(0)Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg often take the spotlight as the Smoky Mountain destination cities, but the Tennessee valley quietly nests at the edge of all the hustle and bustle of the mountains. Here, just 7 miles from Pigeon Forge, resides a city that deserves more publicity: Sevierville, Tennessee. Many of our cabins are nestled into the mountains among the 3 cities, and while daily trips are made to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Sevierville may have escaped many vacationers’ itinerary. Sevierville, however, has a different adventure to be had through a different terrain and atmosphere from its sister mountain cities. Don’t miss out on this quiet beauty!
As the Smoky Mountains begin to smooth out and lay into the Tennessee Valley, here you will find Sevierville. The city is situated in a prime intersection for travelers due to the intersection of highways leading to Knoxville and the Smoky Mountain area. Cars aren’t the only things passing through Sevierville, though; the city sits on fertile land between two major river forks known as the forks of the Pigeon. Consequently, this area has gorgeous natural scenery and enduring historic landmarks to explore.
Although most of our cabins are located in the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, we do offer several cabins near downtown Sevierville. Whether you’re looking for a rustic retreat or modern property, our Sevierville cabin rentals can suit every need. Some of our Sevierville cabin rentals offer pool access while others are located right along the water’s edge at beautiful Douglas Lake. The towering Smoky Mountains are never far from sight in our cabin rentals, allowing you to enjoy views of the mountain tops from your back porch rocking chairs.
Beneath the Surface
It’s understandable that your eyes are drawn upward to the serene views of where the mountains meet the clouds, but Tennessee is not only known for its natural rock formations above ground. Beneath the surface, Tennessee is home to over 8,000 caves! Sevierville’s Forbidden Taverns are an alluring adventure below ground, where there are thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, underground streams, and stories of Native Americans and 1920s moonshiners. The hour-long tour is guided, narrated by a tavern historian through the dimly lit caverns while tourists listen to the history of this fascinating natural structure.
Above-ground Fun at Foxfire Mountain
After you’ve explored below, return to the surface and visit Foxfire Mountain Park. This is Tennessee’s only “adventure” park, because the rides aren’t simply about the thrill, but about an invigorating interaction with nature. Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park is perfectly settled among 3 mountains on 150 acres of hiking trails, waterfalls, and the country’s longest swinging bridge suspended 70 feet in the air! If you are looking for some real thrills, take advantage of 2 different zipline tours offered: the high and fast Goliath tour or the swooping and scenic Waterfall Canopy tour. Zipline tours are only the beginning of all Foxfire offers. Here’s a list of other enormously fun ways to enjoy the park:
- 8-wheel ATV “Bear Crawler” tour
- Aerial Adventure Course, a 60-foot climbing wall
- Kid’s obstacle course
- Tennessee BBQ at the Zippin’ Pig
- Homemade hard and soft ciders at Wyile Cider Bar and gift shop
For all the information you need, including directions, prices, waivers, or discounts, just visit the Foxfire Mountain Park website here.
Scenic Helicopter Tours
The Scenic Helicopter Tours take off from Sevierville and take guests on a range of exciting adventures high above the Smoky Mountains. The longest helicopter tour, Ridge Runner, flies over Wears Valley and beyond Gatlinburg, deeper into the Smoky Mountains for 50 miles of flight time! No matter which flight you choose, you’re provided with headphones to communicate with one another, an informative and friendly guide, and certified, professionally trained pilots who know all the best routes for an optimal experience. Cameras are encouraged for this breathtaking trip! Let Scenic Helicopter Tours show you a view of the Smokies that will leave you awe struck.
Fun on the Little Pigeon River
Once you and your family have taken in all the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, take the kids for a family field day around Sevierville! The Little Pigeon River is a great place to spend the day tubing, kayaking, and picnicking. River Romp Tubing Company is an excellent place to rent tubes and kayaks for your day on the river. You can lie lazily in your float, talking and goofing off with friends, or take your teens for an exciting kayak ride that is perfect for beginners. Bring a cooler with sandwiches, so once the River Romp shuttle returns your party to the “barn,” you can all sit down for a picturesque lunch in their prime picnicking area in the shade.
Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo
Animals are a sure way to excite kids of all ages, and Sevierville has a couple great animal encounters. The Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo is home to over 130 species of animals! Walk through multiple exhibits dedicated to the special terrain, unique climate, and world’s biggest variety of animal life found within the Amazon Rainforest. Meet colorful, talkative birds; humorous, sleepy sloths; and scaly, slithering snakes on your Jungle Book-esque escapade.
Hands-on Animal Fun
Maybe you and the kids want to pet all the cute, furry animals you see; just head on over to Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo! Walk through a little herd of tame, white-tailed deer with your cup of special food or feed the giant elk. The little ones are sure to be elated with all the animals they see: zebras, goats, kangaroos, camels, and more! Smoky Mountain Deer Farm also offers horseback riding. The riding trails are wide and not very steep, so they are perfect for those who are first-timers or the occasional riders. Meet animals you’ve never seen up close and share laughs as the kids renew their excitement at each new animal at Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo!
Grownup Fun in the Smokies
Looking for more adult-friendly fun and activities? Sevierville has plenty for you! Golf enthusiasts and the occasional players will really enjoy the rolling greens of Sevierville Golf Club. Formerly named Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, it offers two 18-hole championship courses, driving range, putting green, and chipping area – all with the backdrop of the mountains. Tee off next to serene ponds and ride through rolling green pastures for a relaxing day of golf before sitting down to a delicious meal and drinks at Mulligan’s in the club house. Despite their high-quality and impressive scenery, prices are very affordable and include the cart rental fee. Sevierville Golf Club prides its services on inclusivity of all levels of play, and this picturesque course is not one to be missed out on!
Shop ‘til You Drop
Go for a day of shopping, where you can find all the most popular brands such as Nike, Coach, Bass, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, and so much more at the Sevierville Tanger Outlets. Tanger Outlets offers coupon books and deals you can get to on your phone, so be sure to check out the website for all the best ways to save while you shop!
After you’ve bought your new shoes, purse, and handbag, go out for happy hour and take on the Rocky Top Wine Trail. The trail includes 6 awesome wineries from Sevierville to Gatlinburg. Taste a wide range of reds, whites, rosés, and dessert wines as you make your way through the mountains to each winery. Don’t forget to download your “passport” and present it at each winery, because once you have visited 3, you receive a free gift (visit all 6 and you receive a second). The tasting trip of Smoky Mountain wineries is taken at your own pace and in whatever sequence you choose. If you’re in Sevierville, start out at Hillside Winery and take a free tour! And every location offers free tastings, which is an offer hard to turn down! Take a group of friends or tour with a special someone for a lovely time in Smoky Mountain wine country.
Something for Everyone
Sevierville, although it’s not usually included on the postcards with Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, has so much to offer every type of traveler. From outdoor enthusiasts and wine aficionados to deal seekers to adrenaline junkies, Sevierville, Tennessee, should be penciled into everyone’s next vacation itinerary to the Smoky Mountains!