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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Area Attractions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The National Park Service -  This is the official website for The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service.  It contains the most detailed information about the Smokies you will ever need to know.  Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's website at:
www.nps.gov/grsm/gsmsite/home/ or www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm.

When making plans to visit the National Park, Cades Cove, Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls are all must see places to visit in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Taking the drive over 441 from Gatlinburg into Cherokee, NC is an awesome way to spend the afternoon.  There are several places to pull over and take in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.  Make sure to bring your camera and tripod so that you can capture the memories of your honeymoon in the Smoky Mountains.  Clingman's Dome, located off 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, provides 360 degrees of breathtaking Smoky Mountain views.  We suggest going at sunrise, sunset, or 3-4 hours after a soothing rainfall.  The mountain views are astounding.   

Cades Cove is an 11 mile one way loop road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours in Cades Cove.  There are so many things to see and do while you are there.  During the tour, you and your loved one will have the chance to see homes of the pioneers who once lived in the area.  There are several churches and a grist mill that you can visit.  You can choose to ride a bicycle through the 11 mile adventure, hike or take the tour via automobile.  Cades Cove is a must see if you are a history or nature lover.

Cades Cove is closed to automobiles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00AM.  From sunrise to 10:00AM on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, hikers and bicyclists can enjoy the 11 mile trek through Cades Cove undisturbed by motor vehicles.  Be sure to take your camera with you to Cades Cove.  You might get lucky and see a bear, deer, wild turkeys or an assortment of other wildlife living in the park.   

While in Cades Cove, you can take a carriage ride or go horseback riding.  The carriage ride is quite popular with most folks.  Step back in time and enjoy the splendor of the forest that envelops you.  The park also offers hayrides which might be a fun thing to do when visiting the Smoky Mountains.  Call (423-448-6286) for hours of operation and details. 

Laurel Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  To get there, take 441 South to State Hwy. 73.  It is not far from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.  The hike is fairly easy.  Laurel Falls offers a paved hiking trail and the hike round trip is approximately 3 miles.  Don't forget your camera.  The scenery is beautiful.  Be careful on the rocks.  They can be slippery.

Abrams Falls is located in the Cades Cove area of the National Park.  The hike is approximately 5 miles round trip.  Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.  When you get down to the falls, relax and enjoy the sounds of the falls.  Be careful on the rocks.  They can be slippery.

Choosing to drive over 441 into Cherokee, NC is a great way to spend quality time with one another.  The drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC nonstop is approximately 50 minutes.  However, plan on the trip taking longer since you will probably want to stop along the way and do some sightseeing.  

Located off 441, near Newfound Gap, Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in Tennessee.  At an elevation of 6,643 feet, you will feel like you are in heaven.  The hike up to Clingman's Dome is rather steep so take your time.  The trail is paved and there are rest areas along the way.  Once you reach the top, there is an observation tower that allows you to view the Smoky Mountains for miles.  On a clear day, one can see up to 100 miles away.  I remember going to Clingman's Dome when I was a young girl and I recall my sister pointing out five different sates to me.  I have read that on a clear day, one can see seven states from Clingman's Dome.      

Clingman's Dome is located on the state line.  Half of the area is in Tennessee and the other half is in North Carolina.  If you are planning on visiting Clingman's Dome October through April, be prepared for any type of weather.  We visited Clingman's Dome October 2006 and there were icicles on the rocks along the side of the road.  It also felt much colder at the top of Clingman's Dome than down in town.  I was very thankful for my coat. 

Clingman's Dome is open year round.  However, the road to Clingman's Dome is closed December 1 - April 1.  If you are adventurous, you can hike to Clingman's Dome via Newfound Gap Road and from there, up to the observation tower.  Please be prepared for inclement weather.  Snow can fall at anytime at Clingman's Dome.

The Appalachian Trail crosses over at Clingman's Dome, making it the highest point of the journey across the Appalachian Trail.  After visiting Clingman's Dome, you can stop off at Newfound Gap parking area.  Here you have the opportunity to see both sides of Tennessee and North Carolina from a centralized point.  There is also an area named the Rockefeller Memorial in honor of  the Rockefeller's who contributed 5 million dollars to help establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  This is the very site where, in 1940, President Roosevelt held a dedication ceremony in honor of the National Park.  The Appalachian Trail also can be seen here as well.

If you continue traveling on 441 South, you will end up in Cherokee, NC.  Cherokee, NC is filled with history and lots of things to do.  Have fun during your Smoky Mountains adventure.   

Pigeon Forge / Sevierville Area Attractions

Black Bear Jamboree -  Located in Pigeon Forge, TN, Black Bear Jamboree offers good, clean family entertainment.  Enjoy live music, theatrical performances and great food for an evening of enjoyment in the Smokies.  865-908-7469

Comedy Barn - One of the funniest Pigeon Forge attractions around, Comedy Barn offers several shows daily.  Enjoy a knee slapping good time when you visit the Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  The show is based upon family entertainment so you do not have to worry about finding a sitter for the children.  865-428-5222

Country Tonite Theatre -  The most award winning show in the Smokies.  If you love country music, this show is a must visit or call:    
www.countrytonitepf.com  1-800-792-4308 or 865-453-2003 

Dixie Stampede - Enjoy a terrific four-course feast at the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  Make your reservations early for best seating.  Visit www.dixiestampede.com  or call 1-800-356-1676 or 865-453-4400 

Dollywood Theme Park -  Folks come from all around to visit Dolly Parton's Dollywood Theme Park.  Located close to downtown Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is a great way to spend a day while on your honeymoon or anniversary in the Smokies.  Visit www.dollywood.com for park hours and fees.

Forbidden Caverns - Discover agent mysteries and hear stories of the 1920's bootleggers when you visit Forbidden Caverns.
www.forbiddencavern.com  865-453-5972

The Old Mill - Located in Pigeon Forge near traffic light #7, the Old Mill is a historic landmark.  Take a step back in time to the 1830's and see how the pioneers grounded corn into mill.  The Old Mill is probably one of the most highly visited mills in the U.S.A.  After a tour of the Old Mill, have lunch at the Old Mill Restaurant.  Your tummy will say yummy.

Smith Family Theater - Voted Best Show 3 years in a row.  You will want to make sure you see the Smith trio perform live on stage at their new theater in Pigeon Forge.  Visit  www.smithfamilytheater.com for more details or call 1-866-399-8100 or 865-429-8100.

Gatlinburg Area Attractions

Christus Gardens - Take a peaceful tour through Christus Gardens.  See beautiful painting of Jesus Christ.  In a fast paced world, this "museum" is definitely much appreciated and needed.  Call 865-436-5155 for more information.

Gatlinburg Sky Lift - Ride to the top of Gatlinburg in the Gatlinburg Sky Lift.  Enjoy the scenery on your way up and down the mountain. 
Call Us:  865-436-4307

Guinness Book Of World Records -  Another great Gatlinburg attraction that will amaze you and your loved one.  See interesting facts displayed right before your eyes. 

Ober Gatlinburg - Park in downtown Gatlinburg and ride the aerial tramway to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort.  Many attractions await you when you reach the top of the mountain.  From snow skiing to indoor ice skating, a full day of entertainment awaits you.  For more information call 865-436-5423.

Ripley's Aquarium Of The Smokies - From sharks to barracudas, see all that the most visited aquarium in the Southeast has to offer.  Located at traffic light #5 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 

Ripley's Believe It Or Not - Be mystified as you enter the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  This is a great place to visit.  We think that you will enjoy the experience that this Gatlinburg attraction offers.  

Ripley's Davy Crocket Mini Golf - Located at traffic light #1 in Gatlinburg, TN this mini golf course offers 2 - 18 hole courses to choose from.  It is open year round; weather permitting.  If you are traveling with children, they will love Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini Golf.  When our son was younger, this was one of his favorite courses to play mini golf at, and as a family we had a wonderful time. 

Ripley's Haunted Adventure - Spooookkkyyy.  Not suitable for small children.  However, this is a great attraction for honeymoon couples.  Lots of hair raising adventure and clutching your mate's arm or hand.  Have fun.  Located at light #8 in Gatlinburg, this attraction is open year round.

Ripley's Moving Theatre - Featuring a 4 D virtual reality simulator, this theatre provides hours of entertainment for it's patrons.  Also located at light #8 in Gatlinburg, TN.  

Stars Cars Museum - This attraction in Gatlinburg gives the visitor a chance to see cars featured in films or on TV.  The Dukes of Hazard General Lee and Back to the Future DeLorean (The Time Machine) are just a few cars featured in this museum.  For car enthusiasts, this is one of many must see Gatlinburg attractions.   

Other Area Attractions
For your convenience, we have listed other attractions close to our area that you might want to consider visiting while in the Great Smoky Mountains East Tennessee.

 -North Carolina/attractions-

Biltmore Estate - Welcome to George and Edith Vanderbilt's enormous estate nestled in the mountains of Asheville, NC.  The grandeur that embraces this vast estate is quite breathtaking.  Visiting the Biltmore Estate is a full day excursion if you plan to explore the entire estate and surrounding areas.  Carriage rides are available and advance reservations are highly suggested.  To learn more about the Carriage Ride offered by Biltmore Estate click the Carriage Ride link.  River Floating trips are also available when you visit the Biltmore Estate.  There are an abundance of things to see and do when you visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.    

Grandfather Mountain - Notably the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, Grandfather Mountain is a great place to visit while staying in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.  Located near Asheville, NC. Grandfather Mountain hiking and uncompromised  views of the majestic mountains.  Built in 1952, the mile high swinging bridge offers those individuals bold enough to cross it unparalleled views of the mountains.   

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Taking an excursion on one of the Gourmet Dinner Trains or Polar Express Trains is a great way to spend part of your Smoky Mountains honeymoon.  Treat your loved one to a surprise adventure aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.  Advance reservations are required. 

 -Tennessee/attractions-

Rock City - See seven states from Rock City and visit Lover's Leap.  Rock City is located approximately 4 miles from Chattanooga and is open daily (except Christmas Day) and tickets can be purchased online through their website.

Ruby Falls - Located in Chattanooga, TN. Ruby Falls is a great place to visit during your stay in the Smoky Mountains.  Located approximately 2 hours from Pigeon Forge, Ruby Falls is only a short drive away from the area.  The cave is 60 degrees year round and is open rain or shine.  According to the website for Ruby Falls, it is better to visit Ruby Falls when it is raining outside.  Apparently, it increases the flow of water into the cave.  Also, plan on spending at least 2 hours at Ruby Falls. Have fun in Chattanooga!

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - Since 1895, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway has been a star among the top rated attractions in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  You will simply be amazed at the awesome views that can be seen from the railway.  At the top of the incline railway, there is an observation tower.  On a clear day, it is possible to see the Great Smoky Mountains.  For history buffs, Chattanooga offers an abundance of Civil War History.  During the ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, one can learn what role Lookout Mountain played during the Civil War.  Chattanooga, Tennessee is well worth the drive from the Smoky Mountains if you are planning a week long honeymoon adventure.

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