Top Tennessee Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Chattanooga from the sky with a private helicopter tour. Meet your pilot guide for a private flight over downtown Chattanooga including popular landmarks like the Tennessee River, the Chattanooga National Cemetery, and AT&T Field. Customize the tour if there’s anything in particular you’d like to see and enjoy a bird's eye view of the city.

Experience the magic of the Smoky Mountains on a full-day trip from Nashville to Dollywood, the award-winning theme park founded by country legend Dolly Parton. Travel in comfort with round-trip luxury transportation from Gray Line Tennessee and enjoy scenic mountain views along the way. Your ticket includes Dollywood admission, same-day round-trip transportation, and a $40 food voucher to savor authentic Southern cuisine and the park’s famous cinnamon bread. Inside, enjoy over 50 world-class rides and attractions, including the Dollywood Express steam train, family coasters, and thrilling adventures. Beyond the rides, discover live entertainment, seasonal festivals, and Appalachian crafts that celebrate the culture and spirit of East Tennessee. Whether you’re chasing thrills, tasting local flavors, or soaking in the Smoky Mountain charm, this all-inclusive day trip offers the perfect mix of excitement, comfort, and Southern hospitality.

Heavy traffic can take away from the fun of driving the 11-mile (17.7 kilometer) Cades Cove loop. This guided bus tour offers a low-stress alternative to taking your own car, plus provides the benefit of guided commentary so you get more out of the trip than just a chance to admire mountain scenery.

Take to the water for an adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting adventure along the Upper Pigeon River. Enjoy spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains as you paddle through the gorge, tackle more than a dozen thrilling Class III and IV rapids such as ‘Snapdragon’ and ‘Powerhouse’, and perhaps jump in to cool off with a swim.

Take a break from city live and traverse 1.5-miles of Tennessee terrain on a 90-minute zipline adventure. Soar across eight ziplines, with a maximum length of 700-feet and a top height of 85-feet. Along the way, learn about the the local flora and fauna from your guide.  It’s a fun activity regardless of age or experience level. You always feel secure with a provided helmet, safety harness, and pulley system.

See the Smoky Mountains in their full, rolling glory on a 15-minute helicopter tour. Rise above historic downtown Sevierville and catch a glimpse of Pigeon Forge and Tennessee Valley from the air before swooping over the majestic Chilhowee Mountain Range. Get a bird’s-eye view of vast, undeveloped swaths of Smoky Mountain National Park, soaring just above the treetops and cresting over the sheer cliffs of Bluff Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain. It's an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of one of America's great mountain ranges.