Our Local Suggestions

Locally sourced, farm to table ingredients. Now open in Sevierville – all-natural, grass-fed beef burgers!  Click for menu.

Your home for fresh New England Seafood in the Smokies. Located in historic downtown Sevierville, serving up fresh lobster rolls, ramen, sushi, fish-and-chips and oysters. Casual, happy hour food · Great cocktails · Live music 

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A scratch kitchen known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and a menu that features a variety of American dishes, including burgers, steaks, ribs, and seafood. Large selection of craft beers, whiskies, and signature cocktails. The ambiance is casual, lively and family-friendly.  Click for menu.

Upscale comfort food and cocktails in a historic hotel setting with a cozy fireplace and rooftop seating. Click for menu.

Family owned/operated restaurant offering New Jersey style pizza, appetizers, hoagies, wings, authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and pasta specials daily. Click for menu.

A nostalgic social corner in Historic Downtown Sevierville where the stakes are high, the drinks are cold, and the fun never stops! Indulge in our delicious hand-tossed pizzas, house made hummus, juicy burgers and more, perfectly complemented by a selection of hand-crafted cocktails. Challenge friends to duckpin bowling or other fun games like classic board games, arcade games, snookball (soccer + pool) and more. It's fun for all ages! Relax at our bar with an extensive beverage selection including beer, wine, liquor and more.  Click for menu.

Rooftop cocktail bar featuring amazing views of the Smokies and the downtown area below. Click for menu.

Upscale restaurant serving creative fare featuring steaks and seafood. Bringing a contemporary Southern Appalachian dining experience to Sevierville and Smoky Mountain area all while honoring the past. Click for menu.

Located in historic downtown Sevierville, TN, Buffalo Breakfast Co. is the newest eatery in town, serving up crafted Southern dishes with a modern twist. Relaxed, cozy. Southern-style breakfast options and lunch fare. Click for menu.

 Things to do

• Drive or bike the Cades Cove Loop: This 11-mile, one-way road winds through the valley and provides access to historic buildings, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Visit historic buildings: See restored churches, log homes, and a working grist mill. The John P. Cable Mill is located at the Cades Cove Visitor Center.
• Go hiking: Many trails start in Cades Cove, including the Abrams Falls Trail.
• Look for wildlife: Cades Cove is a prime spot for viewing black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and other wildlife. 

Tips for visiting

• Go early or late: To avoid traffic and increase your chances of seeing wildlife, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
• Allow plenty of time: The loop can take two to four hours to drive, longer if you stop to hike or explore historic buildings.
• Check visitor center hours: The Cades Cove Visitor Center is open daily, but closed on Christmas Day. Hours vary by season.
• Enjoy for free: There is no admission fee to enter Cades Cove, though some activities like horseback riding and camping have fees. 

The Abrams Falls Trail is a 5-mile roundtrip, moderate hike in the Cades Cove area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park that leads to a 20-foot waterfall. The trail is popular and follows Abrams Creek for most of its length, with a few ascents before reaching the falls. A parking tag is required to park in the park for more than 15 minutes, and allow for additional time to drive the Cades Cove Loop Road. 

• Length: 5 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: Approximately 629 feet
• Location: Cades Cove area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Features: The trail follows Abrams Creek to the Abrams Falls, which is about 20 feet high. 

Important information

• Parking tag: A parking tag is required to park in the park for more than 15 minutes, including at the trailhead. National Park Service has more information.
• Driving: Allow ample time to drive the Cades Cove Loop Road, as it can take a few hours to complete. 

Laurel Falls refers to a popular waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the trail that leads to it. The 2.6-mile roundtrip trail is paved and considered moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 314 feet. However, the Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for rehabilitation work, and is not expected to reopen until early 2027.

• Length: 2.6 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty: Moderate, with an elevation gain of 314 feet
• Path: Paved
• Highlights:
  • Plunges 75 feet
  • A concrete bridge at the base of the upper falls for a unique viewing perspective
  • Active bear inhabitant area, so it's important to be aware and alert
• Closure: The trail is closed for an 18-month rehabilitation project, which began in January 2025, and is not expected to reopen until early 2027. 

Tips for visiting

• The trail is very popular, so arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Carry plenty of drinking water.
• Wear closed-toe shoes.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially since the area is home to black bears.
• A parking tag is required for any stop over 15 minutes in the park. 

Nearby alternatives

• Gatlinburg Trail: Pets and bikes are allowed.
• Oconaluftee River Trail: Pets are also allowed. 

The Gatlinburg Trail is one of two walking paths on which visitors can walk dogs and bicycle. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on all other park trails. The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which at one point is crossed by a pedestrian foot bridge. Foundations and chimneys of several old homesites are visible along the trail. The Gatlinburg Trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists.

Please keep in mind a parking pass is required when parking longer than 15 minutes at the trailhead. 

Region: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Length: 1.9 miles (one-way)
Rated: Easy
Elevation Gain: 164 ft
Route Type: Out & Back or Point-to-Point

The Grotto Falls trail is a 2.6-mile roundtrip hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that features a 25-foot waterfall behind which you can walk. It's considered a moderate hike with a gradual incline, and the trail passes through old-growth forest and rhododendron thickets, with four small stream crossings. The trailhead is located on the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and due to limited parking, it is recommended to arrive early or use a shuttle. 

• Length: 2.6 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 585 feet
• Highlights: The unique 25-foot waterfall you can walk behind, old-growth forest, and wildflowers in the spring
• Trailhead: Trillium Gap Trailhead, located on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail 

 Tips for your hike

• Arrive early: The parking lot fills up quickly, so consider arriving before 8 AM or having a backup plan.
• Wear proper footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy and slippery, and is not paved.
• Bring water: It is essential to carry drinking water on your hike.
• Be prepared for stream crossings: The trail crosses several small streams, which can make conditions muddy.
• Mind the rules: Pets and bicycles are prohibited on this trail. 

As if we need to promote 

Dollywood, an award-winning theme park located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The 160-acre park offers more than 50 rides, entertainment, and festivals celebrating the culture of the southern Appalachian region.  

 To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:

• Arrive early: Lines tend to be shorter in the morning. Arriving an hour before opening can help with parking and getting on popular rides with minimal waiting.
• Visit during the week: Weekday crowds are generally smaller than weekend crowds.
• Download the app: The official Dollywood app provides a park map, ride wait times, and show schedules.
• Check  www.dollywood.com for ticket specials and to purchase in advance to avoid the long lines.

 Anakeesta is a 70-acre mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, known for its scenic views and a variety of family-friendly attractions. The park's name is a Cherokee word meaning "high ground". The park is accessed via a scenic Chondola (a combination chairlift and gondola) that transports guests 600 feet up Anakeesta Mountain. Anakeesta offers a range of activities for all ages: 

• Treetop Skywalk: North America's longest tree-based skywalk, with 880 feet of suspension bridges 50 to 60 feet in the air.
• Hellbender Mountain Coaster: A thrilling ride down the mountainside.
• Dueling Zipline Adventure: Race against a friend on Gatlinburg's fastest duel racing zipline.
• Astra Lumina: An enchanted night walk experience with illuminated light displays.
• Play areas: The park features several play areas, including the Treehouse Adventure Play Area and the BirdVenture Play Area.
• Gem mining: A fun activity for younger visitors.

 Ober Mountain

is an adventure park and ski area in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, formerly known as Ober Gatlinburg. It is a year-round destination situated on Mount Harrison that offers winter sports, amusement park attractions, and dining options.  

 Access to the mountain: You can reach Ober Mountain in two ways:

• Aerial Tramway: A 2.1-mile tramway from downtown Gatlinburg takes you to the mountaintop while offering scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The tram runs year-round, but can close for high winds.
• Drive: Visitors can also drive directly to the top, where paid parking is available. 

Year-round attractions: 

• Mountain Coaster: The Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster is a popular ride for all ages.
• Alpine Slide: You can ride a gravity-propelled sled down a track on the side of the mountain.
• Wildlife Habitat: A small zoo-like area is home to rescued animals native to the region, including black bears.
• Ice Skating Rink: An indoor ice skating rink is open to the public year-round.
• Other activities: Options like ice bumper cars, rock climbing, a scenic chairlift, and zip lines are also available. 

Winter activities: In the colder months, Ober Mountain offers a full range of winter sports, supported by state-of-the-art snowmaking systems: 

• Snow Skiing and Snowboarding: The resort is the only ski area in Tennessee and offers nine trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
• Snow Tubing: This popular winter activity is offered on designated lanes.
• Snow Zone: A play area is available for young children and families. 

Soaky Mountain Waterpark

is a 50-acre waterpark located at 175 Gists Creek Rd in Sevierville, Tennessee. It is known for its wide variety of attractions, including thrilling waterslides, a wave pool, and a river. 

• Hours of operation: For the 2025 season, the park was open daily from mid-May through Labor Day, with weekends only in September. Hours were 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. on weekends. Hours can vary depending on the date, so it's best to check the calendar on the official website before visiting.

Dollywood's waterpark is Dollywood's Splash Country, which is closed for the season and will reopen on May 10, 2026. The 2025 season ran from May 10 through September 21. Park information

• Location: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, adjacent to the Dollywood theme park.
• Operating schedule: The park generally operates from May through September, with specific hours of operation (typically 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m.) posted on the Dollywood website's calendar.
• Parking: On-site parking is available for a fee, but complimentary trams provide transport to the entrance.
• Tickets and passes: You can purchase single-day tickets for the waterpark, combination tickets for both the waterpark and theme park, or Season Passes for access throughout the operating season. 

Wild WaterDome: Tennessee's largest indoor water park, with a transparent roof for year-round tanning. Attractions include a wave pool, surf rider, water slides, a family raft ride, and the lazy river Kaleidoscope Kavern.

To purchase day passes:

www.wildernessatthesmokies.com/waterparks