When Does Soaky Mountain Open? What To Expect in 2023

soaky mountain entrance with the edge watercoaster

The Edge watercoaster is one of the newest additions to Soaky Mountain Waterpark (photos by Alaina O'Neal/TheSmokies.com)

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Soaky Mountain Waterpark, the world’s most cleverly named waterpark in Tennessee, is opening for the season on May 13-14, 2023, and then daily starting May 20.

Soaky Mountain Waterpark has a host of interesting features, from its translucent sunlight-illuminated tubes to its unique food options that capitalize on food truck popularity.

So, let’s “dive in” and explore a few things you should know before visiting.

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What’s new at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in 2023?

For starters, a season pass holder celebration will be held Friday, May 19, 2023.

And all pass holders who purchase a 2023 souvenir cup will receive free Coke product refills for the day. 

And during the celebration, pass holders will also receive 25% off of all food and non-alcoholic beverages and retail purchases as well as a free pickle with the purchase of a Philly Up! cheesesteak and a free pretzel rod at Candy Cabin.

The park is also planning on having regional musicians performing on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 5 pm near the Wipe Out Bar.

Additionally, five new double-decker cabanas have recently been added to the park, which opened late in the season last year.

They are located right by The Edge watercoaster and feature a sun deck on the upper level, soft seating for up to 20 people, food and drink service, a shaded lower level, a TV and a fan.

“They are the only two-story cabanas in Tennessee, and they are really popular with large groups and families,” said Dave Andrews, general manager of Soaky Mountain.

How big is Soaky Mountain Waterpark?

This mountain-modern standalone waterpark is one of the newer attractions in the area, and at a whopping 50 acres, it’s the area’s largest waterpark.

The Edge Water coaster
The Edge is Soaky Mountain’s newest ride (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)

How many slides does Soaky Mountain have?

Soaky Mountain has more than a few massive slides that offer twists, turns and thrills.

In fact, the waterpark has a total of eight thrill rides, nine family rides and four attractions for kids.

Some of the main highlights include the Avalaunch watercoaster, a first-of-its-kind watercoaster that combines a RocketBLAST® water coaster with four FlyingSAUCER® high-speed turns and a massive sweeping TornadoWAVE finish.

Last season, the waterpark debuted The Edge, a ride that spans two football fields in length. On this ride, guests can “compete” against each other for the best time.

It features a three-story mega drop, tubes with colorful Aqualucent rings and big Boomerango finish, where riders will feel momentarily weightlessness.

Family attractions include Coyote Springs for those who want to relax poolside. It’s a 3,800-square-foot flat-water cabana pool.

There’s also the classic Black Bear Rapids, which is an adventure river, or in other words, a not-so-lazy river.

The Hang 10essee, the cleverly named surfing simulator, is a double FlowRider popular for the more athletically inclined among us.

Another waterpark classic is Soaky Surge, a huge wave pool measuring 35,000 square feet and generating waves up to six feet high.

Slippery Salamanders is another fun feature. It’s a water obstacle course that can test your agility.

Many of Soaky’s slides have stripes and translucent tubes that have unique special effects as you ride.

Read Also: Soaky Mountain vs Splash Country: Which Water Park Is Better?

The Hive for kids at Soaky Mountain water park
The Hive play area at Soaky Mountain for kids (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)

What does Soaky Mountain offer for kids?

One of the things I appreciate about Soaky Mountain is its mini versions of some of the adult-sized slides.

For example, Mini Mayhem is a pint-sized version of the larger Blue Mountain Mayhem. This way, younger children will not feel excluded from the fun.

Also, Lil Rattlers are tube slides to accommodate little thrill seekers until they are ready to take on the big kid slides.

They are located in Boomer’s Bay.

The Hive is the ultimate kids’ play zone that has multiple water play features.

pizza from soaky mountain waterpark in sevierville
Soaky Mountain has surprisingly good pizza, as well as a couple of fun food truck options (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

Does Soaky Mountain Waterpark have food?

Yes!

At Soaky Mountain, you’ll be able to get frozen yogurt, ice cream, popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs, pizza, cookies, lemonade and more.

Also, the folks at Soaky know that food trucks and summer go together like moonshine and mountains. But they don’t just have any ol’ food trucks come through.

They searched for some noteworthy vehicles to build their stationary food trucks. For example, they purchased a 1954 AEC (Chassis) Regent III, which used to be in the London Transit System, and converted it to a food truck.

The food trucks include the Tacolicious Taco Truck and Philly Up! cheesesteak truck.

Additionally, the park features quick-service food stations like the Bee Good CafeSummit Snacks and Base Camp Bistro.

The Soaky Shake Shoppe is another fun place to grab a sweet treat. It has massive shakes in a variety of flavors that tower over the cup.

Does Soaky Mountain Waterpark have towels?

Soaky Mountain does not offer complimentary towels, so if you forget yours, you’ll likely be purchasing one from the gift shop.

Soaky Mountain recently added more shaded areas to their park (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)
Soaky Mountain recently added even more shaded areas to their park (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com)

Is Soaky Mountain part of Wilderness at the Smokies?

Soaky Mountain is part of the Wilderness family, but it is a standalone park.

In fact, Soaky Mountain Waterpark is also the first of its kind in the Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks family, being the first independent waterpark that is not tied to a resort.

Additional shops and features at Soaky Mountain Waterpark

Soaky also has a handful of shops that offer towels, sunscreen and souvenirs.

There are also rentable cabanas with bar services, where you can order snacks, beer or adult beverages without ever having to leave the comfort of your cabana.

Life jackets are also available throughout the park for no extra charge for any guest who needs one.

In conclusion, we really love both parks. It's hard to choose just one. I mean how can you say no to this cute little beaver face? (photo by Alaina O'Neal/TheSmokies.com)
When you visit Soaky Mountain, you might run into the mascot Boomer (photo by Alaina O’Neal/TheSmokies.com)

How much does Soaky Mountain cost?

Season admission passes are on sale now through April 30 for $109.99 and include one guest daily admission ticket.

Starting May 1, season passes will be $119.99.

Daily admission tickets are $47.99 (if purchased online) for anyone above 42 inches and $39.99 for anyone under 42 inches.

Children ages three and up require a ticket. The waterpark will be open through Labor Day and then on weekends in September, weather permitting.

Also, Wilderness at the Smokies guests can purchase a discounted daily admission ticket for $19.99. For more information, visit the website at SoakyMountainWaterpark.com.

Soaky Mountain Waterpark is located at 175 Gists Creek Road in Sevierville, TN, on the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Have you been to Soaky Mountain? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.

View the web story version of this article here.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alaina O'Neal

Alaina is the owner and founder of Alaina Media LLC, a freelance graphic design agency, the owner and founder of BoardGameChick.com, and the co-founder of TheSmokies.com LLC – a media company that specializes in regional travel sites.

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