Smoky Mountains's Family Guide

Knoxville, Tennessee is perfect for a family get away. You will never run out of things to see, do or experience. Knoxville itself offers great shops, Broadway shows, history and college sports. The rolling hills, trees, rivers and the Smoky Mountains in the distance provides a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy.

Just 30 miles from Knoxville you will find Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National park. If fast rides, mini golf, arcades, food and theme parks are what you are looking for, Pigeon Forge is your answer. There are dinner theaters, (Dixie Stampede, Lumber Jack Feud and Hatfield and McCoy’s to name a few) where you can enjoy dinner and a show. Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country can be found in Pigeon Forge and each offer at least a day’s worth of fun. Up and down the Pigeon Forge Parkway you can find all kinds of mini golf, souvenir shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

If you want attractions at a slower pace, Gatlinburg should be your choice. Park the car and walk up and down the parkway (or take the trolley) and enjoy multiple Ripley’s attractions such as Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Ripley’s Mirror Maze and mini golf. You will also find candy shops to enjoy and restaurants to explore and arcades to delight the kids. There is no end to fun in Gatlinburg. It is nestled in the Mountains, so the views are terrific.

Just about 2 miles from Gatlinburg you enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is no charge to visit the park and you can hike, explore, play in the rivers and streams, fish and enjoy the majestic beauty of the mountains to your heart’s content. Some of the most popular places to visit are Elkmont, Tremont, Townsend, and of course Cades Cove. Cades Cove is an 11-mile loop that you can travel by car and explore cabins, fields, trails and enjoy a picnic. Cades Cove is the most visited spot in the most visited National Park (Great Smoky Mountains). Cades Cove is never a disappointment and always offers tranquil beauty. You are bound to see turkey and deer and maybe even a black bear. There are also wonderful campgrounds and picnic areas in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Knoxville area is a wonderful place for a family vacation. It has everything from tourist attractions to natural wonders. There is something for everyone, every schedule and every budget.

Written by Kallee Twiner
Creative Southern Home