Top Tennessee Outdoor Activities

The Crystal Palace Tour is a 45-55 minute guided walking tour through the first 1/4 mile of the cave. This section of the cave has been modified to include lights, pathways, steps, and handrails. Education is the focus of our tours and your guide will explain how caves form, provide a history of the cave, and point out a wide variety of formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and much more, including rare shield and helictite formations! Guests also have a chance to view cave wildlife including bats and salamanders, as well as ancient fossils. Photography is welcomed, however you must keep up with the group. As a reminder our cave is not wheelchair or child stroller accessible.

If you’re looking for an adventure that puts you high in the sky with 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains, this Gatlinburg Mountaintop Zipline and Sky Bridge Experience is just for you. Along with six opportunities to zipline high above the treetops, you’ll also get to go on four sky bridges and rappel onto the end platform. Plus, an ATV ride to the top of the mountain is included to make for an easy and fun time.

Discover the scenic beauty of Lebanon, TN on a 1.5-hour trail ride through the picturesque Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Accompanied by knowledgeable trail guides, this adventure is perfect for riders aged 13 and up, whether you're a beginner or have more experience. As you navigate through captivating landscapes, you'll gain insights into the park's rich history and wildlife. Capture stunning views and create unforgettable memories with the majestic horses that accompany you on this journey into nature's embrace.

Go whitewater rafting in Tennessee with this half-day adventure along the Ocoee River. After a short safety introduction, board a private bus for a ride through the Cherokee National Forest. Climb aboard the raft and experience more than 20 class III and class IV rapids while descending the river gorge. Enjoy plenty of opportunities to swim, if you wish, on this nature-filled escape from the city.

Zip through Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains on a mountain coaster with this admission ticket. Navigate several twists, turns, and drops through the lush forest landscape and take in the mountain scenery while you ride. For the more adventurous, take the coaster at night and enjoy a fun ride through the mountains while it's lit up.

Whether you’re an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) novice or a seasoned off-roader, enjoy thrills and spills under the eye of an instructor/guide on this Pigeon Forge adventure. Riding your own solo ATV, roar up to a high bluff with valley views and down to a messy mudhole (immersion optional). Numbers are limited to 10, ensuring personal attention and minimal waiting around.

You don’t have to be a kid to act like one with this Zorbing experience in Pigeon Forge—though kids as young as five are welcome to participate. Roll down a 1,00 foot (304 meter) hill in a giant, specialty-welded human hamster ball with up to three of your friends or family members. There are no other zorbing tracks in the country quite like it!

Take in the beauty of Sevierville Nature Park from new heights with this private zipline tour. With the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, this 2,500-foot-long tour covers seven separate ziplines and sees guests travel up to 50mph. One for adventure lovers, as well as frequent visitors to the area looking to do something new, each tour is guided by a zipline professional who’ll point out areas of interest along your journey.

When you’re ready for an unforgettable ride, come visit The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster! This is the longest mountain coaster in the Southeast and provides visitors with an 8+ minute ride that is sure to be one of the highlights of your visits. You can ride The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster during the day for scenic views of Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains, or ride it at night to see the sparkling city lights.

Check out one of the most scenic drives in America on this approximately three hour jeep tour along the Foothills Parkway in the Smoky Mountains. This is a small group tour, so you’ll keep costs down by sharing your vehicle. But you’ll still have excellent views, several stops for photos, and a fun family-friendly all terrain ride.

A personalized horseback riding adventure awaits in Lebanon, TN. This 1.5-hour private trail ride is perfect for groups looking to explore the natural beauty of Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Riders aged 7 and up can gather their friends and family for an exclusive experience. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you ride through lush greenery, creating unforgettable memories in a serene setting. With a maximum weight limit of 240 lbs, this intimate ride is designed for all experience levels, ensuring everyone can partake in the joy of horseback riding.

With as many as 100,000 endangered grey bats coming to roost around the caves of Nickajack Lake, this kayaking tour near Chattanooga offers an exceptional opportunity to watch them on their nightly hunts. You’ll visit the Nickajack Bat Cave and Wildlife Refuge in the Tennessee River and paddle out to the bat cave. While these animals take to the sky during sunset, you’ll learn about the local efforts made to protect and preserve the species.

Travel down the Cumberland River on a 2-hour pontoon cruise designed for you to have fun whilst enjoying the sights of Nashville! The Nashville Water Taxi is the premier water activity company in town with easy boarding location within walking distance of Downtown Nashville. You'll be greeted by your licensed USCG Captain and Deckhand who will offer you drink (for purchase) before setting sail, giving you the opportunity to relax on board, soak in the sights, and enjoy some Nashville History. Live narration will begin after departing the dock and will continue while cruise along the Scenic Cumberland River. Don't miss out on the local history, wildlife, and amazing photo opportunities of the Nashville Skyline! Note: Bar is available onboard to purchase a wide variety of drinks including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. (Ex. water, soda, local & domestic beer, wine, canned cocktails and champagne!)

Explore the lush Tennessee countryside during the cool sunset hours with this scenic horseback ride along a forested trail. Pick up the basics with a quick lesson at the stables, then head out with your riding guide through the rolling fields and woods for a leisurely paced excursion. Spot local wildlife from rabbits to deer as the landscape comes to life as the temperatures dip and stop to take in views along the way.

Ramp up the holiday spirit with a ticket to YO HO at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Christmas Show in Pigeon Forge. Sing along to your favorite holiday tunes while watching real lumberjacks participate in friendly competitions like sawing, log rolling, and speed climbing. After the show, you can compete in your own challenges in the onsite adventure park.

Relax in the arms of Mother Nature on this guided jeep tour of the Smoky Mountains. Take about a half day to explore all the woodlands and water features that make up the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Max group size is 10, so a small group tour. Explore the American Frontier with nearly 200 years of history.

Hit the dance floor with confidence while visiting Nashville with the skills you pick up at this line dance lesson for beginners. Learn the basic steps in just an hour with this fun but informative workshop so you can jump into any honky tonk dance party in Music City and show off your moves at home. Record your lesson on your phone with the provided tripods for a refresher before your next night on the town.

Mini golf gets a sweet twist on this Candyland-themed course in Pigeon Forge. Putt your way through locations such as Bubblegum Garden and Ice Cream Canyon, each decorated with details including giant gummy bears and cupcake pillars that bring the course to life. When you need a break, swing by the milkshake bar or candy store for a sweet snack.

Tick off many of Nashville’s top landmarks, and get spectacular views you won't find anywhere else, in a short space of time on this private helicopter tour over Nashville. Ascend above Music City and get aerial views of the Ryman Auditorium, Downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Tennessee State Capitol, and Germantown.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to line dance, then this is the experience for you. Save time watching videos over and over again, and instead, get expert guidance from a teacher. The lesson is perfect for beginners, as it starts with the basic steps, and progresses to line dances that are well-known across the US. Best of all, at the end, a video is provided to take home with you, so you can practice in your own time.

Experience the beauty of a Pigeon River rafting trip without the big thrills on this peaceful float down the river’s lower section. Not only is this kid-friendly tour a great option for families with kids aged three and older, but it’s also the perfect chance to relax and admire beautiful Blue Mountain scenery.

Cover more ground in Music City with this Nashville e-bike tour. Set off with your guide and small group to pedal through the heart of the city and take in sights like Lockeland Springs and Shelby Park, stop to snap a picture from the Pedestrian Bridge, and dismount to stroll along the Country Music Walk of Fame. End with the Nashville Famers Market and the Bicentennial Mall, two of the city’s top sights.

Prepare to get wet on an exciting Smoky Mountain rafting adventure down the Pigeon River. Even if it’s your first time, grab a paddle and navigate dozens of class I and II rapids that offer plenty of splashes and thrills but are perfect for beginners. The closest rafting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this 2-hour afternoon trip makes a great addition to any Smoky Mountain family vacation.