Your base for the Smokies and beyond

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America's most visited national park offers scenic drives, waterfall trails, wildlife viewing, and mountain overlooks.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Cades Cove Loop

A scenic loop through a broad mountain valley with historic buildings and frequent wildlife sightings.

Our tip: Allow several hours and go early for lighter traffic.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Laurel Falls

A popular waterfall hike with a paved trail and rewarding views.

Our tip: Check current trail conditions and parking information before leaving.

Best for Families · Couples

Grotto Falls

A forest hike to a waterfall where the trail passes behind the falls.

Our tip: Arrive early; parking can fill before 8 AM.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Chimney Tops Trail

A steep, energetic trail with dramatic mountain scenery for experienced hikers.

Best for Couples · Friend groups

Kuwohi

A high-elevation overlook and visitor area with expansive Smoky Mountain views.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Wild Laurel Golf Course

A nearby mountain golf course known for peaceful scenery and a relaxed pace.

Our tip: Look for afternoon pricing.

Best for Couples · Friend groups

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park

Zip lines, swinging bridges, and outdoor adventures in a mountain setting.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Shagbark Resort Amenities

Inside the community

Seasonal community pool plus tennis, basketball, pickleball, playground, pavilion, and disc golf near the cabin.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Dollywood

Rides, live music, seasonal festivals, crafts, and Southern food for a full day out.

Best for Families · Couples

The Island in Pigeon Forge

A walkable entertainment district with the observation wheel, fountains, shops, restaurants, and games.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Titanic Museum Attraction

An immersive, interactive museum experience that works especially well for families.

Best for Families · Couples

WonderWorks

Hands-on exhibits, a ropes course, laser tag, and indoor activities for rainy or hot days.

Best for Families · Friend groups

Pigeon Forge Snow

Year-round indoor snow tubing and a snow-play area.

Best for Families · Friend groups

MagiQuest

An interactive fantasy adventure with quests and challenges for children and families.

Best for Families

Hollywood Wax Museum

A lighthearted indoor stop with celebrity wax figures and photo opportunities.

Best for Families · Friend groups

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

A rider-controlled mountain coaster that winds through the trees.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

The Goat Coaster

A mountain coaster at Goats on the Roof for a quick dose of speed and mountain views.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Anakeesta

A mountaintop park with scenic rides, gardens, dining, and family attractions.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Gatlinburg SkyPark

Chairlift access to mountaintop views, walking paths, and the SkyBridge.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

A large aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg with immersive exhibits and a walk-through shark tunnel.

Best for Families · Couples

Ober Mountain

Winter sports plus year-round mountain activities, shopping, and views.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Forbidden Caverns

A guided underground cavern tour with formations, lighting, and local history.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Five Oaks Farm Kitchen

A comfortable stop for generous Southern breakfasts and homestyle meals.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

The Old Mill Restaurant

Classic Southern cooking beside the historic Old Mill, with a scenic setting for family photos.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Local Goat

A popular New American restaurant for burgers, steaks, and a relaxed group dinner.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Wild Bear Tavern

A casual tavern specializing in German-inspired comfort food.

Best for Couples · Friend groups

Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts

Donuts, ice cream, and sweet treats that make an easy stop on the way toward the park.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

The Apple Barn & Cider Mill

A longstanding area favorite for apple treats, cider, country food, and gift shopping.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Dolly Parton's Stampede

A large-scale dinner show with horses, music, comedy, and a family-style meal.

Best for Families · Friend groups

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud

A lively comedy dinner show built for groups and multigenerational families.

Best for Families · Friend groups

Boss Hogg's BBQ Shack

A casual local barbecue stop for an unfussy meal after a day out.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Stonehouse Pizza

A nearby option for an easy pizza night at the cabin.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Tanger Outlets

A large outlet center with national brands and plenty of options for a shopping afternoon.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

The Christmas Place

A year-round Christmas store that is worth browsing even if you are only window-shopping.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Smoky Mountain Knife Works

A sprawling showplace for knives, outdoor gear, collectibles, and unusual gifts.

Best for Families · Friend groups

Whaley's Country Store

About 15 minutes

A convenient nearby stop for essentials, snacks, and locally themed gifts.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Kroger

About 20 minutes

The most convenient full-service grocery stop for stocking the kitchen before heading up the mountain.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Whaley's Country Store

About 15 minutes

The closest option for forgotten basics, snacks, drinks, and quick supplies.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups

Walmart

About 30 minutes

A practical option for a larger grocery and household-supply run.

Best for Families · Couples · Friend groups