Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the Great Smoky Mountains are top picks for group getaways – whether it be reunions, church or youth retreats, corporate weekends, or special occasions – for a reason. Both towns are packed with group-friendly attractions, feature awesome annual events that are great for groups, and have a huge variety of large-group lodges boasting amenities that will keep any group happy.
Planning a group getaway to the Smokies and need some ideas? Check out our list of group-approved activities, attractions, and more!
Dollywood
Dolly Parton’s namesake theme park features rides for all ages, water features for the littles, cafes, restaurants, live shows and musicals, roller coasters, and more!
Dolly’s Splash Country
It’s Dollywood – for summer! Cool off with rides, slides, and water features for toddlers up to adults!
Smoky Mountain Ziplines
Zip through the trees on a zipline adventure that’s made for team building.
Cades Cove
Pile into your cars (or grab your bikes and head out) for a scenic drive along the 11-mile loop road! Watch for wild turkey, deer, and black bears as you pass mountain streams, historic churches and homesteads, and fields of wildflowers.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Housing an incredible amount of fish and underseas creatures, this top-rated aquarium is perfect for groups. You can stay together for a tour or spread out to explore jellyfish, stingrays, penguins, sharks, sea turtles, and more!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This FREE entrance park is a no brainer when it comes to a group getaway in the Smokies. Lace up for a day on the hiking trails of the Smokies, have a picnic by a stream, or make your way to a waterfall for an awesome group experience and an epic group picture.
The Escape Game Pigeon Forge
My personal favorite for a group activity in the Smokies, The Escape Game is great for families, friends, and team building. You and your group will be “locked” in a series of rooms filled with puzzles, codes, and mysteries. You have to work together to break out – in under 1 hour!
Laser tag
Take a drive along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, and you’re sure to find a handful of laser tag arenas where your group can split into 2 and have some challenging fun! It’s a great team-building exercise, a fun way to feel like a kid again, or the perfect opportunity to let the kids get out some energy and aggression – in a safe and fun environment!
Miniature Golf
Young and old love mini golf – especially when the exciting Parkway and the mountains of the Smokies are the backdrops! You’ll find plenty of places to play in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, so get your group together and go have some fun!
Old-time Photos
This is a classic Gatlinburg go-to and a fun activity for any age. Get dressed up like sheriffs, bank robbers, saloon girls, flappers, and more for some old-fashioned fun – with a great souvenir to take home!
Winterfest
While this is seasonal, it’s also a top event for groups. Slip away to the Smokies this winter for seasonal sights and sounds, including LED holiday light displays, frozen fountains, parades, delicious foods, and more!
Shows in the Smokies
Dinner shows are a staple in the Smoky Mountains, and there is certainly no shortage. When your group needs to get out of the cabin and have some fun, a dinner show is a great pick. Not only are there a lot of options, many shows also cater to groups!
Whitewater Rafting
Have some fun on the upper and lower Pigeon River, where you can raft or tube for a fun summer day – as a group!
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
This 8-mile loop of local artisans features pottery, quilting, photography, clothing, leather goods, woodwork, handmade jewelry, and more. Add restaurants, beautiful scenery, and an old-fashioned soda shop, and you have something everyone in your group can enjoy.
TopJump
Does your corporate group need to release some tension? Have some fun at TopJump, a group go-to for Cabins for YOU, where trampolines, a ninja course, and more await!
Great Events for Groups
Dollywood’s Festival of Nations
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Winterfest
OktOBERfest at Ober Gatlinburg
4th of July – parades, boat competitions, and more