3 Great Outdoor Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

If you’re looking for more activities to fill up your Smoky Mountain vacation days, spend some time outside. The fresh air has some great health benefits, and you’ll love admiring the stunning views. Here is a list of 3 great outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:

1. Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyPark

Gatlinburg SkyPark is home to the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. It is located at the top of Crockett Mountain and stretches 700 feet across a deep valley in a single span. To get to it, visitors will ride on the SkyLift. It takes visitors from the heart of downtown Gatlinburg to 1,800 feet above sea level. You will love admiring the stunning views of the Smokies! If you’re in the mood for a thrill, walk to the bridge’s halfway point and stand on 30 feet of glass. Other places to admire the scenery include the Gatlinburg SkyTrail. It is a scenic walkway connecting each end of the SkyBridge. You can also relax in the seating on the SkyDeck.

2. Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Since the attraction is up high, there are lots of ways to see stunning views. Ride the scenic Chondola chairlift or look down from the top of the  AnaVista Smoky Mountain Observation Tower. There are also many fun activities. Go ziplining, ride one of the two mountain coasters, and more! When all that activity makes you hungry, you won’t have to go far! Anakeesta has many places for a delicious meal or snack!

3. The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a beloved tourist attraction that opened in June 2013. The many outdoor activities include the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. At over 200 feet tall, it is the centerpiece of The Island in Pigeon Forge as well as one of the tallest attractions in the southeast. Other notable activities here include the ThunderDome. It is a 32-foot-high aluminum dome that houses 3 trampoline-based bungee jumps. It is the only Bungee Dome in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg.

Additionally, stop by the Island Show Fountain to watch the water show. It has 89 nozzles that project water 60 feet into the air. They are choreographed to 14 pieces of music, and the light turns the water to all kinds of pretty colors. The show is great any time of the day, but it is particularly stunning at night. While you’re here, check out some of the area’s fun indoor activities as well. Learn about the history of crime in the United States at The Alcatraz East Crime Museum and play fun games to win prizes at Arcade City. Visit one of the many delicious restaurants and pick out some great souvenirs at the variety of shops! 

We hope you enjoy these great outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! Want to learn even more about attractions in the area? Check out our other list of fun things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.