City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
77. Newfound Gap
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Description: At this site, 15 miles up Newfound Gap Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt officially dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1940. A parking area includes restrooms and provides some great photo opportunities of Smoky Mountain ranges. Here you can also get on the Appalachian Trail, a 2,000-mile trail that stretches south to Georgia and north to Maine. Charlie’s Bunion, a 1,000-foot sheer drop-off, is a 4-mile eastward hike from here.
78. Clingmans Dome
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Description: Clingmans Dome, at 6,643 feet, is the highest point in all of Tennessee and the third tallest peak east of the Mississippi River. A 7-mile road from Newfound Gap Road takes you to a parking area from which you can take a steep 0.5-mile hike to the peak’s observation tower. Here you’ll discover a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Smokies—one of the most incredible vistas you’ll encounter. Sometimes Clingmans Dome is above the level of the clouds; while this can limit visibility, it also offers an eerily dreamlike view. Clingmans Dome is closed from Dec through Mar.
79. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Description: The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, off US 321 E., is a one-way, 6-mile loop that contains a number of homesteads from the early 19th century as well as an abundance of natural beauty. Several hiking trails are accessible from the Roaring Fork road; these range from the easy Grotto Falls (3 miles round-trip) to the strenuous Trillium Gap (9 miles round-trip). This area contains 3 waterfalls, one of which—Meigs Falls—is visible from the road.
80. Greenbrier
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Description: The entrance to this wooded area, which lies along the middle prong of the Little Pigeon River, is a few miles outside downtown Gatlinburg off US 321 E. It’s a popular place to float in inner tubes—various stores and gas stations on US 321 rent them—over the river’s rapids, which range from mild to moderate in this area. Other people prefer simply to relax on rocks, enjoy a picnic lunch, or hike on one of several trails, which range from about 3 to 8 miles round-trip. The narrow 4-mile road that winds through the Greenbrier area is secluded and filled with beautiful scenery, including plants and wildlife.
81. Great Smoky Arts And Crafts Community
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (800) 565-7330
Description: Glassblowers, candle makers, potters, basket weavers, visual artists, doll makers, wood-carvers, and many other types of artists and craftspeople have their wares on display and for sale on this 8-mile loop of shops, studios, and galleries. Many offer free demonstrations of their work. The loop begins 3 miles from traffic light No. 3 in downtown Gatlinburg. The community holds special shows during Thanksgiving week, early Dec (Christmas), and early Apr (Easter).
82. Ober Gatlinburg
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (865) 436-5423, (800) 251-9202
Description: Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and amusement park atop 3,500-foot Mount Harrison. You can drive to it by way of the winding and often steep Ski Mountain Road or ride the aerial tramway at 1001 Parkway (traffic light No. 9) in downtown Gatlinburg. Skiing is seasonal, with primarily human-made snow, but the rest of the park is open year-round. Amusements include an alpine slide, bungee jumping, an ice-skating rink, arcade games, shopping, and a black bear habitat. Admission is free, with prices varying per attraction.
83. Dollywood Vacations
City: Nashville, TN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (800) 365-5996
Description: As a new service for visitors, Dollywood Vacations Pigeon Forge cabins are available for nightly rental. Located 2 miles from the entrance to Dollywood and only minutes from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other area attractions, Dollywood Vacations rentals offers a long list of amenities. Hot tubs and Jacuzzis soothe tired bodies and game rooms challenge you to family competition. Fully equipped luxury cabins are the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Each cabin has its own unique features for a memorable vacation.