Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Sevierville, TN

  • Published 2022/03/19

Largely popular for its gorgeous panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville is a moderately-sized city on the western banks of the Pigeon River.

Sevierville is the main city in Sevierville, and it’s part of the larger Knoxville-Sevierville-La Follette Combined Statistical Area.

This city owes its prosperity largely to the growing tourism industry that has flourished as a result of extensive development taking place near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

In 2004, tourism contributed to the success of 50% of businesses based in this charming county seat of Sevier County.

Sevierville is a lovely East Tennessee gem that has so much to offer, from thrilling ziplines, relaxing horseback riding tours, astounding waterparks to sensational helicopter tours.

There are a plethora of things to do in this city, but the list of the 15 best things to do in Sevierville, Tennessee, below offers you the most unforgettable Smoky Mountain vacation!

Take a Photo with the Dolly Parton Statue

The upper half of Dolly Parton Statue

Hannah Henderson / Shutterstock.com

Dollywood, the star of a theme park nearby in Pigeon Forge, stands tall on the lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse.

Her life-sized bronze sculpture is part of a 28-stop walking tour in her hometown, where nearly all the locals know her personally.

The figure describes young, starry-eyed Dolly relaxing while sitting on a rock accompanied by her guitar under a shady tree.

As you take a photo with the bronze statue, you can learn more about Dolly’s origins and musical accomplishments.

Dolly Parton has been in the business since the early 80s, when she delighted audiences with lyrics, melodies, and a gorgeous smile.

Full view of Dolly Parton Statue

PT Hamilton / Shutterstock.com

And it’s no exaggeration to say that Dolly Parton is America’s leading entrepreneur, especially when it comes down to entertainment.

Among her many entrepreneurial ventures, Dolly has founded the Dollywood Company and built a theme park empire with the help of other entrepreneurs in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The singer/songwriter is also actually one of America’s leading entrepreneurs due to the impact she has on children.

Through her Imagination Library project, which aims to replace illiteracy among children, Dolly has maneuvered herself into people’s hearts and on the screens too!

Charge Up Your Adrenaline with Go-Karting and Trampoline Jumping

To get your adrenaline pumping, make a trip to the Smoky Mountains and Sevier Air Trampoline & Ninja Warrior Park.

Fired-up race fans and family members will be rolling into Tennessee when they step through the entrance of the NASCAR Speedpark Smoky Mountains.

Located at Parkway, Sevierville, NASCAR SpeedPark offers countless fun and family-oriented entertainment options like thrilling go-karting rides and 36 holes of fun mini-golf.

You won’t want to miss 5,000 square feet of arcade games featuring virtual reality experiences such as dancing at your favorite concert, participating in epic snowball fights, or battling zombies in a post-apocalyptic world.

And if you still need some more fun, take a 3-minute drive to Collier Drive and put your Ninja skill and trampoline endurance to the test with Ninja Warrior obstacles and 38,000 square feet of trampolines.

Have Fun at the Smokies’ Highest Ziplines

If you want to feel more excited and invigorated, it’s always a great idea to try some of Sevierville’s amazing high-ropes courses.

For a little adventure and the ultimate experience, beware of not one but four different zip-line destinations that will surely get your heart pumping from exhilaration and pure excitement.

Legacy Mountain Ziplines offers seven exhilarating zip-line tours that travel 500 feet above the ground while gliding on lines across the sky on an impressive 400 acres of wilderness with amazing vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Wahoo Ziplines located at Stockton Drive features a 2-mile long zip line that can take you through the forest canopy, giving you a birds’ eye view of the forest and panoramic views of Sevierville below.

At the high points of your zipline flight, which are between 40 feet to 250 feet above ground level, there’s even the chance to take some jaw-dropping pictures.

Adventure Park Ziplines offers seven zip-lines, the longest being two 2000-feet long and others covering up to 70 acres of views of the gorgeous Smoky Mountain national forest, including horseback riding along rugged trails.

The zip-lining experience at Wears Valley Zipline Adventures is one for the record books, with tours ranging from 2000 feet to a full 43 acres.

The longest course is 2000 feet long and 250 feet high, while the rest are sure to offer spectacular views of the otherwise unspoiled Mount Le Conte and Smoky Mountain National Park.

Dive into Sevierville’s Fun and Exciting Waterparks

The fantastic area of Sevierville is also known for some incredible waterparks and family adventure centers like the Smokies Wilderness, which features a mind-blowing 66,000-square-foot indoor waterpark called Wild WaterDome.

The Wild WaterDome features the Storm Chaser thrill ride, a scream-tastic 55-foot waterslide that sends thrill-seekers down a winding tunnel ride before catapulting them into a zero-gravity drop through a funnel where they enjoy some fast oscillations before splashing into the pool below.

Soaky Mountain Waterpark is an aquatic amusement center in Gists Creek Road that features family-friendly surfing pools, wave pools, tube rides, and tunnel flumes.

There are so many thrill rides here and the most notable one, in particular, is the center’s unique water coaster thrill ride called AVALAUNCH.

It’s a two-person tube ride that takes you on a wild adventure full of valleys and hills as you reach impressive speeds before hitting a heart-pumping climb up to the top of a wall before descending into a lake full of white water to finish.

The Family Aquatic Center at the Sevierville City Park features two fun water slides with a splash pad, a plunge pool, and a fully-refurbished 25-meter outdoor swimming pool.

Take Photos at Harrisburg Covered Bridge

View of the Harrisburg Covered Bridge

Jerry Whaley / Shutterstock.com

The Harrisburg Covered Bridge in Sevier County and off U.S. Highway 441 is a historic bridge and crosses the East Fork of Little Pigeon River, which goes through Sevierville.

The colorful foliage paired with steeped history, flowing water, and striking designs make these bridges the most beautiful and useful structures on the eastern side of town that any photographer will want to use as a backdrop.

View outside Harrisburg Covered Bridge

Jerry Whaley / Shutterstock.com

Before the construction of the Harrisburg Bridge was completed in 1875, there had been another bridge that occupied that location.

The McNutts Bridge used to be in that spot where the Harrisburg Covered Bridge lies until the flood washed it away.

Spanning eighty-eight feet in total, the bridge is 64 feet long and 10 feet wide and boasts a building material made partly of tinplate.

Take a Relaxing Stroll along Sevierville Greenway Trail

Located near Sevierville, Tennessee, the Sevierville Greenway Trail is a 2-mile loop trail where you can enjoy walking, hiking, or jogging in nature while taking in the beauty of the river that runs alongside the entire course.

At the Sevierville Greenway Trail, you’ll find a vast, paved and flat path that runs through hotels and motels, along scenic rivers and lush trees.

Along your journey, you’ll find benches and picnic tables available for those who need to park it for a bite to eat or just want to relax.

Explore Sevierville’s Arboretum and Aircraft Museum

The Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum is a gorgeous and peaceful location to visit at any time of year.

You can find this arboretum within the greenway along the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville, TN, located just off of Hardin Lane.

It’s free to walk through the winding paths throughout the grove along around 30 labeled tree species and different kinds of shrubs.

When you’re done exploring Sevierville’s little plant museum, maybe head to Air Museum Way to visit the Tennessee Museum of Aviation.

When aircraft enthusiasts gather at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in Sevierville, they are greeted with a location that gives a detailed account of how the world’s first heavier-than-air and lighter-than-air flying machines were developed.

But not only that, but they’re also treated to a complete educational experience that encompasses physics, engineering, technology, and innovation through both exhibits and hands-on experiences.

The Tennessee Museum of Aviation features a wide variety of aircraft that have played an important role in the history of aviation, as well as live demonstrations and events held in the surrounding area.

Marvel at Robert A. Tino’s Artwork

You’ll see that your vacation to Sevierville can take on a whole different dimension when you consider the artistic side of things.

For instance, you’ll surely find yourself enthralled by the artworks of Robert A. Tino, one of Southeast’s most admirable and inspiring artists who happens to live precisely here in this area!

Sevierville, TN, is known for its beautiful scenic vistas and lush greenery, which inspired artist Tino to create a series of paintings in different styles that capture nature’s charm and the area’s personality.

Committed to his craft, Tino has worked at his art ever since the 80s, regularly producing large landscape works using bright colors typical of the Tennessee hills.

Play Paintball and Laser Tag at Tennessee Mountain Paintball

Another great way to bring the family together during your vacation at Sevierville, Tennessee, is by having everyone spend an afternoon playing paintball at Tennessee Mountain Paintball.

Not only do they have an exciting 20-acre outdoor laser tag park and paintball, but they also have eight different playing courses for players to take part in.

One of their most popular features is the Low Impact Paintball, where players older than 9 use the smallest size to avoid the unnecessary pain that might come with regular paintballing.

Paintball Soft4Kids is their paintball version, making the game less aggressive and a great option for 7-9-year-old kids.

Their Laser tag is a great way to have fun with other players while experiencing top-of-the-line military technology.

Beat the Mini Golf Courses at Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm

With an appeal that’s reminiscent of the “olden days” and a backdrop of pristine views of the Smoky Mountains, you don’t have to imagine you’re living in a cabin with Pioneers with this marvelously fun farm-themed mini-golf course as Ripley’s.

There are three courses to choose from; 1 for adults and 2 for children.

You can choose from the average cow-themed course, the hard pig-themed course, or the easy chicken-themed course.

There are adorable farm decorations and talking farm animals throughout the different courses’ different holes.

At Ripley’s, they also have a movie theater, a haunted house, a mirror maze, and an aquarium for more enjoyment.

See the Exotic Animals at Sevierville’s Zoos

A young deer at Sevierville's Zoo

Leodidthis / Shutterstock.com

Any animal lover visiting Sevierville, TN, will surely find the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo one of the best places to explore in the region!

The RainForest Zoo is a haven for all kinds of animals from all around the world, located near both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in the heart of the majestic Smoky Mountains.

One of America’s reputable zoological contractors known for contributing to the construction of Disney World’s Animal Kingdom gave the theme of this zoo.

The RainForest Zoo has at least 600 live animals, representing more than 130 species under its care, including the Black-Capped Capuchin couple Puff and Shelby.

If you want to make more animal friends, Sevierville has another zoo at 478 Happy Hollow Lane filled with more antiquated residents.

At Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo, you can expect to enjoy coming face-to-face with their furry friends, including goats, Rocky Mountain Elk, zebra, camels, reindeer, miniature horses, emu, Highland cattle, Watusi, and so much more!

Experience and Enjoy Horseback Riding

Welcoming Sevierville home to an array of outdoor activities, horseback riding is oftentimes at the top of the list by far.

Two great places to saddle up with friends and family members alike include Jayell Ranch Adventure Park and Five Oaks Riding Stables.

Jayell Ranch offers a completely unique (4 miles, one-hour) horseriding experience that winds throughout more than 260 acres of the pristine Smoky Mountain scenery.

As you embark upon your journey, you will be able to see the beautiful landscape of North Carolinian nature, such as that of Mount LeConte or Shields’ Fort.

Alternatively, 7 minutes (about 4 miles) west of Jayell Ranch taking the Veterans Boulevard and Collier Drive route is another horseback riding service called Five Oaks Riding Stables.

Here, you can spend one hour enjoying the company of your fellow horseriders on a hidden 3.5-mile trail behind a side of historical beauty that includes many treasured spots of natural intrigues, such as streams and scenic mountain views.

A chance encounter with an authentic moonshine still is almost always a bonus!

Embark on an Enigmatic Forbidden Caverns Excursion

Tennessee is well-known for being a hot spot for caves, with over 8,350 caves being registered with this state as of today.

One of America’s most spectacular, the Forbidden Caverns (a network of unique underground beauty), can be found in Sevierville.

Visitors get a warm and friendly tour, complete with educational tidbits passed on from many different sparkling formations, crystal clear streams, numerous grottos, and mighty natural chimneys.

The combination of top-notch tour guides, wide and well-maintained handrails, special lighting effects, and gorgeous trails all combine to make this an exciting excursion for anyone.

See the Beauty of Tennessee in an Aircraft Tour

Sky adventure is the name of the game when you’re in Sevierville.

Whether it’s off to the Smoky Mountains or a trip to Pigeon Forge, here are helicopter tour agencies to get you up close and personal with Mother Nature by giving you a bird’s eye view!

Founded in 1972, Scenic Helicopter Tours is a family-owned and operated second-generation air tour company.

Flying directly over and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Scenic offers once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing flights viewed as picturesque as they are exhilarating.

In Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville, you can also take one of Smoky Mountain Helicopters’ tours to fly you over some of the most majestic sights in Tennessee.

Sky High Air Tours offers similar tours, except they will take you for a spin in one of America’s most historic aircraft – the 1927 Waco Model 10 Straightwing airplane.

Indulge in Nature Adventures at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park

If you’re hoping to feel the rush of excitement that comes with heightening danger and an adrenaline-pumping adventure, make sure you come to Sevierville and don’t leave without experiencing a visit to Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park.

They have seven different zip lines you can use to fly over the waterfalls and lost river, plus two sky bridges that take you from one zip line to another through the treetops.

Their Goliath Zipline Tour is a staple in the Tennessee tourism industry for those looking to push their limits through one of the most exhilarating experiences available.

With speeds reaching up to 60mph, you can travel greater distances than ever before and soar over 500ft in the air.

You can also go on a hiking adventure with their self-guided tour to reach the Foxfire gorge starting from America’s Bridge to Prosperity.

For the more adventurous kid, a trail becoming a destination for kids can be found along with an obstacle course laid out beside it as well.

Final Thoughts

From natural wonders to customized attractions, some of Sevierville’s most unforgettable experiences are utterly one-of-a-kind.

Whether you’re planning an adventure with your loved ones or spending time all by yourself, enhance your trip itinerary with these authentic local fun things to do in Sevierville, Tennessee.

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