Those with a thirst for adventure are always on the lookout for the next thrill. The addiction of adrenaline rushing through your veins is a hard one to beat. Fortunately, today there’s no shortage of options available for adventure lovers. From sky-diving to bungee jumping, there’s a variety of sports and activities you can try out. If you’re searching for your next big escapade, we’ve got just the place for you!
A sub-range of the Appalachians located at the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most-visited national park. Situated close to the gorgeous city of Gatlinburg and the quaint town of Pigeon Forge, the Smoky Mountains make for an ideal vacation spot for both solo/group travelers and families alike. For those looking for a relaxing holiday, there’s plenty of exploring in the city and the park. At the same time, those looking for a little thrill can check out the activities available at the Smoky Mountains! Read on to learn about the activities that will make your trip exciting and truly memorable!
River-Rafting through the Ocoee River
River rafting is one of the best activities in the Smoky Mountains from spring till mid-fall. For those who like water adventures, river rafting through the Ocoee river is a perfect choice. During one of these rafting expeditions, you will move across the ocean just, crashing through crystal-white waves and running through rushing rapids. What better way to get the adrenaline pumping? The experience is further enhanced by the majestic views of the Cherokee National Forest, which surrounds the Ocoee River.
If you’re planning to try out river rafting while at the Smoky Mountains, consider booking the activity in advance, as spots tend to fill up fast. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rafter, plenty of companies can help you plan the perfect whitewater rafting trip. Just look up whitewater rafting Smoky Mountains on the internet to find a booking that suits your holiday schedule.
Biking through Cades Cove
One of the most beautiful spots in the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove. The area’s breathtaking landscape with cozy cabins nestled in to fit like a puzzle makes Cades Cove one of the most popular places in the park.
Cades Cove truly is the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Not to forget the beautiful and abundant flora and fauna in the area. If you’re looking for an exploring adventure, try biking through Cades Cove. With the route closed to cars on Wednesdays from May to September, biking is a favorite activity among locals and tourists alike on this day. Several biking tracks are available, from a short 4-mile loop to the longer 11-mile one. So pack your biking gear, plenty of food and water, and rent a bicycle from the many vendors available. There, you’re all set to enjoy a wonderful morning of biking through Cades Cove. P.S. If biking through the Cades isn’t really your vibe, make an early day trip to the nearby Pisgah National Forest and try mountain biking. That’s sure to appeal to your adventurous side!
Hiking through the Smoky Mountains
A Smoky Mountains must-do is hiking. Hiking through the Smoky Mountains is an experience with the area’s beautiful, lush terrains. Although not as exhilarating as hiking/climbing mountain trails, the Smoky Mountains’ gentle trails are an adventure of their own. With over 800 hiking trails available, there is bound to be something to get your blood pumping and satiate your need for thrill. The rich nature spread across the Smoky Mountains makes hiking much more enjoyable, with abundant greenery and a great possibility of an animal sighting. You may even lay your eyes on a local black bear! Now that’s sure to be exciting!
Ziplining at Foxfire Mountain
Right at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains is the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park, one of the most popular tourist attractions. Foxfire offers a range of adventure activities, the most famous ziplining. The Goliath Zipline Tour at Foxfire takes you through the country’s fastest and longest connected zip lines. The gorgeous mountaintop views will take your breath away as you glide through 500 feet above the mountains, racing at 60 mph. Ziplining at the Smoky Mountains is a fantastic experience, but if you’re visiting as a family, remember that children under ten aren’t allowed on the Goliath Zipline. However, that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun. Foxfire also houses the milder Waterfall Canopy Zipline Tour, which anyone above seven can enjoy. Hence, your little tyke can also enjoy the experience of zip lining.
Aerial Tramway at Ober Gatlinburg
Although this activity is based at the Ober ski resort at Gatlinburg, the views of the Smoky Mountains from the aerial tramway make this an activity worth mentioning. Cable cars leave three times an hour from downtown Gatlinburg and take you through a 2.1-mile journey straight to the Ober Ski Resort. The aerial journey allows you to take in breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, which are unparalleled to those you can get from any other activity in the region. However, if you’re up for a little more adventure, take the chair lift from the resort, which takes you to the top of the ski slope. The experience of traveling on the chair lift surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the Smoky Mountains will be one you shall long cherish. The best part? You can enjoy this activity with children and elders, making it something for the full family.
Final Words
With the numerous activities available in the Smoky Mountains, your inner adventure lover is surely beyond excited about the trip. As you explore the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find countless more ways to make your trip even more thrilling and adventurous. Whether you tackle an easy nature trail or try a more challenging adventure like rock climbing, there’s no shortage of thrilling outdoor activities. In fact, even if you’re inclined towards an exciting outdoor adventure, whilst your partner/trip buddies simply want to relax and unwind, the Smoky Mountains are the perfect choice as there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region. So get started on planning your trip and making your itinerary. We’re sure you’ll have a fantastic time!