That sounds like a plan! The Smokies really are a “choose your own adventure” kind of place. You can find everything from high-octane machine gun ranges and mountain coasters to quiet sewing circles and mountain craft galleries—sometimes all on the same block! Whether you are a thrill-seeker looking to fly through the treetops or a nature lover looking to get lost in the mist of a waterfall, the sheer variety of entertainment here can be dizzying. To help you navigate the noise, we’ve put together a list of the “Heavy Hitters.” These are the legendary, “you-have-to-do-it-once” attractions that have made our neck of the woods famous.

Looking for Something CLOSE?

Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area is just 15 minutes from Tippity Top. The Laurel Falls Trailhead is just 25 minutes from Tippity Top. This is one of the most popular and beautiful Smoky Mountain Waterfall Hikes. Be sure to grab our shared Picnic Basket from upstairs and find and use our guest hiking sticks!. Note: Laurel Falls is closed until the Summer of 2026.

The Heavy Hitters (The Big Attractions)

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The crown jewel! Whether you’re driving the scenic Newfound Gap Road, hiking to Laurel Falls, or exploring the history of Cades Cove, this is the reason we all fell in love with this area.
  • Dollywood (Pigeon Forge): Consistently ranked as one of the best theme parks in the world. It’s got world-class wooden coasters, incredible live music, and—let’s be honest—the cinnamon bread alone is worth the price of admission.
  • Anakeesta (Gatlinburg): You take a scenic “Chondola” ride up to this mountaintop park. It features a canopy walk, botanical gardens, and some of the best sunset views you’ll find in Gatlinburg.
  • Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg): It’s regularly voted the best aquarium in the country. The underwater shark tunnel is a total “must-see,” especially if you have kids in tow.
  • The Island (Pigeon Forge): A massive shopping and entertainment complex. Grab a rocking chair by the dancing fountains, ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or just enjoy the people-watching.
  • Alcatraz East Crime Museum (Pigeon Forge): A fascinating, deep dive into the history of American crime and forensics. It’s housed in a building that looks like a prison and is surprisingly high-tech and engaging.
  • Dolly Parton’s Stampede: If you want a “dinner and a show” experience, this is the gold standard. Horses, trick riding, and a four-course meal you eat with your hands—it’s quintessential Smoky Mountain fun.
  • The Village Shops (Gatlinburg): A quaint, European-style collection of 27 unique shops and eateries. It feels like stepping into a different world just steps away from the busy Gatlinburg Parkway.

Trusted Local Guides

If you want to find the hidden gems or see what’s happening during your specific dates, these sites are fantastic resources:

PigeonForge.com: A very clean, easy-to-navigate site that breaks down shows, attractions, and seasonal events without the “pop-up” ad headache.

SmokyMountains.com: Their “Vibe” guides and hiking maps are some of the best out there for planning your time in the National Park.