If you plan your next vacation to Tennessee’s Smokys, then Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the perfect destinations. Both these destinations are family friendly and have many activities for you.

Both are close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and are a dream come true for any nature lover or adventurist. Anyone who visits the Smokys keeps coming back because of the calm and relaxing atmosphere here. It is a great retreat from your work life and will help you unwind.

You can explore gorgeous waterfalls, drive along the Smokys, go shopping in downtown Gatlinburg and go hiking with your family, amongst other exciting things.

Are you worried about planning everything and deciding which tourist attractions you should visit? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are the top five places to visit in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. So, without further ado, let us jump straight to the topic.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park should be at the top of your travel itinerary when you visit East Tennessee. It is a nature lover's paradise. There is no better place to see this wonder up close than in Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg is located at one of the park's many entrances and hence offers easy accessibility to visitors. If you are traveling with your family, these acts are a blessing in disguise. You won't have to pack big travel bags with you.

You can leave them at your lodging location due to their proximity. We recommend getting large cabins like those at Timber Tops when traveling in groups or with your family to avoid inconvenience. They also offer a stunning view of the Smokys and make your vacation all the more special.

The cool and crisp mountain air, lush green valleys, incredible wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic scenery will make you want to stay here forever. This park also has strict protocols to ensure that it is preserved in its natural beauty and that the wildlife and plantation here are not disturbed.

We recommend visiting the park from June through October, as it is one of the best times to see nature in all its glory. You'll fall in love with the gorgeous scenery with red, orange, and yellow hues painted across the park in Autumn.

If you love Spring, the best time to visit is April to May. It offers a huge variety of flowers for its visitors during these two months truly leaves you in awe.

2. The Island, Pigeon Forge

The Island is one of the most visited places in Pigeon Forge. It is because it offers a glamorous getaway for you. It is a premier attraction in Pigeon Forge and will make you think you’ve stepped into a completely new city. It is so huge that it acts as a mini-complex inside Pigeon Forge.

The central water fountain is adorned with stunning colored lights. The Ferris Wheel on the skyline makes it all the more attractive. You’ll find cafes and restaurants, games and arcades, stores, and shopping points at every corner of the Island.

If you want, you can spend your entire vacation here. There is so much to do here that you won’t get bored. Add the Island to your must-visit list to have an experience of a lifetime.

3. Anakeesta

Anakeesta is a renowned adventure park in Gatlinburg with visitors all year round. It offers great adventures and activities for adrenaline junkies. The gondola or chairlift is used for transportation so you can reach the Summit. If you dislike heights, you can use the Ridge Rambler truck to get to the top.

Many fun activities are waiting for you at the top. Ziplines, hiking, and walking at the tree canopy walk are examples. However, remember that most of these activities require physical exertion; if you struggle with it, you should avoid Anakeesta altogether. Pay special attention to the rules and regulations at each pitstop at the Summit.

You'll find many mouthwatering eateries if you want to enjoy some good food at a high altitude. The AnaVista Tower is another pit stop where you can enjoy a stunning view of the Smokys and downtown Gatlinburg.

4. Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokys

The Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg has been declared the best aquarium in America by USA Today. With over 10000 sea creatures to see, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

If you love watching aquatic life in action, this is the perfect tour for you. If you are traveling with your kids, then be sure to add this to your travel itinerary.

There are many interactive exhibits here, like the Penguin Playhouse, Pet Live Stingrays, and a gorgeous glass-bottom tour of the famous shark lagoon. You can dedicate 3 to 4 hours of your day to this marine wonderland, and we guarantee you’ll be filled with awe.

5. Dollywood

Dollywood is one of the biggest theme parks in the US. It was built by the famous country music sensation Dolly Parton. The amusement park is a bright, colorful, and welcoming place. It has more than 30 rides and shows. If you enjoy amusement parks, then you must visit Dollywood at least once in your life.

There is something here for everyone. You’ll find daring rollercoasters, bumper cars kid-friendly rides. These features make it one of the top attractions in Pigeon Forge, with millions of people pouring in every year.

Dollywood also has souvenir shops and eateries. You’ll find a huge variety of items here, and you just won’t be able to resist buying them.

Conclusion

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the two most visited places in Southeast Tennessee. The main reason is its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

There are many fun activities that you can indulge in here. We have listed some of the top-most visited places there, and we hope this article helped you shortlist the tourist attractions you’ll be visiting on your next vacation.