Description: This is the 84-degree indoor waterpark right at your hotel! It's super awesome because it's the perfect, accessible, all-weather activity. Those with low mobility can enjoy the wave pool or lazy river, while others can hit the slides.
Address: 140 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 (At your hotel)
Website: LINK
Description: This is the perfect starting point for your park exploration. It's super awesome because it's fully accessible, has clean restrooms, features a free 20-minute film about the park, and has museum-quality exhibits on the park's wildlife.
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: A fantastic, drive-up overlook that gives you the iconic postcard view of downtown Gatlinburg with the mountains rising behind it. It's awesome for getting a lay of the land without any walking required.
Address: Gatlinburg Bypass, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Accessed from the main Parkway/US-441)
Website: LINK
Description: This place is more than a store; it's a massive, multi-level museum and shopping experience. It's super awesome because it has everything from kitchen knives to historical artifacts, a waterfall, and even a "Relic Room" with fossils. Fully accessible with elevators.
Address: 2320 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876
Website: LINK
Description: A stunning, interactive museum shaped like the Titanic itself. It's awesome because you receive a boarding pass of an actual passenger and learn their fate at the end. It's moving, educational, and highly accessible.
Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Description: A short drive away, this is a surprisingly fun and quirky stop. It's super awesome because it features a free museum about the company's history (with a giant walk-through bean!), and you can see Duke the dog's house.
Address: 3901 US-411, Dandridge, TN 37725
Website: LINK
Description: Get ready to explore the amazing Metcalf Bottoms and Elkmont area, where stunning mountain streams, lush forests, and peaceful trails are brimming with rich history! You'll discover fascinating sights at every turn, from the historic vacation homes of Daisy Town and a preserved schoolhouse to a perfect riverside picnic spot and even gorgeous, easily accessible waterfalls!
Address: Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Nearest point of entry: Jakes Creek Trailhead (located near the historic cabins)
Directions: From the Jakes Creek Trailhead, walk up the road toward the Appalachian Clubhouse to reach the main part of Daisy Town.
Coordinates: Latitude/Longitude: \(35.652338,-83.581804\)
Website: LINK
Description: The crest of the scenic drive. This large parking area is the state line between TN and NC. It's super awesome because you can stand in two states at once and see for miles. It's also home to the Rockefeller Memorial, where FDR dedicated the park.
Address: Newfound Gap, US-441, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: LINK
Description: A perfect, easy morning for anyone who doesn't want to get in the car. Enjoying the warm water and lazy river at your hotel is an awesome, stress-free way to relax.
Address: 140 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 (At your hotel)
Website: LINK
Description: On the North Carolina side of the park (just past Newfound Gap). It's super awesome because it has a fantastic, accessible outdoor "Mountain Farm Museum" with historic log cabins. Plus, this is the best spot to safely see the park's elk herd, which often grazes in the fields here.
Address: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: LINK
Description: This is the perfect low-mobility trail. Starting at the visitor center, this 3-mile roundtrip path is wide, flat (only 70 feet of gain), and follows the beautiful river. It's awesome for a peaceful, accessible nature walk.
Address: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: LINK
Description: One of the top-rated aquariums in the country. It's super awesome because of its incredible underwater tunnel, where sharks, sea turtles, and giant sawfish swim right over your head. It's fully accessible and a fantastic indoor activity.
Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: A beautiful, clean, and flat shopping and entertainment complex. It's super awesome because you can sit in a rocking chair and watch the stunning Island Show Fountain (synced to music) or browse the unique shops. Very easy to navigate.
Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Description: Located at The Island, this 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel gives you a bird's-eye view of Pigeon Forge and the mountains. It's awesome because the gondolas are fully enclosed, heated/cooled, and provide a gentle, relaxing ride for all ages.
Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Description: Walk (or roll) around one of the most photographed spots in the state. It's super awesome because you can see the historic 1830s Grist Mill, browse the general store, and watch potters at work in the nearby shops.
Address: 186 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Description: A "treetop" theme park. You take an enclosed "Chondola" or a Ridge Rambler truck to the summit. It's awesome because the views are incredible, and the entire village is accessible, with shops, cafes, and the Vista Gardens.
Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: An 8-mile loop road (a short drive from downtown) that's the largest community of independent artisans in North America. It's super awesome because you can park and browse dozens of studios for free, watching people make pottery, weave, and more.
Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Start of the loop)
Website: LINK
Loop Map: LINK
Description: A classic Smoky Mountain activity. The main Parkway is lined with unique shops, from candy kitchens to novelty stores. It's awesome for soaking in the holiday atmosphere. Benches are plentiful for those who need to rest.
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Start anywhere on the Parkway)
Website: LINK
Description: An 11-mile, one-way loop road through a stunning, broad valley. It's super awesome because you can see historic cabins, churches, and a working grist mill, all from your car. This is also your best chance to see wildlife like deer, turkey, and black bears.
Address: Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882
Website: LINK
Description: Located at the halfway point of the loop, this is a must-stop. It's awesome because it has accessible restrooms and a flat, easy-to-navigate area with historic buildings and a working grist mill (you can buy cornmeal).
Address: U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road)
Directions: Look for a sign and turn-off onto a loop road on the right when traveling south on U.S. 441, approximately 5 miles past the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Website: LINK
Description: After a long drive to Cades Cove, some family members might prefer to stay back. This is the perfect, warm, and fun alternative right at the hotel.
Address: 140 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 (At your hotel)
Website: LINK
Description: On the North Carolina side of the park (just past Newfound Gap). It's super awesome because it has a fantastic, accessible outdoor "Mountain Farm Museum" with historic log cabins. Plus, this is the best spot to safely see the park's elk herd, which often grazes in the fields here.
Address: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: LINK
Description: This is the perfect low-mobility trail. Starting at the visitor center, this 3-mile roundtrip path is wide, flat (only 70 feet of gain), and follows the beautiful river. It's awesome for a peaceful, accessible nature walk.
Address: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: LINK
Description: One of the top-rated aquariums in the country. It's super awesome because of its incredible underwater tunnel, where sharks, sea turtles, and giant sawfish swim right over your head. It's fully accessible and a fantastic indoor activity.
Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: A long-running annual tradition! It's super awesome because hundreds of local artisans gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to sell and demonstrate their work. It's a perfect place to find unique holiday gifts.
Address: 234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Event: LINK
Description: Get ready for an unforgettable drive on the Walland to Wears Valley section of the Foothills Parkway, a modern 14.75-mile marvel completed in 2018! This smooth road soars across incredible winding viaducts, climbing to nearly 2,500 feet to offer absolutely breathtaking and expansive views of the Great Smoky Mountains from numerous scenic overlooks.
Address: Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882 OR Newfound Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: Since you're cooking at your suite, a major "activity" is simply relaxing. It's awesome to enjoy the hotel's fire pits, common areas, or just the view from your balcony with family.
Address: 140 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 (At your hotel)
Website: LINK
Description: Many of Gatlinburg's shops, especially in quaint areas like "The Village," are open on Thanksgiving afternoon. It's super awesome for walking off your meal and getting into the holiday spirit with all the lights and decorations.
Address: 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: Typically open on Thanksgiving, this is a charity event where you can walk through a wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. It's awesome for its festive, heartwarming atmosphere.
Address: (Check 2025 location, often at W.L. Mills Conference Center) 207 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: (Typically open on holidays). Take the scenic aerial tram from downtown Gatlinburg up to the ski resort. It's super awesome because the ride itself offers stunning views, and at the top, you can ice skate, see wildlife, or just enjoy the view.
Address: 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Tramway station)
Website: LINK
Description: Take the beautiful Little River Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center to the town of Townsend. It's super awesome because the drive itself follows the river, and Townsend is a peaceful, flat town with antique shops and craft stores.
Address: Townsend, TN 37882
Website: LINK
Description: (Check for modest admission fee, sometimes free). An outstanding outdoor museum in Townsend with 13 historic buildings. It's awesome because it's like a less-crowded Cades Cove, offering a deep dive into the area's history.
Address: 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN 37882
Website: LINK
Description: If you haven't done it yet, this is a world-class attraction. It's awesome for all mobility levels, and the "Penguin Playhouse" and "Shark Lagoon" are unforgettable.
Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: If you're ready for heights, this is the spot. It's awesome for the thrilling ride on the SkyBridge and the incredible photos you'll get from the observation deck.
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: As dusk falls, The Island transforms into a holiday wonderland. It's awesome to grab a hot chocolate, sit in a rocking chair, and watch the $1.5 million fountain show, which is synced to Christmas music.
Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Description: A perfect, relaxing afternoon drive. This 8-mile loop is full of artists' studios. It's awesome because you can stop as much or as little as you like, all while seeing a different side of Gatlinburg.
Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Start of the loop)
Website: LINK
Description: A great last stop. It's awesome for picking up last-minute souvenirs (the bookstore is excellent) and asking rangers any final questions you have about the park.
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: LINK
Description: This place is so big, you probably missed half of it. It's awesome for a final browse or to pick up unique gifts you were thinking about.
Address: 2320 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876
Website: LINK
Description: One last splash! It's awesome to let the kids (and adults) burn off energy at the indoor waterpark before the car ride home, while others can simply relax by the pool.
Address: 140 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876 (At your hotel)
Website: LINK
Description: A great, flat, and accessible place to spend the last few hours. It's awesome for grabbing a final souvenir or just enjoying the fountain show one last time.
Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK
Activity:
Description: Get ready to be enchanted by the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile, one-way loop that fully immerses you in a lush, biodiverse forest right from the comfort of your car! This captivating drive invites you to slow down and enjoy views of rushing mountain streams, old-growth forests, and fascinating historic log cabins and grist mills that tell the story of the region's past.
Address: Enter Gatlinburg: Drive into Gatlinburg, TN.
Turn at Traffic Light #8: Look for traffic light #8 and turn onto Historic Nature Trail Road (also called Airport Road).
Follow to Cherokee Orchard: Continue on Historic Nature Trail Road until you reach the Cherokee Orchard entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Enter the trail: Stay on Cherokee Orchard Road. The entrance to the 5.5-mile, one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will be on your right, just past the Rainbow Falls trailhead.
Website: LINK
Description: A 2-3 hour indoor experience that's perfect for a final afternoon. It's awesome, respectful, and educational for all ages.
Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: LINK