Top Tennessee Outdoor Activities

Enjoy a thrilling day out on the Pigeon River with this private guided whitewater rafting tour. Meet in Hartford for a safety briefing, the head to the river to tackle 5 miles (8 kilometers) of class III to class IV rapids, with scenic views of the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains along the way. No experience necessary.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the enchanting beauty of Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, TN, where every corner reveals a new adventure. With an Adventure Day Pass, immerse yourself in whimsical gardens, hike scenic woodland trails, and join a guided character tour filled with enchanting tales. Engage in the Unity Quest, an interactive scavenger hunt that brings the village's lore to life. Enjoy outdoor games in the Elven Grove Gameyard, and try your hand at axe throwing and archery under the guidance of expert instructors (included with pass). This is the perfect blend of fun, nature, and connection, all wrapped in a magical setting.

The Great Smoky Mountains boast scenic views and this hiking tour takes you on a journey to find them. Join a small group and traverse through the lush landscapes to discover several streams, cascades, and creeks. Each season of the year puts on a different show for hikers so there's always something to enjoy. This is a moderately adventurous hike that gains elevation and climbs over downed trees.

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 Nashville from a local's perspective on this city tour with a local guide. Aboard an open-air, low-speed vehicle, cruise through Nashville to see numerous landmarks and other sightseeing locations. Notable sights along this tour include Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, The Gulch, and Marathon Village. Select a morning, afternoon, or evening tour when booking.

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.

Cruise on Nashville's Cumberland River aboard one of the country's largest paddle-wheel boats, the 'General Jackson Showboat', during this excursion. Book for a lunch or dinner cruise, enjoying the scenery on the riverbanks as well as live entertainment. Round-trip transportation from local hotels included.

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.

On this half-day you can make the most of limited time in Nashville, as a guide takes you to two state parks in just a few hours, with private transport included. Along the way, pass by four waterfalls and learn stories about the ancient history of the area. To help keep energy levels high, water, snacks, and a drink at the brewery are included.

Discover Memphis’ rich history, musical heritage, and Southern cuisine on this comprehensive “best of Memphis” tour. Take in all the highlights of downtown Memphis, from the Blues bars of Beale Street and historic Victorian mansions, to the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and one of Elvis’ early apartments. Get insight into the city's amazing heritage at the your choice of one of three museums only found in Memphis: The National Civil Rights Museum, the Smithsonian's Rock 'n' Soul Museum, or the Edge Motor Museum. After visiting your museum of choice, you'll be driven safely to the Memphis Riverboat to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.

See the highlights of Nashville’s musical history on this small-group electric bike tour. It’s literally rock and roll as the wheels of an e-bike ride you through Music Row, Lower Broadway, Marathon Village, and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park without breaking a sweat. Let the expertise of your guide take you beyond downtown to the site of the CMA Fest, RCA Studio B, and more before returning to downtown Nashville’s Music Row.

See the highlights of Memphis and learn about the city in a deeper way than you could on your own on a city tour. Get your bearings as you pass by key landmarks or upgrade to a package that includes a ride on a riverboat and or a visit to Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley recorded his first song.