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Whether planning a family vacation or solo trip, Tennessee has some great places you can explore. Here are 6 places for an adventurous trip in Tennessee.
Summer is the best time for a vacation with family, friends, or yourself. Tennessee should be on your bucket list if you want an adventurous trip. Whether planning a family vacation or a solo trip, Tennessee has some great places to explore and enjoy your time off. You will find indoor and outdoor recreational activities, historical spots, and the state’s natural beauty. All these places will make your trip a memorable and rewarding experience. The beautiful state of Tennessee will give you an adrenaline rush and make you want to explore further into the town. Below are our picks for the best six places for an adventurous trip in Tennessee.
Pigeon Forge
One of the many exciting and must-visit places in Tennessee is Pigeon Forge. It is a small yet famous town known for its outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities. Pigeon Forge is also home to Dollywood, a popular theme park named after the renowned singer Dolly Parton. The park is one of the largest ticketed attractions in Tennessee. Festivals also occur annually, where Dolly Parton and other famous artists perform live. The park features rides, shows, and other entertainment options you can explore. You can also search for other Pigeon Forge attractions online, where you can enjoy different restaurants, parks, museums, or shops the town offers.
The FireChaser Express at Dollywood. Photo courtesy of Dollywood/ Steven Bridges
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the highlight of Tennessee. It is one of the most iconic and famous tourist attractions not just in Tennessee but in the United States as well. These mountains run along North Carolina and Tennessee, with several gates to enter the park. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and its various hiking trails.
A river flowing over boulders in the lush green forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Photo courtesy AdobeStock
The park also has several historical sites, including the Cades Cove area, a popular spot for visitors to learn about the area’s history. The Smokies attract thousands of tourists annually and provide families with a fun experience with exciting adventures. You can opt for many activities, such as hiking mountain trails, camping in the foothills, or taking long walks to enjoy the mountains’ scenic beauty. The pathways are also great for enjoying beautiful drives or having a peaceful picnic with breathtaking views. The Smokies are a go-to tourist place and should be your highest priority when visiting Tennessee.
Ocoee River
If you want a fun-filled adventure, white water rafting in The Ocoee River is your holy grail. The place has fast rapids perfect for rafting or experiencing the beautiful scenery. You can also zipline along the river as well as enjoy rafting. Various companies offer rafting tours that will give you all the required gear. Rafting is an exciting and safe activity for children and adults to enjoy. You can experience the beautiful outdoors, beat the summer heat, and have an adventurous activity with your family. Experiencing rafting in the rapids of the Ocoee River is something everyone should tick off their bucket lists.
Enjoy the thrill of white water rafting on Tennessee’s Ocoee River. Photo by jr4jesus via iStock by Getty Images
Memphis
If you visit Tennessee and do not visit Memphis, you miss out! Memphis is famous for its music and culture. It was the home of the great legend Elvis Presley, and many music fans adore Memphis.
Sunset on Beale Street. Photo courtesy of Joshua Brown / Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
Elvis’s home, Graceland, is an iconic tourist attraction that thousands of fans visit yearly. The mansion showcases Elvis Presley’s life and shows his fans the life he lived. There are different tour packages available to explore the museum.
You can also visit various historical sites like the National Civil Rights Museum. You can also explore the great outdoors in Memphis, with its funky vibe all around the city. Songs will be playing through the city’s streets, and you can enjoy the live music while eating from some of the best restaurants in town.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a small and adventurous town located in the Smoky Mountains. The city offers many exciting outdoor activities for you and your family. The most famous and visited area here is the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park. The park is also a ski resort where you can enjoy many different activities. You can explore their exciting rides, such as the rollercoaster and chair lift rides, or even shop and eat from the several choices the place offers.
Gatlinburg is also the most popular entrance to The Smokies. If you want to see the best views, you should opt for the Sky Lift Park, or if you want to be a bit more adventurous, you can walk the longest bridge, the Sky Bridge, in North America. No matter what you are looking for, Gatlinburg has something for every traveler. Finding the right place to stay can enhance your experience, whether it’s a cozy retreat with Prestige Vacation Rental or a mountain getaway through Cabinns.
Check out the Skybridge Gatlinburg—North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Photo by Chansak Joe via iStock by Getty Images
Tennessee River
One of the largest tributaries of the Ohio River is the Tennessee River. It stretches around 652 miles across the Tennessee Valley in the southeastern United States. It cuts through Chattanooga and creates the historic North Shore neighborhood and the Bluff View Art District on its southern shore. Numerous outdoor activities and festivals are held annually on the river and its banks.
The historic North Shore neighborhood and the Bluff View Art District sit on the Tennessee River’s southern shore. Photo courtesy Visit Chattanooga
However, if you want a more exhilarating experience, you should opt for a kayaking trip on the Tennessee River. Paddling across the river is a fun way to enjoy the beautiful river scenery while enjoying the adventurous fun of kayaking. It is a great way to explore physical activity, work out, and get yourself connected with nature. Countless companies offer tour packages for kayaking adventures. With so many options throughout the state, do plenty of research to pick the package that best fits your needs.
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