Douglas Lake
Often referred to as the Douglas Reservoir, Douglas Lake sits by the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. At less than 20 miles away, Douglas Lake is the closest recreational lake to Pigeon Forge. Much of its 500-plus miles of shoreline are privately owned, but the Tennessee Valley Authority provides public recreational facilities at Douglas Dam, including a boat ramp and swimming beach. Douglas Lake's many secluded coves and hollows give you the feeling of privacy even in the busiest seasons.
Douglas Lake
Highway 139
Dandridge, Tennessee 37725
(800) 882-5263
Tva.gov/sites/douglas.htm
Little Pigeon River Tubing
The Little Pigeon River offers tubing from May through September, with all tour operators providing life jackets and inner tubes. In most cases, the water is smooth enough to enjoy your tube, then jump off for a brief swim before hopping back on. Companies like the Smoky Mountain River Rat offer shuttles to drop you off upstream and pick you up downstream. Most commercial tubing operators are less than 20 miles from Pigeon Forge.
Smoky Mountain River Rat
205 Wears Valley Road
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
(865) 448-8888
Smokymtnriverrat.com
Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park
Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park has a variety of rides geared toward thrill-seekers. Among them are the Mountain Waves pool, a 25,000-square-foot wave pool that mimics the ocean, and the Big Bear Plunge extreme whitewater rafting adventure, which winds through caverns and steep drops like a river expedition.
Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park
1198 McCarter Hollow Road
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37862
(865) 428-9488
Dollywoodssplashcountry.com
Article Written By Virginia Franco
Based in Charlotte, N.C., Virginia Franco has more than 15 years experience freelance writing. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including the education magazine "My School Rocks" and Work.com. Franco has a master's degree in social work with an emphasis in health care from the University of Maryland and a journalism degree from the University of Richmond.
