There’s so much to do and see in the Great Smoky Mountains.
With numerous attractions and entertainment options fighting for your vacation dollar, it can be hard to choose just one. If you’ve found this list, you’ve likely at least narrowed down your search to amusement parks and theme parks.
So, let’s rank them. Here are the top amusement parks and theme parks in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas:
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11. The Island (Pigeon Forge)
We’re playing a little loose with the “amusement park” term here. The Island is more of a shopping and entertainment complex. However, it does have a selection of rides including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
It also has an attraction within the complex called the SkyFly, which is a similar experience to Soarin’ at EPCOT in Orlando.
Additionally, new in 2023, this destination in Pigeon Forge added a handful of standalone rides, which include Island Farm’N for the smaller members of the family as well as thrill rides for the more adventurous vacationers.
Essentially, it has something for the whole family. And best of all, the area has no entrance fee and free parking. The Island is located at 131 Island Drive in Pigeon Forge.
10. Outdoor Gravity Park
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider a visit to the Outdoor Gravity Park to try some zorbing.
What is zorbing? It’s basically when you get into a large, clear ball and roll downhill. I find it to be a similar experience as riding a water ride at a waterpark, except you can do it all year long.
Plus, Outdoor Gravity Park claims to be the only zorbing park in the whole United States.
Outdoor Gravity Park occasionally offers discounts on Groupon.
Read Also: Zorbing in Pigeon Forge at Outdoor Gravity Park, an Honest Review
9. Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud and Adventure Park (Pigeon Forge)
This attraction from Paula Deen has both a show and an adventure park.
At the show, you will watch as lumberjack families participate in a series of challenges. Then, at the adventure park, you can challenge your own skills.
There are four unique areas that include the Flying Ox, a first-of-its-kind zipline roller coaster, a ropes course, Loggersports – which includes a Log Roll, Boom Run and a Speed Climb – as well as Timber Towers, which features 80-ft freefall jumps.
Check Tripster for discounts on your combo pass and single day admissions.
Lumberjack Feud is located at 2530 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
8. Ober Mountain (Gatlinburg)
Ober Mountain, formerly known as Ober Gatlinburg, is an amusement park and ski area located in the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
While Ober is Tennessee’s only ski and snowboard destination, the attraction also features an Aerial Tramway, a mountain coaster, ice bumper cars, a chairlift, a wildlife encounter, shopping and more.
While it’s most popular in the winter season, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors occupied all year long. Get a discount with Tripster on the Aerial Tramway when you book ahead of time online.
Ober is located at 1001 Parkway Suite 2 in Gatlinburg.
7. Skyland Ranch (Sevierville)
This attraction is one of the newest in the area. Skyland Ranch is a mountaintop entertainment venue that is accessible by a scenic chairlift.
At the top, you’ll see miniature animal petting areas, an outdoor event space area, live entertainment, retail shops and dining experiences.
Finally, there’s also a mountain coaster, a 1.25-mile ride where riders control their own speed as they journey down the mountain.
Skyland Ranch is located at 1620 Parkway in Sevierville.
Read Also: Skyland Ranch: 8 Things To Do at the New Attraction Near Pigeon Forge
6. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park (Gatlinburg)
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is an attraction that is best known for being the home of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, the SkyBridge.
However, there’s more to do at this attraction than just walking the iconic bridge. The park also has a SkyLift chair lift, a SkyDeck viewing area and a SkyTrail with an observation tower.
While there aren’t a ton of dining opportunities at this park, you can get a variety of snacks and quick meals at the SkyDeck, such as pizza, hot dogs and beers.
If you’re looking for a park with rides, this probably isn’t for you. But if you want a Smoky Mountain experience with great views, look no further.
SkyLift Park is located at 765 Parkway in Gatlinburg.
5. Wilderness at the Smokies Resort and Waterpark (Sevierville)
Wilderness at the Smokies is a resort and family adventure center with two outdoor waterparks as well as Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark.
The lodge also has a gaming center with a ropes course, arcade, laser tag and mini golf.
With expansions on the way, this resort and waterpark will soon have a rooftop pool with a glass edge. Check Groupon for discounts for your stay.
The resort is located at 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy in Sevierville.
4. Anakeesta (Gatlinburg)
Anakeesta is an outdoor adventure spot located in the treetops of Gatlinburg.
The park features a treetop skywalk, a mountain coaster, play areas for kids, shopping and dining opportunities.
For those who want an extra adventure, the park offers ziplining, a mountain coaster and gem mining for an extra charge.
Anakeesta is also where you will find the Astra Lumina night walk experience, featuring lighting, projection and sound. It is the first of its kind in the United States. Note that it is not included in general admission.
Before you go, check Tripster for discounts on general admission. Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway in Gatlinburg.
Read Also: Astra Lumina at Anakeesta Is Now Open, What You Need To Know
3. Dollywood’s Splash Country (Pigeon Forge)
Dollywood’s Splash Country is the water park to the Dollywood theme park, backed by the Dolly Parton name. It has 35 acres of slides, a lazy river and a wave pool.
The park has a total of 17 separate attractions and a handful of rentable cabanas for those seeking an upgraded experience. Check Tripster for discounts on multi-day passes.
Splash Country is located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd in Pigeon Forge.
2. Soaky Mountain Waterpark (Sevierville)
Soaky Mountain Waterpark is a brand new, 50-acre waterpark nestled in the Smoky Mountains.
It has something for everyone, including 20 rides and slides and also play areas for the little ones.
Overall, this is a mountain-modern park with food trucks, bars, slides with light effects and a first-of-its-kind watercoaster.
Located right across the street from Wilderness, it’s at 175 Gists Creek Rd in Sevierville.
Read Also: Soaky Mountain vs Splash Country, Which Water Park Is Better?
1. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge)
Dollywood is a theme park located in the Smoky Mountains, owned by Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. It’s the most iconic and well-known park in the Pigeon Forge area.
If you’re looking for a theme park that can rival the likes of Disney, this is it.
It has stellar roller coasters like the Wild Eagle, Lightning Rod and Mystery Mine. It’s well known for its live entertainment and award-winning seasonal festivals.
From fantastic rides to music and shows, there are several things that make Dollywood special. Book your tickets ahead of time with Tripster.
The Dollywood theme park is located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd in Pigeon Forge.
Have you been to any of these attractions near Pigeon Forge? Let us know in the comments below.
