Things to do in Sevier County, Tennessee

Take a thrilling ride on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster — the longest coaster in east Tennessee and the first one in the world with four uplifts. Travel through stunning Smoky Mountain scenery, 360-degree turns, and several tunnels on over 20 acres of property. Control your own speed through tunnels, curves, and thrilling hairpin turns on a single cart that can go up to 30 miles per hour. The coaster is fun for all ages, with riders ranging from 3 to 90 years old. For an extra unique experience, visit after nightfall where the colorful lights will guide you through a beautiful night ride.

Two options allow you to choose the perfect flight: The Lake View flight extends past the French Broad River and takes you out to Douglas Lake. Douglas Lake is a 33,000 acre man-made lake with over 450 miles of shoreline. This flight will get you up to 1,500 feet in altitude, allowing you a superb view of the Great Smoky Mountains towards the south. Along the route, you will see areas of farmland and quilt-like patterns of pastures. As you get closer to Douglas Lake you will fly next to Douglas Dam. Lake view is a 6-minute flight covering 12 miles. The most popular option, Extended Lake flight, takes you even further. You will fly directly over Douglas Dam, and then proceed over the lake. In the summer take in astonishing sun-glistening views of the water and the people enjoying their time on the lake. In the winter the water level is lowered, so expect majestic views of exposed islands and coves. As well as the beautiful lake, you will see the Great Smoky Mountains towards the southwest. On this option, you climb to a slightly higher altitude than on the Lake View flight, allowing for better visibility of the National Park. Extended Lake is an 8-minute flight over 16 miles.

Embark on an exhilarating journey down Moonshine Mountain on a specially-designed coaster. Start your adventure with an uphill lift to the summit, where you'll board your single or double rider coaster car. Equipped with individual brake handles, you have complete control over your speed, making it a personalized experience for thrill-seekers or those who prefer a more leisurely pace. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, offers breathtaking scenery and a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the area. Operating year-round, the coaster is perfect for family outings, with rides suitable for children as young as 3-years old. The coaster cars glide smoothly down the mountain on a silent track, reaching speeds up to 30mph. As the sun sets, don't miss the spectacular night rides. The dynamic light show illuminates the mountain, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the thrill of the descent. Under new management since late 2021, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster continues to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Go rafting on the Upper Pigeon River and combine whitewater action with epic mountain scenery, great for visitors looking to get outdoors. This guided adventure from Hartford is an accessible option for guests staying in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, or the national park in Eastern Tennessee. Meet the guide at NOC's Pigeon River Outpost in Hartford. After a brief orientation and video, get geared up with a life jacket and paddles and load onto the big blue bus to shuttle to the river put in. Once in the raft, an experienced guide explains the rafting lingo and what to expect. Then go down the river, paddling through bouncy waves, cool mountain water, and fun rapids. With nearly continuous Class II-III+ rapids like Lost Guide and Accelerator and views into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Upper Pigeon is a truly memorable experience.

Experience a family magic show in Pigeon Forge performed by Steven Best. Witness up and close tricks conducted in an intimate theater right in the heart of the Smokies. Be entertained by a show that is bursting with fun for any age and venture into a truly magical moment as Steven amazes you with spectacular magic, amazing illusions, charismatic comedy, and some music. Witness mind-bending illusions and enjoy side-splitting comedy throughout the evening with classic sleight of hand tricks. Be ready to be picked to go on stage, with audience participation a key feature of the performance.

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the dark and mysterious history of Gatlinburg with our walking ghost tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide who is an expert in haunted history, you will explore multiple haunted and historic locations in Gatlinburg's historic district. From iconic buildings to hidden gems, you will hear chilling tales of the lingering spirits that haunt these places, making for an entertaining and spine-tingling experience. As you walk through the streets of Gatlinburg, you will uncover the hidden secrets and ghostly encounters that have plagued this mountain town for centuries. From the rough frontier town origins to the modern-day paranormal activity that still persists, you will gain a deeper understanding of Gatlinburg's dark past. The tour will take you on a one-mile journey along the parkway, known as the Strip, where you will learn about the eerie happenings that have taken place in this historic area. While we may not be able to enter the buildings themselves, you will be standing on haunted ground throughout the tour, adding an extra layer of spookiness to the experience. The tour begins at 8 PM, allowing you to explore Gatlinburg's haunted and historic sites under the cover of darkness. From the Gatlinburg Space Needle to the White Oak Flats Cemetery, you will visit some of the most iconic and haunted locations in the area, making this tour a must-do for anyone seeking a thrilling and immersive ghostly experience.

Dive into the wonders of the ocean at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Walk through the underwater tunnel as sharks and rays swim overhead, and get up close with colorful marine life in the coral reef exhibit. The interactive touch tanks allow you to feel the smooth skin of a stingray or the rough shell of a horseshoe crab. Then, depending on the option selected, you can experience two or three other Gatlinburg's most thrilling attractions with a single combo ticket. You can begin your adventure at Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium. Or explore the following attractions of your choice: Ripley's Moving Theater, Ripley's Mirror Maze, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Ripley's Super Fun Zone, Old Mac Mini Golf (18 holes), Davy Crockett Mini Golf (18 holes). This combo ticket provides an unforgettable day of fun and discovery for visitors of all ages. Whether you're marveling at Ripley's collection of oddities or exploring the diverse marine habitats, you'll create lasting memories in Gatlinburg.

Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton is an 90 to 100 minute show that takes you back to a time when life was a little simpler. At time when family values came first and everyone sat together at the dinner table for their evening meal. Brian Hoffman will take you on a light hearted trip down memory lane with Red's greatest jokes and some of his most well known characters including those famous seagulls, Gertrude and Heathcliff, and everyone's favorite dim-witted country bumpkin, Clem Kadiddlehopper. Be prepared for lots of laughter as you watch him give you that 'Lazy Eye Look' as he impersonates Clem Kadiddlehopper proclaiming "even though he never got good grades he left school with some pretty good marks, most of them black and blue!" His non-stop antics will keep you entertained all evening.

Get ready for "Cash and the King," a tribute show honoring two of music's biggest legends, "The Man in Black" Johnny Cash and the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley. Starring the talented Josh Rush, this musical extravaganza promises to have you singing and dancing along to classic favorites that pay homage to these iconic artists. Elvis and Johnny shared a deep mutual respect for each other and even performed together throughout their illustrious careers. Now, you have the incredible opportunity to experience this captivating show firsthand. Featuring timeless hits like "Ring of Fire," "Suspicious Minds," "I Walk the Line," "Heartbreak Hotel," "A Boy Named Sue," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Can't Help Falling in Love," and many more, this performance is sure to be a night to remember. Josh Rush, a highly talented tribute artist, brings a genuine and heartfelt portrayal of Cash and Presley to the stage. As the only Johnny Cash Tribute Artist ever be invited by the Johnny Cash Estate to perform for Johnny Cash’s birthday party, Rush's authenticity shines through in his captivating renditions. Fun fact: Josh's mother fondly recalls attending Elvis' Johnson City performance while pregnant with Josh, who, as the story goes, entered the world with a curled lip and shaky legs, just like The King himself! Don't miss your chance to witness "Cash and the King" at Steven Best's Smoky Mountain Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. So, dust off your blue suede shoes or cowboy boots and get ready for a musical journey celebrating the timeless legacy of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

Make your way to the meeting point and check in for your helicopter tour of the Smoky Mountains. Then, hop aboard and get ready to discover the beauty of this picturesque mountain range. Soar above the majestic peaks, rolling hills, and vibrant forests of the Smokies aboard a state-of-the-art helicopter. As you fly, take in unparalleled views of iconic landmarks including Douglas Lake, the Pigeon Forge Strip, and Clingmans Dome. End your experience with a deeper appreciation for the stunning landscapes that make the Smokies a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.