park is known for its Southern cuisine with popular dishes like fried chicken and catfish.
Great day out a Dollywood! The park is super cute, not too big and plenty going on for every age. We didn’t get to see any shows but we did ride the rides and loved them. We got to the park for 0930 for its opening at 1000 and it was relatively quiet and nice to walk around. Unfortunately a lot of the rides didn’t open until 1100 onwards. Lightening Rod, the star of the show rollercoaster was closed all day (apparently a common theme!) but luckily reopened at 1800 so we got a ride in. The park got very busy in the afternoon with 75-80 min queue times but 15-30 mins in the morning. Food in the park was delicious and well priced for a theme park. Queues for food later in the day had long lines. $25 for parking is a tad steep on top of your park ticket but most parks are now doing this sadly. Phone signal in the park is very poor meaning the Dollywood app is rendered near useless with a quite a few guests complaining about this on the ride back to the car park. Overall though would highly recommend!
A J — Google review
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.
Austin L — Google review
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.
Shona M — Google review
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.
Nicholas J — Google review
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.
Liam F — Google review
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.
Andrew P — Google review
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.
Tony C — Google review
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.
Liz T — Google review
4.6
(58124)
•
4.3
(19192)
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
https://www.dollywood.com/
(800) 365-5996
30

Cades Cove

Mentioned on 
+218 other lists 
Ravine
Sights & Landmarks
Cades Cove is a picturesque valley located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a scenic loop route that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. This serene location is home to abundant wildlife and well-preserved homesteads, providing a glimpse into the region's history.
We had a great time we were able to see three black bears two deer bunch of turkeys. It's nice to be able to walk around and look at the old buildings and enjoy the scenery.
Chuck M — Google review
Loved the experience, the park rangers were very nice and also very informative about the park. We walked some of the trails, seen the old cabins and the old churches, even got stopped by park rangers because there was a momma bear and her cubs walking around the area. The gift shop had had so many cool items and books about the family’s who once called cades cove home.
Cory Y — Google review
For obvious reasons, this should be 5 stars, but humans really have to ruin it every time. But first with the good stuff. We got SO incredibly lucky and saw 7 bears!!! We arrived at the front of the park at about 805 am. The fog was pretty thick for the first 20 min or so of the drive, but it was amazing watch it become clearer as we drove through. We saw so many deer and about 10 were playing in field that we watched for probably 15 minutes. Now. I absolutely expect that traffic is going to be slow. I get it if someone doesn't pull over and stops for 5-10 seconds to take a picture or quick video of something even though there are signs literally everywhere that say "don't idle". But when we saw the first group of 4 bears, we were stopped for almost 30 minutes. I guarantee you that probably hundreds more people would have able to also seen them if people in front of us had common decency. Like I get it, it's an amazing sight, but seriously the people who selfishly stop for 3 or 4 minutes when they could pull over ahead and walk back is ridiculous. It's literally just about being respectful and decent. So anyway, rant over, it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had and I absolutely recommend going early. I think we went at the perfect time to see what we saw.
Smandbj — Google review
Just a fun drive and lots of sights ,trails,wildlife and history. The most popular place in the park and for good reason. Trails are all accessible some easy some hard. Various trail lengths. Lots of different historical cabins and on one of the spots there's even a gist mill, that still makes stone ground cornmeal you can buy. Enjoy this scenic drive at Great smoky mountains National Park
Anthony D — Google review
Did the loop on a beautiful late morning. Only saw turkey, but it's a lovely drive with several historical sites to visit. During warmer months, the NP closes the loop to motorized vehicles giving bicyclists a chance to enjoy nature without having to worry about being run off the road. Dogs are allowed in the park, but aren't allowed on most trails.
Jennifer R — Google review
If you like driving in a circle following thousands of ppl in a line of cars hoping to see wildlife in a meadow to your left,... then this is your place. The mountain views were beautiful but not as dramatic as other locations at the park. We did see 1 deer but we see those all the time at home. I would skip this if I ever came back and go for something less populated.
Mary K — Google review
I’m a lover of Mother Nature and this self guided driving attraction was breathtaking. Pictures don’t do it justice. I was looking for the bears none showed up. Nonetheless I absolutely loved this experience. Be prepared with enough gas, drinks or snacks. Make sure to use the bathroom before entering the cove. Expect to be in long line for about about 2 hrs driving time including traffic. It’s free, there is a gift shop at the end of the tour, the ice cream is delicious.
Sheila B — Google review
This is an amazing place to cruise and see wildlife. We actually saw the horses, several deer, turkeys, two bears!! There are lots of places to pull off the road if you want to explore or if you’ve got a speed demon on your tail! LOL! I love to go through very slowly and see all that we can, while others are in such a rush. What’s the point of going through if you don’t take time to enjoy the scenery!
J H — Google review
4.7
(3793)
•
4.5
(5683)
Tennessee 37882, USA
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