Dollywood
While in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, a fun place for you to go with your friends or family is Dollywood, which was created by the country music star Dolly Parton. Within the park you will find music and other entertainment, demonstrations of how certain things were made long ago, rides and food. There are over 30 rides within the park, and demonstration examples might include soap making or blacksmithing. Food offerings range from the typical burgers and hot dogs found at most amusement parks to more country cooking.
Dollywood
1198 McCarter Hollow Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
(888) 428-6789
dollywood.com
Winter Activities
Ober Gatlinburg is another amusement park atop a mountain looking "over Gatlinburg." After making it to the top by way of car or tram, you'll find a ski resort, indoor ice skating rink, shopping and restaurants. There are eight ski runs during the winter season with varying difficulty levels, and equipment is available for rent. If going by tram, tickets cost $10 for those 12 and over, and are good for two days or unlimited rides up and down the mountain. Children's tickets are slightly cheaper.
Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg TN, 37738
(865) 436-5423
obergatlinburg.com
Forest and River Activities
The Great Smoky Mountains' entrance is between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Do some hiking in the mountains or have a picnic away from the crowds. Camp, go horseback riding, or go fishing. The famous Appalachian Trail slices through the area as it runs from Maine to Georgia, so you can hike through history.
For a more exciting experience, you could try whitewater rafting down the upper Pigeon River. Here you'll find class 3 and 4 waves that will give you a good toss around the raft as well as view scenery from two national parks, a state park, and the Appalachian Trail. The excursion usually takes a few hours, and includes a snack. If you decide try it, don't wear clothes that become heavy when wet such as jeans. This will cause chafing, or at the very least make it difficult for you to swim if the need arises.
Rafting in the Smokies
2470 E Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN
(800) 776-7238
raftinginthesmokies.com/
