The Smoky Mountains are not only home to the most popular national park in the country but also plenty of unique and cool things to do that you won’t find anywhere else! Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are filled with a seemingly endless variety of attractions, so you’re probably wondering which ones to put on your itinerary – that’s where we come in! Read on to discover 6 cool things to do in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Rub Elbows with Celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum may seem like a kitschy attraction at first glance, especially when you see King Kong climbing up the outside of the building! However, once stepping inside, we guarantee you’ll be amazed by all the lifelike representations of your favorite celebrities! Whether you want to rub elbows with the classic film stars of the past or take photos with the hottest new stars in showbiz, you won’t want to miss this unique Pigeon Forge attraction!
2. Touch a Ray at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers 10 themed galleries, including an area where you can touch Ripley’s rays as they glide past your hands! While rays have strong grinding plates in their mouths, their skin is smooth, so you can feel their soft, dark top-sides without hurting the ray or yourself! Of course, the educators at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies are always on hand to assure your safety and to answer any questions about these unusual sea creatures!
3. Cross the Longest Pedestrian Cable Bridge in North America
Another one of the cool things to do in the Smoky Mountains is the SkyBridge at Gatlinburg SkyPark! This breathtaking bridge stretches nearly 700 feet across a deep valley in a single span, making it the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America! As if that doesn’t sound cool enough, the bridge rises 500 feet above Gatlinburg, and there are 30 feet of glass in the midpoint of the bridge where you can look straight down into the valley!
4. Ride the Only Single-Rail Mountain Coaster in the United States
Anakeesta is home to Rail Runner, the only single-rail mountain coaster in the United States! While there are several other thrilling mountain coaster options in the Smokies (including a second one at Anakeesta itself), this single-rail version takes the thrills to the next level! After boarding your coaster sled, you’ll be in charge of your own speed down the mountain as you encounter 1,600 feet of downhill twists and a 400-foot change in elevation!
5. Go Snow Tubing All Year Long at Pigeon Forge Snow
When it comes to the cool things to do in the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge Snow literally fits the bill! As America’s first indoor snow park, this unique facility offers snow tubing all year long for your enjoyment! The best part is that it is always between 60 and 70 degrees within the building, so you don’t even need to bring along a parka! There are no reservations required to go snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow, so just show up when you’re ready for your adventure!
6. Dine at the Best Biker Bar in Pigeon Forge
Come on over to the Iron Boar Saloon to hang out with the coolest people in town! As the best biker bar in Pigeon Forge, we’re designed for motorcycle enthusiasts and feature a tempting menu with wings, quesadillas, nachos, and more! You’ll want to wash it all down with our ice-cold beer, which ranges from your favorite cold brew on tap to our own Iron Boar Lager which has been brewed with bikers in mind!
After exploring all of the cool things to do in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to stop by our Pigion Forge bar to hang out with your fellow bikers and enjoy some brews and chews! We look forward to seeing you soon!
