Inside: A real mom review of Big Soddy Creek swimming hole in Chattanooga, TN with everything you need to know to load up the kids and head there yourself!
Heading to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and searching for a fabulous outdoor adventure? Kidding Around readers love exploring the outdoors, especially when it involves a place to splash or swim. Here’s everything you need to know about this gorgeous, magical swimming hole you can find during your next adventure on the Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail.
Chattanooga has long been a place I’ve wanted to visit. I recently started seeing photos on social media from swimming holes that looked too good to be real. That was all I needed to head four hours north to this beautiful city.
Finding the Magical Swimming Hole
Tracking down the location where these photos originated was a little trickier. Taking into consideration that I had the two kids with me, I had to know what I was getting into when accessing the selected swimming hole.
If you’ve ever seen that clip from the television show “Always Sunny” where he’s trying to explain a conspiracy theory, and he has all these photos and strings…. that is what you should be picturing now. I compared social media photos, and information on the All Trails and Avanza apps, and then compared that to information from hiking groups.
Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail
I settled on the Big Soddy Creek Trail. It was an easy-rated trail that had some beautiful photos posted online. So off we went, in search of a magical swimming hole!
Parking
The trailhead is a parking lot right next to where the train tracks and the river intersect. There are two portable toilets, and that’s it. Try and get all the changing and potty needs addressed before you leave the hotel or rental.
An All-Access Trail
The trail is a level gravel path that will accommodate strollers and beach-style wagons. Big Soddy Creek is a very family-friendly trail, for all abilities. After walking for about a quarter of a mile, you’ll find the spot where you can easily access the water.
Most people walked straight to the water from that point on the trail and were concentrated in that area of the water. We hung a left and went down as far as the path would lead, set our stuff on a rock, and hopped in.
Keep it Clean
There are picnic tables, but I would recommend bringing a disposable tablecloth to throw over it if you plan on using one. Please keep this area beautiful for future generations by always practicing “pack it in, pack it out” during your visit.
At the Swimming Hole
My favorite part about the swimming hole was that there were shallow parts and deep parts. Plus, the rocks that you could sit on or jump off of were cool. It was safe for big and little kids.
My son
There was minimal current to deal with in the water. With both of my children in life vests, I felt that they were safe splashing and playing a few feet away. My four-year-old daughter loved the independence she felt, feeling like she was exploring all on her own because she could reach the sandy bottom.
The water here is crystal clear and blue. I was surprised to see that it looked like the photos that had been posted online. So often the colors are manipulated to make them seem other than they are, but not here.
Things to Bring to Big Soddy Creek
The only two things I regret are that I didn’t have long enough straps to hang my new hammock and that we didn’t bring tubes or some other type of float. I could have stayed all day if I’d been able to just relax on a raft!
If your kids have little fishing nets, bring them along. There were plenty of small fish to scoop up and examine, or to use as bait if you bring a fishing pole.
This entire experience in Chattanooga has me anxious to get back and continue exploring! I even have another swimming hole to explore next time, and an island in the middle of the Tennesee river you can camp on!
Looking for an unforgettable family nature experience that’s perfect for all sorts of weather? Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN checks all the boxes! This underground wonder stays a comfy 60 degrees year-round, offers incredible natural sights without the need for major hiking skills, and makes for an awesome adventure in the heart of one of Tennessee’s most vibrant cities.
💧 Ruby Falls: Fast Facts
Height: 90 feet (just the visible part — it goes even higher!) Location: The waterfall is 1120 feet underground in Lookout Mountain. Getting there: Descend 260 feet underground in Lookout Mountain inside a glass-front elevator. Age: The cave is estimated to be 30 million years old Claim to Fame: The tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the U.S. Bonus: You’ll see it during a guided tour, complete with lights and music!
A Hidden Waterfall 1120 Feet Underground
Tucked inside Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Ruby Falls is home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the U.S. You’ll start your journey with an elevator ride that drops you 260 feet below the surface, and that’s just the beginning.
Our family took the Cave Walk to the Waterfall, a one-mile round-trip guided tour to and from the falls that takes a little over an hour to complete.
Watch! Take a Closer Look at Ruby Falls
When the falls were first discovered in 1928, you could only reach the falls by crawling through narrow passageways, so a path was created to open the falls to the public. This path is fairly easy to walk through for a cave. It has lights, rails in parts, and is fairly smooth. The path is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, and it’s a cave, so there is moisture dripping at times on the floor and lower ceilings.
This particular cave tour focuses on the history of the discovery of the falls and the creation of Ruby Falls. It’s lighthearted and full of jokes. The formations that on the way to and from the falls are even named funny names based on what they look like, such as the “Steak and Potato”.
For those that are able to walk the full trail but might need more breaks, a Gentle Walking Tour is available that takes a slower pace and allows breaks to sit.
3 Reasons to Add Ruby Falls to Your Family Travel List:
It’s always the perfect temperature. Rain or shine, summer or winter — the cave stays a comfy 60 degrees year-round, making it a fun pick no matter the season.
It’s adventure without the stress. No extreme hiking here! The cave trail is smooth and manageable for most kids and adults, with lights and rails to help guide the way.
It’s got serious wow-factor. A 90+ foot underground waterfall with a light show? Yep, it’s just as amazing as it sounds — and it blew our teens away.
The Wow Moment: Ruby Falls
Let’s talk about that waterfall. Ruby Falls plunges 90 feet inside a cavern room, and it is every bit as dramatic as it sounds. A light show brings the falls to life, and honestly, it was beautiful. Everyone on the tour from teens to young children were impressed.
🕰️ How Ruby Falls Got Its Name
Back in 1928, explorer Leo Lambert was digging an elevator shaft into Lookout Mountain when he discovered a hidden cavern with a roaring underground waterfall. He named it Ruby Falls after his wife, Ruby — and thanks to his adventurous spirit, families can now visit this incredible natural wonder without having to crawl through narrow rock tunnels! Today, over 500,000 people a year come to see what Leo found nearly a century ago.
Know Before You Go: Ruby Falls Chattanooga, Tennessee
Bathrooms and food: Use the restroom before you head underground and grab a snack — there are no bathrooms or food on the tour.
Tours are timed: Once you’re in the cave, you’re committed. The tour doesn’t allow early exits, so gauge your child’s comfort level with dark, enclosed spaces before booking.
Lantern Tour option: While we didn’t try it, the Lantern Tour looks like a fun (and slightly spooky) alternative for older kids and teens. This tour is lit only by carried lanterns and has a smaller group.
Early morning and late evening tours tend to have smaller groups, especially during school holidays! Our tour was only around 20 people which made it easier to hear our guide and see the falls. Some of the tours can be as large as 50 people.
Flash photography isn’t permitted, but you can take non-flash photos during the tour and at the waterfall. You will not be permitted to stop to take photos on the route to and from the falls.
Beautiful formations inside the caves to Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain
Don’t Miss the View
After the cave, we climbed the Lookout Mountain Tower, and it was an amazing view. You can see the Tennessee River, Chattanooga, and the Cumberland Plateau. It’s the perfect spot for a family photo after the cave tour.
Tips: Visiting Ruby Falls
Arrive 15-30 minutes early to check in and ensure you are on time for your tour.
Book online as tours often fill up.
Parking is free.
Flash photography isn’t permitted, but you can take non-flash photos during the tour and at the waterfall. You will not be permitted to stop to take photos on the route to and from the falls.
Wear comfy shoeswith good grips — the walk is just under a mile round-trip.
You may want a light jacket since the cave is around 60 degrees year-round.
Ruby Falls was the perfect mix of natural wonder, adventure, and family-friendly planning. We really enjoyed our visit and would add it to our list of must-see destinations in the Southeast.
A one-of-a-kind experience awaits at SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville, TN, with its scenic views, miniature animals, amazing entertainment, and thrilling mountain coaster.
Thank you to Visit Sevierville for hosting us at SkyLand Ranch.
I had heard about SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville, TN when they first opened up in the fall of 2022 and had it on my radar to go when I got the chance because it just looked really cool with its peaceful and relaxing chair lift, thrilling mountain coaster, and gorgeous views. Let me say: I was not disappointed in my visit to SkyLand Ranch!
WagonWheeler in the air at Skyland Ranch
Watch! What we did at SkyLand Ranch
About SkyLand Ranch
SkyLand Ranch is a new attraction in Sevierville, TN, just under three hours from Greenville, SC, that sits on 100 acres on top of a mountain. Owners Lisa and Mark Williford are longtime mountain coaster operators and wanted to bring something new to Sevierville that tells the story of life on a ranch but with that thrilling ride of a mountain coaster and fantastic entertainment.
The decor of SkyLand Ranch is gorgeous. White barns, dark rocking chairs, natural wood structures, and a stunning skywalk that overlooks the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is what you can expect there.
The entire experience is unlike other attractions in the Smokies and you can tell that the owners put a lot of thought into the guest experience. Yet this is just the beginning. They plan to expand their offerings, which we’ll write about when they happen.
Getting up to SkyLand Ranch
The actual ranch is on top of a mountain, which you’ll reach either by a relaxing chair lift ride or a shuttle bus. After getting over my initial fears of chair lifts and my feet dangling high above solid ground, I have truly grown to love these lifts. The open air and views are a huge draw. I still hold onto my kids (not my sunglasses though…RIP) tightly ,but I’m no longer scared of these lifts.
Chair lift
The ride up to the mountain is not that long, maybe 10 minutes, and if you’ve been on other chair lifts in the area, this one is not as steep. But if you’re not into chair lifts, just take the shuttle up.
Once you get up there, take as much time as you like to explore all that SkyLand Ranch offers.
Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster
While I’d say it’s usually hard to choose a favorite activity at any of the cool places in Sevierville I’ve visited, it wasn’t hard at SkyLand Ranch. The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster was our favorite thing we did at the ranch.
I rode with my youngest daughter, 8, while my other daughter, 12, rode by herself, as did my husband. I think that for the older kids, riding by themselves gives them this great sense of independence, which is a lot of fun for them (and us parents to see).
The coaster is the longest in the Southeast at 1.25 miles long. You’ll be on it for about eight minutes and you can control how fast or slow you go. Being the daredevil Jersey girl I am, I hit it fast until my daughter told me I needed to slow down for her sake. Well, okay.
Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster
The views from the coaster are also stunning. You can see the Smoky Mountains in the distance, including Mt. LeConte, which my daughters and I hiked this summer. Big accomplishment that I like to remind them about so we can do it again! You can see the strip of the beginning of Pigeon Forge as well and all throughout Sevierville. It’s beautiful.
While we rode the coaster during the day, you can also ride it late into the night for a totally other experience because you can see the flickering lights of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Plus, you get to basically ride a coaster in the dark. It’s like Space Mountain but way better. How cool is that? I was really hoping to do this but we just ran out of time. Gotta go back.
To ride the Wild Stallion, kids must be at least three years old and 38” tall to ride. All riders under 54” tall must ride with an adult.
The coaster is an add-on to your admission price but you can also just go to SkyLand Ranch to ride the coaster and not go up to the mountain. You can view all the ticket options on the SkyLand Ranch website. If you do the combo ticket, which includes admission + the mountain coaster and you want to ride the coaster again, it’s just $10/person for the next ride. The coaster is open until 11 pm, while the ranch closes at 8 pm.
Buzzard’s Nest
The Buzzard’s Nest is a brand new rope playground at SkyLand Ranch. You can climb on it, jump on it, crawl through it, and swing in it.
While it is for kids, I had to try it out because how else can I write a review? I almost got stuck in one of the holes but I managed to squeeze through. It’s really fun! My kids loved it and spent quite some time playing in it. It’s near the WagonWheeler and sky decks.
Buzzard’s Nest at SkyLand Ranch
WagonWheeler
The WagonWheeler is also brand new in 2025 and is a giant swing tower. It’s over 300 feet off the ground from the parking lot and wow, the views are insane.
You get two rides for every admission ticket and since your admission is good for three days, you can go back each day for a total of six, heart-pounding rides swinging fast over the Smoky Mountains. Riders must be 48″ inches tall and each set of two swings cannot exceed 530 pounds.
WagonWheeler Swing Tower
The ride is based on a legend of a guy named Jack Wheeler who had to brave some wild whirlwind in his Conestoga wagon. You’ll certainly be braving a wild whirlwind while you fly 300 feet in the air in circles. It’s truly a cool experience.
Safari Ride
You get to see and feed longhorn cattle, deer, Highland cows, donkeys, and adorable goats while on the Safari Ride at SkyLand Ranch. The tours last about 45 minutes as you are taken on a covered trailer to explore the meadows at the ranch, where you’ll be greeted by some pretty cute animals.
I really liked this part of SkyLand Ranch because we got to learn about the animals and feed them. Plus, getting to see longhorn cattle up close was a new experience. Our guide assured us they are gentle but we were still given instructions to stay seated while they approached us because those horns are very long!
Safari Ride at Skyland Ranch
This is an add-on experience to your admission. The cost is $17.99/person and includes feed cups.
Western Entertainment
When we got off the chair lift at the top of the mountain to see the ranch, we were fortunate enough to arrive just in time for one of the shows. We got to see a cowboy show us his best Billy the Kid gun twirling and whip snapping moves before he got to some serious rope swinging action.
We loved watching his amazing talents and getting to see some old Western skills that you really don’t get to see elsewhere. He was fantastic and a great introduction to Skyland Ranch.
Rope-swinging cowboy
Not long after the cowboy performed, a local band setup to start their country music set. They were really good! They did some cover songs and a couple of their own, which I loved. I’m a big country music fan so I thoroughly enjoyed their music.
A lot of people took to the rocking chairs in the shade and just hung out, ate lunch, and enjoyed the entertainment. It was definitely relaxing. My husband and daughters played cornhole while we listened to the music. It was great.
In the evening, we came back up the mountain to go line dancing, which was awesome. Even though I grew up in New Jersey, I’m a country girl at heart because my parents actually took my siblings and I line dancing. Yes, there were several places to go line dancing in NJ. So I got to show my kids what a great line dancer I was and I think they thought I was cool for five seconds. Proud parenting moment.
There is also a cute little playground that is partially shaded and a big area with picnic tables next to the playground that is totally shaded for parents to hang out or to have lunch or dinner.
Gem mining is available and is an extra add-on adventure. You have access to the mining for as long as you like. It is not time based. The gem mine is located next to the Buckaroo Playbarn.
Definitely don’t miss the big sky walk called Legacy Lookout. You can read about the history of Sevierville as well as learn what mountains you’re looking at in the distance and get incredible photos of you and your family.
The ranch has daily entertainment so be sure to check the website before you go or give them a call to see what’s on the schedule.
Miniature Animals at the Ranch
SkyLand Ranch has several miniature horses and there are even goats to play with. Y’all know how much I love goats. They were our first stop once we got off the chair lift.
I was so surprised at just how clean the animal enclosures were. They were nearly spotless. Actually, everything at SkyLand Ranch was spotless.
Once you are on the chair lift, you’ll get a view of the donkeys and alpacas, which are adorable. They offer a meet & greet package with Highland cows if you want to get up close and personal with them.
Shopping & Dining
You don’t go all the way up to the mountain not to have food and shopping. There’s both a food court with pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream plus food trucks at SkyLand Ranch. The food trucks have BBQ, nachos, soft pretzels, street corn (delicious), and burgers.
There is no shortage of retail therapy to be had at SkyLand Ranch either. They have a huge store up on the mountain with quality apparel, cowboy and cowgirl hats, Western toys and games, SkyLand Ranch branded items, mugs, sparkly dresses, and all kinds of neat stuff. I almost walked out of there with a pink sparkle cowgirl hat.
Admission
Here’s the cool thing about admission to SkyLand Ranch: your ticket is good for three days of admission. Three days. You don’t find that anywhere in that area.
Ticket prices are $26.99/ages 10+, $15.99/ages 3-9, and free/ages 2 and under. Season passes are also offered at SkyLand Ranch.
Free parking is available as well. Dogs are not allowed due to the ranch having animals of its own. Service animals are accepted.
Did you know Wilderness at the Smokies has three waterparks plus a hotel? Sign us up! Kristina took her family to Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, TN to experience this family-friendly resort and tells us all about it and why it’s such a perfect place for a family trip.
Thanks to the Wilderness at the Smokies for providing us with media tickets.
If you are looking for a weekend trip, a few days for a family vacation, or a special getaway with a birthday kid or special occasion, the Wilderness at the Smokies resort is an excellent option. Why? Because you don’t even need to leave the property for entertainment and dining. Park the car and have a blast. And it’s all under three hours driving distance from Upstate, SC. We have all the details in our Wilderness at the Smokies review!
Wilderness at the Smokies: The Waterpark Resort
Owned by Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks, the Wilderness at the Smokies has several room options, including ones with bunk beds for kids and adjacent rooms with full kitchens and living rooms. The room we stayed in had a queen bed and bunk bed plus a pullout bed and a Murphy bed in the adjacent guest room. It was huge. On our second trip, we had a double queen bed room that overlooked the outdoor waterpark. It was plenty big and spacious.
Our room faced one of the enormous outdoor waterparks at the River Lodge and had easy access to entertainment and dining and a short walk from the parking lot. You can also choose to stay at Stone Hill Lodge, which is not connected to the waterpark, but you can take a quick bus from the building to the waterpark door. The layout of the rooms at Stone Hill Lodge is slightly different from River Lodge, and it’s just based on preference for your trip.
We had the option to take advantage of early check-in so we could spend as much time as possible checking out the property, which got us in our room by Noon. Our second time there, we were able to start playing at the waterpark at Noon and our room was ready around 3:30 pm. If you have this option, we would recommend it, especially since it got more crowded as the afternoon wore on. We never had to wait long for any ride but it was nice to run through quickly everything we wanted to do.
Wilderness at the Smokies: Dining
There are several dining options at the resort, most of which have burgers, salads, fries, and desserts. You will find places like Grizzly’s Grill, Billy Jacks Snack Shack, Tacolicious, and other dining options to fit your craving. If you have been to Wilderness and haven’t tried out Hidden Trail, we highly recommend it for quick bites and snacks!
They have a Candy Cabin (to buy candy by the pound) and a frozen yogurt place also, which is right next to the indoor waterpark. And for adults, there are lots of options for adult beverages throughout the resort. I saw several huge frozen drinks that grownups were toting around. They looked delicious, I have to say.
The resort also offers food delivery right to your room. Prices are pretty much the same as dining at restaurants so this is a great option if you’re totally wiped out at the end of the day. We were pretty beat and I was starving so I dragged my kids to the restaurant (really, I wanted all the desserts).
Wilderness at the Smokies: Waterparks
The resort has three waterparks, including Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark with an attached arcade, snack bars, and restaurants. The largest waterpark, one of the two outdoor waterparks, is at the main building, the River Lodge. All waterparks are included in your stay.
There are three water slide attractions, a matted tube run, a bigger tube vortex ride, and a free-fall water slide. Kids have to be 42” to ride the mat tube run and the larger tube ride. You need to be 48” tall to ride the free fall.
That was a hard no for me! My kids and I did several runs on the mat tube one, especially in the hour before closing as there was no line.
Other favorites were the big wave pool and lazy river. There are also a ton of chairs and tables to hang out at or eat your lunch or dinner. Cabanas can be rented for anywhere from $180 up to $250 a day, which are personal covered tents that come with plenty of chairs and towels. You can even have food and drinks delivered to them.
And there’s an enclosed area that is super shallow and perfect for little kids.
Cute little swings are perfect for babies. We saw lots of families with little ones enjoying that area.
Rooftop Pool and Lounge
On our second trip to Wilderness we got to enjoy the rooftop infinity pool. It was amazing. The views of the Smokies just cannot be beat and there was hardly anyone up there.
The pool isn’t huge but it’s perfect for relaxation. There’s a bar at the top with plenty of chairs for lounging and tables for eating under umbrellas. You can get there by heading up the elevators inside of Wild WaterDome.
Wilderness rooftop pool
Indoor Waterpark & Wave Pool
The indoor waterpark, the Wild WaterDome, is Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark. It also has several tube rides, most of which kids can easily ride. They have a big wave pool with ocean-like waves. My kids loved this one as they splashed and jumped in the bigger waves.
There is also a play area for kids with water features and zero-entry pools. A flow rider-type ride is a blast to watch. We didn’t try it but people can attempt to not wipe out on a boogie board. Wilderness at the Smokies indoor slides are a lot of fun for older kids and parents as well.
One of our favorite indoor water slides was the orange one that has a big drop that shoots you into a huge funnel. It was terrifying and we rode it multiple times!
Brand New: Coaster and Kaleidoscope Kavern
Wilderness invested $40 million into a huge expansion project, which included a 40,000 square foot addition to the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark, which was finished in December 2023. They added a really cool lazy river in their indoor waterpark that goes through a cavern with a kaleidoscope ceiling. It is such a neat addition and one that my kids and I several times. There’s also a small waterfall to go under in the same lazy river. There’s music and all different colors and you can float through as many times as you want.
They also added an indoor water coaster that shoots you through several tunnels with forceful water jets. You can go on a double tube or go as a single rider.
Kaleidoscope Kavern
Safety Taken Seriously
Safety is a huge priority at the waterparks. Lifeguards are everywhere. Literally everywhere. They are methodical about when you can ride down the slides, measuring people to make sure they are at the height limit, and watching the pools closely. Life jackets aren’t mandatory but the waterparks all have them available for free if parents feel their kids need them.
Hours are different for all the waterparks so it’s best to confirm the waterpark hours before you go.
Wilderness at the Smokies: Indoor Arcade and Adventure Forest
The indoor waterpark is enormous as it is but it’s attached to a huge arcade as well. This place just amplifies family fun! At first glance, it doesn’t look big but once you start walking around – and looking up – you realize how big it really is.
There’s a three-story ropes course, mini-golf course, climbing wall, tons of arcade games, a little frogger ride for kids, and even a multi-level laser tag course.
You can purchase day adventure passes or buy rides individually and they vary in cost. Arcade games can be played by purchasing points on a card.
The resort also has a paint-your-own-pottery place. My oldest daughter really wanted to do this but we just ran out of time. If you are at the resort for a few days, this could be a fun way to break up your waterpark adventure time.
During the winter, usually starting in mid-November, there is ice skating available at the resort. They convert part of the outdoor wave pool into an ice rink for some festive fun for both guests and the public.
My Favorite Things about Wilderness at the Smokies
I’ve been wanting to visit this resort for a while and was thrilled when I finally got the chance. It’s so close to Greenville and I had heard many great things about it from local families. And it didn’t disappoint.
Even though the resort is huge, I didn’t find it hard to navigate. At the River Lodge, signs are posted everywhere on where things are and all the rooms surround the waterpark so it’s not hard to find your way around.
The staff everywhere we went were very kind, considerate, and helpful, which is always appreciated.
My kids were in heaven with the waterparks. They loved it all and as a parent, seeing your kids truly enjoy an experience makes me happy. I really liked that the resort had everything I needed, from food to entertainment, right there, and I didn’t need to drive anywhere if I didn’t want to.
The location is fantastic. My GPS clocked the trip from Greenville at two hours and 49 minutes. It’s an easy ride that is beautiful, with views of the mountains as you head towards Tennessee on Route 40. Mountains make me happy so the drive was enjoyable. Also, the resort is 40 minutes to the Sugarlands Visitor Center at the Great Smoky Mountains and an hour from Cades Cove and many popular hiking trails.
All kids are going to enjoy this place. It seems the resort took pains to make sure the place would be enjoyable for kids of all ages. There are more adventurous rides for older kids and lots of places for the little ones to splash around and have a good time also.
The waterparks are included with your stay at the resort, which is a nice perk when it comes to budgeting for the trip. And the indoor waterpark is open year-round so you can visit any time of year!
Tips on Visiting Wilderness of the Smokies
After spending some at Wilderness of the Smokies, here are a few ideas that may make your time there even more awesome:
Get the early check-in: You can spend so much more time at the attractions before the rush around dinner time when most people check-in.
Do an early dinner: Have dinner early so you can rest a little before getting back out to the parks during the slower evening hours and not have to wait in line long.
Get a locker: You can rent a small locker for $10 for the whole day and keep your wallet, phone, or camera in there without worrying about it.
Visit Soaky MountainWater Park: When you stay at Wilderness of the Smokies, you can purchase heavily discounted tickets to Soaky Mountain, a huge waterpark right across the street, for $19.99. They also offer free tickets sometimes over the summer so always check the Wilderness of the Smokies social media for deals. They are open during the summer.
Fantastic weekend adventure: If you just need to get away for the weekend, this resort is ideal. Everything you need to have fun is right there and you can see and do a lot of what’s offered in a couple of days.
Ask about free/discounted tickets to local attractions: Be sure to ask Guest Services about any discounted or free tickets they have to local attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg and WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge. You will always find a great deal!
This link is an affiliate link with STAY22. Kidding Around earns when you book through this link.
You’ll definitely want to check their website for specials like Homeschool Days where rooms are as low as $129 for the Stone Hill Lodge and $139 per night for the River Lodge, discounted/free passes for Soaky Mountain, specials on back-to-school, etc.
Room prices will vary by season and room type. Wilderness at the Smokies has suites, one and two-bedrooms, and villas available. There are free shuttles amongst all the buildings at the resort.
Day passes may be available for certain dates so if you’re in the area but not staying at the resort, a Wilderness at the Smokies Day Pass could be really fun.
We hope you enjoy your stay at Wilderness at the Smokies!
If you’re planning a family vacation to Eastern Tennessee, make sure to add Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville to your must-visit list! Located just minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, this massive outdoor waterpark is packed with water coasters, a lazy river with a twist, a huge wave pool, and several slides even your younger kids will get a thrill from. Erin recently visited with her kids and shares her honest Soaky Mountain Waterpark review—plus helpful tips to help you plan the ultimate day of fun in the sun!
I’m a sucker for a good waterpark! Give me fast slides, wave pools, and cool water on a hot day, and I’m all in. Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, TN, totally delivered. Less than three hours from the Upstate, it’s the kind of place that makes the drive worth it.
Opened in 2020 with a whopping $90 million investment, the park brought 500 jobs to the area and brought along some much-needed entertainment to the growing area. It’s right across the street from Wilderness at the Smokies (a resort we’d absolutely recommend), and if you stay there, you can score discounted tickets to Soaky Mountain, which is a great bonus!
Attractions at Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Soaky Mountain’s 50-acre park is loaded with thrilling waterslides and splash zones for all ages. With younger kids in tow, my husband and I took turns hitting the big rides—The Edge was an adrenaline rush ( I couldn’t stop grinning after that race), and he couldn’t get enough of The Avalaunch. The 35,000-square-foot wave pool was another highlight. The waves felt just like the ocean, minus the sharks and jellyfish. Big win! With swells reaching up to six feet, it brought serious beach vibes to the Smokies. Our family favorite had to be Black Bear Rapids, and for a good reason (keep reading to find out why!).
Rides We Loved
My kids (ages 6 and 3) loved The Hive, a multi-story water playground with several age-appropriate slides for kids, although lots of adults were playing with their kids on it.
Boomer’s Bay & The Edge
They also couldn’t get enough of Boomer’s Bay, which is located behind the giant Soaky Surge wave pool over by The Edge. Here, my little adrenaline junky 3 year old could ride “big kid waterslides”, which were just pint size versions of larger tube slides. Here, my husband and I took turns catching a ride on The Edge. This was my absolute favorite! The two-seater dualing watercoaster takes you on a race against another group through tubes and up the side of an incline before crowning the winner.
Our writer, Kristina, also visited Soaky Mountain in 2023 and said that The Edge was “Unreal. I screamed my head off because immediately you are sent into a stomach-churning drop, then launched into tubes with AquaLucent light rings, then another drop, then speed into more tubes with more lights. The final, three-story drop sends you high up on a near-vertical launch on the Boomerango wall. I was terrified and wanted to do it all over again.”
Rainbow’s Revenge
Kristina and her kids loved Rainbow’s Revenge, a huge, multi-passenger raft ride through a bright, colorful, and semi-fast tube. That one was a blast, and getting in line early made it a fun start to the day.
The Avalaunch
My husband was able to sneak away to ride The Avalaunch, which is touted as a “first of its kind” watercoaster. My husband was grinning ear to ear after this slide, and said it was an adrenaline rush, saying “as you go down the hill and get shot back up, you get drenched before entering two turns, before you get shot out into the wall climb, which has an awesome view”.
We spent a lot of the afternoon checking out any of the areas that our younger kids could enjoy, including the Soaky Surge wave pool, which has some pretty intense waves! We had both kids out toward the 4-foot section with their lifejackets on, and the waves were a lot of fun. Just make sure your kid can swim if they want to go out that far, or they will stop the wave action early. This is a great place to lounge, there are dozens of chairs and shade along the shore.
Black Bear Rapids
My daughter’s favorite, and possibly all of ours, was Black Bear Rapids. She has a thing for lazy rivers, so we grabbed some tubes and made our way through the course. I failed to read the sign saying that the rapids would be occurring during that time, and was pleasantly thrilled when we were floating along and a huge wave came cruising toward us! It had us all laughing hysterically, and it is such a unique take on the traditional lazy river. There are only a couple of times throughout the day that they have the rapids turned on, but it is fun either way.
For a list of all the rides, watercoasters, slides, and height and weight requirements, see the Soaky Mountain website.
Food at Soaky Mountain Waterpark
You won’t go hungry at Soaky Mountain Waterpark, there’s no shortage of food options throughout the park. From a taco truck and a frozen yogurt shop to multiple snack bars, you’ll find everything from nachos, pretzels, and popcorn to hot dogs, cookies, novelty ice cream, fresh-squeezed lemonade, ICEEs, bottled water, and fountain drinks. Just know that alcohol isn’t served on-site.
To save some money, we recommend packing your own lunch, the park allows reentry with a valid day ticket, perfect if you want to step outside to eat. Just note that outside food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the park, except for sealed water bottles.
Cabanas
Cabana rentals start at $69.99 for a two-person rental and go up to $399.99 for a 20-person rental. These are private shelters around the park that include access to a server and a limited menu (food and beverages are extra). We noticed that you could reserve them at different sections of the park, so if you know that you are going to spend a lot of time in a certain area, shoot for booking a cabana there.
I saw a lot of families utilizing these. They are great as a home base to relax, eat, rest, change diapers, etc. And you rent them by the day.
Tips For Visiting Soaky Mountain
1. Arrive Early to Maximize Your Day One of the best tips for visiting Soaky Mountain Waterpark is to get there early. We visited at the beginning of June, and many of the lines were short early in the day. However, at midday, the crowds began to form, and the waits for the bigger slides were much longer. Still, the earlier you go, the more rides you can enjoy with little to no lines.
2. Rent a Locker for Your Stuff Lockers are available near the entrance and are totally worth it if you’re bringing towels, dry clothes, your wallet, or other valuables. The smallest lockers cost $13 for the day, and they give you peace of mind so you can focus on the fun without juggling your gear. We just carried out things from place to place, but after a chat with a local, we realized it was because it was early in the season. For peak season (June/July/August), there are almost no chairs to lay your things down in.
3. Skip the Water Shoes, Maybe Wondering if you need water shoes at Soaky Mountain? We didn’t find them necessary. Many waterslides don’t allow shoes anyway, so we stashed ours in the locker and went barefoot. The ground wasn’t too hot, even in the afternoon sun. That said, if you’re sensitive to heat or prefer sandals for walking between attractions, bring a pair just in case.
4. Be Ready for Some Stair Climbing This waterpark doubles as a leg workout! Many of the best rides, like the mat racing slide and several tube slides, require a climb to the top. Plus, you may also be dragging along a float. One of our favorite slides had nearly 100 steps, and we rode it multiple times. My legs definitely felt it the next day, but it was totally worth it. If you need to pause and catch your breath, don’t worry—there are plenty of landings to rest on the way up.
Soaky Mountain Tickets
A one-day ticket online for adults (over 42”) is $52.99 and tickets for kids under 42” are $43.99. Ages 2 and under are free. The family 4 pack is a steal at $43.99 per ticket. If you go after 4 pm, tickets are slightly cheaper.
If you stay at Wilderness at the Smokies resort across the street, you can purchase discounted tickets or even get them for free during some specials. We were able to snag a deal during the last weekend of May that included free tickets to Soaky Mountain, which we took the shuttle from the hotel to the waterpark and back. A season pass also includes discounted rooms at Wilderness at the Smokies.
Parking is $14.75/car when bought online and $19.25/bus and RVs. If you’re paying at the gate, it costs around $20/car.
Hours vary, so look at the Soaky Mountain Waterpark calendar to see updated hours before you go. They are open mid-May through August, and with select dates in September, weather permitting. They also have a rain check policy if the park has to close for more than 90 minutes.
The new Compass by Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge, TN is the latest addition to the brand’s hotels and one you won’t want to miss if you’re heading out that way. It has both indoor and outdoor waterparks, a huge free breakfast, and amazing family suites.
Thanks to Compass by Margaritaville for hosting us so we could write this review. All opinions are our own.
Any Margaritaville property I’ve ever stayed at has always exceeded my expectations and Compass by Margaritaville is no different. Walking through the lobby is an invitation to drop all your stress at the door and get on island time, even in the middle of the Smoky Mountains just three hours from Greenville, SC.
I loved this new hotel – as did my daughters (ages 10 and 14) – for the waterparks, delicious food, and comfortable and spacious suite. Read on to learn why this could be your next hotel destination in Pigeon Forge.
Can you imagine yourself sitting here with a margarita?
Compass by Margaritaville: The Rooms
We stayed in one of the two-bedroom family suites, which is amazingly spacious. There is a separate room for kids with two twin beds, a dresser, and television. The door even closes.
Down the hall is a table for dining, a Keurig with coffee pods, a counter top, and a mini-fridge. The bathroom is cavernous. There is a beautiful glass shower with a rain shower head, double sinks, and a tub. The main bedroom has two queen beds, a closet, a dresser, and a large television.
The kids room in the family suite
I felt so relaxed here. It was nice to be able to spread out and for the kids and I to each have our own space. The hotel offers a variety of other rooms to choose from but this one was just incredible. It’s decorated in the typical blues and teals of the Margaritaville brand.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Waterparks
There are few things my kids love more than waterparks. They were thrilled to learn this hotel has two of them: one indoor and one outdoor.
Indoor waterpark
The indoor one has a large pool and small waterslide plus a great space for toddlers to run around and play in a pirate-themed splash pad. It’s adorable.
The outdoor waterpark has an infinity pool, those cool chairs where you can sit in the pool and in a lounge chair at the same time, a waterslide, pool, zero entry toddler area, lazy river, and hot tub.
The weather wasn’t particularly favorable when we went but we were determined to try everything out and ended up having such a great time. The lazy river and waterslide were our favorites. Don’t think for a second I didn’t go down the waterslide – I went down several times! It was a blast. I feel like there is something for everyone at these waterparks. Little kids will love the splash pads and zero entry pool while tweens will like the slides and teens can also play on the slides and hang out at the lazy river and infinity pool.
Part of the outdoor waterpark
They have the bar and corn hole turf area right next to the bar so you can order up margaritas, hummus, or pretzels right from the pool. You literally don’t need to go anywhere all day.
The waterparks are open daily 8 am – 11 pm.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Breakfast
Honestly, the breakfast here probably deserves its own story. I took one look and was sad I wasn’t hungry enough to eat everything in front of me. This isn’t your typical hotel continental breakfast.
They have cereal, bagels, French toast, omelets, fruit, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, sausage, salsa, some kind of pepper dish, and pastries. They have cranberry, apple, and orange juice plus coffee. Their pancake/French toast bar has every topping you could ever want.
Best hotel breakfast
I didn’t know where to start. The only other hotel breakfast that comes close to this is at another Margaritaville property I fell in love with a couple years ago: Camp Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge. I remember a good hotel breakfast and this one was excellent. I wish I could have tried everything here.
The best part about the breakfast is that it comes free with your stay at the hotel. Breakfast is from 6:30-10 am daily. We ended up eating enough for breakfast that we skipped lunch one of the days there and had an early dinner. That’s how fantastic this breakfast is. I mean, you could probably just stay here for the breakfast and be happy.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Game Room
I caught sight of the arcade game and foosball table before my kids did so it was fun to see their reaction when they finally saw it. They all but ran over to check it out. The game room is right off the lobby of the hotel and besides two arcade games where I taught my kids how to play Tetris, the room also has board games and a shuffleboard table. I had to Google shuffleboard rules so yes, we learned how to play while there. It was fantastic.
My girls indulged in a lively game of Monopoly while I ordered hummus and the Bavarian soft pretzel (since that is by far one of my biggest food weaknesses). Both were delicious and my daughters even ate vegetables with the hummus. Island time worked out well.
We had a great time hanging out with each other and enjoying the comfortable chairs and tranquil atmosphere. Margaritaville has completely nailed this whole relaxation thing.
One other thing to mention is that there is a complete fitness room at the hotel. We didn’t use it because my daughters were too young but I wish I could have gotten in a good workout there. They have weights, treadmills, bikes, and other equipment. You can easily take your workouts on the road here.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Location
Let’s talk location. It’s perfect really. The hotel is right off the main strip in Pigeon Forge so literally within a short distance of most of the cool stuff there like the Island at Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, all the dinner shows, and other attractions.
The hotel is about 25 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so if you want to go hiking, you’re pretty close to many wonderful trails.
There is also Gorilla Tacos literally right outside the doors of the hotel. I didn’t try it this trip but I have to say the menu looked pretty good. Next time!
Booking Your Room at Compass at Margaritaville
Cost of the rooms depend on size and time of year. I personally think summer is the best due to the waterparks but really, anytime in this area is great.
You can check prices and book your trip at the Compass at Margaritaville website. Be sure to check for special offers.
Inside: One family visits Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show on vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN, and shares their experience, real review, with tips for a great visit.
If cheering on pirates as they perform acrobatic tricks and engage in sword fighting while eating a delicious meal sounds fun, then you’re in for a real treat at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Kristina took her kids and has the full review.
Quick Summary: Pirates Voyage
Kristina and her kids recently checked it out and had an amazing time! Here’s what you need to know:
Incredible high-diving stunts and sword fights ⚔️
A full dinner menu that even picky eaters loved 🍗
South Pacific Celebration featuring fire artists 🔥
Adorable animal performers 🦭
Tips: Book early, go hungry, and try for side seats!
My kids and I love live theater and enjoy awesome food so why not put those two together and try out the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show? This was a show I had been wanting to go see for years and on a recent trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, I walked the plank and bought tickets for us. So is it worth the price? Read on to find out.
Part of the show
About Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is owned by Dolly Parton, as are many attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She’s a saint in these parts (I love her, too though). The pirate show is, you guessed it, full of pirates. But there’s so much more than pirates.
There are mermaids and animals and birds and music and tricks. It’s a fast-paced show with lots of action, including several dives into the water which makes up parts of the stage, sword-fighting, acrobatics, and adorable sea lions.
New to the show in Pigeon Forge is the South Pacific Celebration. I think this was actually my favorite part. It includes amazing music, a fire artist, and super cool drums that looked like the drummer was making music by hitting water. It was really neat.
The show overall is about 1.5 hours long.
The Food at Pirate’s Voyage
I know food at dinner shows can sometimes be meh and average. This wasn’t one of those shows. You can view the menu online and they do have accommodations for those with special diets.
We were offered a variety of sodas, sweet tea, lemonade, and water. Our server was fantastic and worked so hard to get everything out on time and served us fast. He had refills available whenever we wanted as well.
Part of our meal at the show
First up was a soft biscuit with creamy vegetable soup that even my vegetable-hating teen loved. The main course was huge: it was fried chicken with a side of corn on the cob, mac & cheese, and ham. That fried chicken was especially tasty and one of my daughters said it was the cheesiest mac & cheese she’s ever had.
Dessert was either an apple turnover or coconut chocolate cake. Everything was delicious. My daughters had to take home some of their meals since it was that big. Overall, this was a great meal.
The Show
We really enjoyed how fast and fun the show is. The storyline is that the two dueling pirates – the Crimson and Sapphire pirates – have to fight to get the dead pirate’s treasure. The audience is split between the two colors and cheer for their pirates to win it all.
I was impressed with the actors because they had to know how to dive (from high places no less), do acrobatics, sing, and dance. They were all so talented.
The South Pacific addition to the show is fantastic. The lights are dimmed as drums play and an actor (maybe an actor – he looked like a legit South Pacific person) came out who looked like he belonged in the movie Moana. He was the fire artist who spun a stick on fire like nobody’s business.
The other actors played drums that looked like they were made by hitting water. There were dancers and more fire. It was awesome.
The awesome pirates
I’m not about to spoil the show for you but sea lions and swimming dogs are involved in Pirate’s Voyage, much to the delight of the audience.
My daughters (ages 10 and 14) and I really enjoyed the high divers and the pirate competition towards the end of the show. Overall, the entertainment value is high at Pirate’s Voyage.
Tips: Enjoying Pirates Voyage
Here are a few tips on getting the most out of the show:
Book early: if you have the date you want, book the show. I waited too long and the value tickets were sold out so I had to pay more for the time I wanted.
Go hungry: you’ll be getting a lot of food so go hungry.
Kids will love this: I saw kids of all ages there. My tween and teen really enjoyed it but I saw small kids there who were awed as well.
Try to get seats on the sides: if you can get seats on the sides of the arena, those would be better than in the corners where we sat. The poles on the stage blocked some of our views.
Tickets to Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
The show lasts about an 1.5 hours total and you’ll pick up your tickets when you get there.
Ticket prices are not inexpensive. Ages 10+ are considered adults so they pay the adult ticket price and kids are ages 3-9.
Ticket prices depend on the time. During busier times of the year, there are three shows most days: 3 pm, 6 pm, and 8:30 pm. The most expensive show I saw listed was the 6 pm show. Ticket prices start at $59.99 (~$71 with tax) and go up to around $81 (~$95 with tax).
There are also VIP tickets which gets you the best seats at the show, meet & greet with cast members, and a cheering flag. This costs an extra $28/person.
Pirates Voyage also offers Animal Encounters before some of the shows were guests get up close with the animals in the show. The admission for Animal Encounters is $74/person plus tax.
So Was the Show Worth It?
That’s the question, right? The cost was high for this experience but the memories made were worth it. My kids and I really enjoyed the show, the food, and the atmosphere. If you’ve got room in your budget for this amazing dinner show, then go for it!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is full of history and one of those gems is the Elkmont Ghost Town. It’s easy to get to but many people have no idea it exists, which is why we just had to check it out.
Quick Summary: Elkmont Ghost Town
🌲 Have you ever heard of Elkmont Ghost Town? It’s one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ hidden gems, and it feels like stepping straight into the 1940s!
Just a few minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, you’ll find preserved cabins, mossy stone bridges, and a history that stretches back to 1840. Walk through Levi Trentham’s cabin (he was known as the “Prophet of the Smokies”), wander past the old Appalachian Clubhouse, and imagine life in this vibrant town that once buzzed with wealthy Knoxville vacationers.
You’ll also want to find the enchanting Troll Bridge and, if you’re lucky, catch the once-a-year synchronous firefly show in June!
There is something captivating about the Smoky Mountains. I don’t know exactly what it is but from the very first time I went several years ago, those mountains have called me back again and again.
The misty clouds that settle in the high peaks, the snowy mountain tops in the winter, the intricate wildflowers in the spring, the pounding waterfalls, and the history of early settlers are all fascinating. I’ve done a lot of things inside the park and visited some pretty amazing places (Cades Cove is the best), but one place had eluded me until recently: Elkmont Ghost Town.
Now, if you happen to stop by the Sugarland Visitors Center, not ten minutes from the Ghost Town, and ask the Park Rangers about it, they will correct you. The actual name of the abandoned town is called Daisy Town. However, it is commonly called Elkmont Ghost Town and since I think that name is cooler, that’s what I’m using here.
History of Elkmont Ghost Town
The history of Elkmont is captivating.
Originally settled in 1840, Elkmont was called “Little River” because it is located in the Little River Valley and right next to the Little River. But in 1901, Colonel Wilson B. Townsend, whom the nearby town of Townsend is named after, bought 86,000 acres of land right there along the river and called his company the Little River Lumber Company. This was at the time of the advent of the railroad system, which Colonel Townend built to transport his lumber to the sawmill in Tuckaleechee Cove, which is about 19 miles away today. It could have been longer in that time.
Anyways, the railroad system ended up transforming Little River into a vacation destination where wealthy families from Knoxville would come to escape the heat. These wealthy families turned part of the town into a resort where the Wonderland Hotel was then built in 1912. It closed forever in 1992 and then crumbled in 2005 followed by a fire in 2016 that pretty much destroyed the rest of it. All that’s left are some steps around the property, rock foundations, and big chimneys.
There are still cabins in the logging town of Elkmont that you can check out.
Why is Elkmont a Ghost Town?
Maybe ghosts live there, I don’t know, but it’s called a ghost town because precisely no living human dwells there any longer.
When the U.S. Government turned the Great Smoky Mountains into a National Park in 1934, many people still lived and worked there. The government gave residents the option to sell and relocate immediately or sell at a lesser value to the government and retain lifetime leases where they could remain in their homes until they died or the lease was renegotiated. All but two leases expired in 1992, and the park was left with around 70 historic buildings. These included homes that people had lived in and a clubhouse for the town.
The last lease ran out in 2001 and with no one living there any longer, the buildings started to deteriorate and probably looked like a ghost town. The National Park eventually decided to preserve 19 buildings and tear down the rest. The ghost town now has restored cabins on a street that looks straight out of a movie from the 1940s. The cool thing is that you can walk through many of the cabins!
Walking through the Elkmont Ghost Town
Most of the cabins are open to the public to walk through. As we meandered down the empty street and ducked into the neat cabins, my imagination wandered as well. What was it like to live in this place as a logging family? What was it like to be in the wilderness amongst such beauty all the time? What was it like when the government bought all the land and you had to either move or lease your own property until death?
The cabins are each unique and my kids and I loved figuring out what each room was used for – was that room a kids’ bedroom? Was this one a dining room? Did the fireplace provide enough heat for the family?
One of the cabins you can walk through is that of Levi Trentham, an interesting figure who was deemed “The Prophet of the Smokies” and “Mayor of Elkmont”. He was a gifted storyteller who initially made his living trapping bears and selling their hides.
When tourists started coming to the park, he found his calling as a guide. He also opened up a small grocery store but legend has it he couldn’t read so to handle accounting, he put nails on the wall for each customer and drew what they ordered on a stick.
One customer got angry, thinking that Trentham had overcharged him because he was charged for a wheel of cheese instead of a grindstone. It turns out that Trentham forgot to draw a hole in the middle of the wheel so it looked like cheese instead of a grindstone.
There are kiosks around the cabins that tell you who they belonged to, when they were built, when the lease ran out, and about the restoration process by the National Park.
The Appalachian Clubhouse is one of the buildings that is not open to visitors except on special occasions but they do have rocking chairs to sit in and information on the front of the building that tells you a bit about the history. Elkmont was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
Nearby Jakes Creek and Spence Cabin
Levi Trentham’s cabin was moved from Jakes Creek, which is very close to Elkmont Ghost Town. From the parking area at Jakes Creek, you can see the cabins.
You can hike along Jakes Creek, which follows the old railroad route from the Little River Lumber Company. It’s a beautiful trail and you can go as far or as short as you like. A very short walk along Jakes Creek to the left leads you to Spence Cabin on the left, which was built in 1928 by Alice Townsend, wife of Colonel Townsend. You can’t miss it – the building is pink.
Spence Cabin was part of the Appalachian Club resort community where the wealthy people from Knoxville would come and visit via the railroad. The cabin sits right along the beautiful Little River and can be rented out from the National Park for weddings, family gatherings, or other types of events.
There’s a kiosk by the river in front of Spence Cabin with a photo of people in the water obviously having a grand old time. This walkthrough history was just so cool. You can keep walking a little ways from the cabin and come across the remains of other buildings that were part of the resort community but they are mostly just chimneys.
The Elkmont Troll Bridge
If you’re on any of the big Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge Facebook groups, the Troll Bridge always comes up. People want to know what it is and where to find it, as did I.
You have to park in the lot for the Jakes Creek trailhead and walk maybe a quarter mile until you find a small spur trail on the right. The trail goes right to the small bridge. We missed this the first time we walked down the trail and spent quite a while backtracking until we found another group and eventually asked them. They directed us towards the bridge and we found it!
The bridge is idyllic with moss covering the stonework in some places and goes over a very small creek. My kids enjoyed coming up with riddles to tell each other so they could pass over the bridge. It was super cute.
Elkmont Campground
The campground at Elkmont is enormous but it’s only open seasonally, March-November. The campground is primitive, meaning it has no showers and few amenities. I mean, you’re going there to stay in the Smokies, not watch TV or play video games. There is also no cell service but the campground is just 25 minutes the Alum Cave trailhead, 5 minutes from Laurel Falls trailhead, 20 minutes to Chimney Tops trailhead and many others. It’s about 30 minutes from Cades Cove.
The sites are really pretty and some have tent pads. Read through all the descriptions of each site before you book because they are not all the same. Also, you need to know that bears are regulars here. You’ll get a lesson on keeping your food stored properly from a Ranger before given your camp tag for your car. It’s really, really important to listen to what they say and store your food correctly so you’re not inviting bears to visit you.
Synchronous Fireflies
Perhaps the coolest thing at Elkmont is the fact that the campground is the location of the synchronous fireflies in June. One way to see them is to enter the annual lottery, which opens in 2025 in early May. May. In 2023, more than 45,000 people entered to win one of the around 1100 vehicle tickets they give away per each night. In 2025, they are giving away 960 vehicle passes total for eight nights. It’s $1 to enter the lottery and if you win, you’ll be charged the $29 application fee.
Or you could book a campsite at Elkmont and skip the lottery and see the amazing fireflies, which is just a short walk from your campsite. I did this and it was completely unreal, amazing, incredible – all the adjectives to describe something that is a must-see at least once in your life.
Another option is to book a campsite the week after the lottery ends. I was told by multiple people (and a couple of Rangers) that you can usually see them at this time without the crowds and without having to enter the lottery.
Directions to Elkmont Ghost Town
Getting to the Wonderland Hotel, Elkmont Ghost Town, and the Troll Bridge is pretty easy. If you start at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg on the Tennessee side, take Little River Road traveling west. Look for signs for Elkmont Campground around 4.9 miles and turn left towards the Jakes Creek Trail just before you reach the actual campground. Keep right and park near the gate.
To get to Elkmont Ghost Town, go past the Jakes Creek trailhead parking up the hill and turn right. There’s a parking lot there.
To get to the remains of the Wonderland Hotel, once you turn onto the road leading to the Elkmont Campground from Little River Road, go past the unmarked gravel road until you see one or two small government buildings on your right. Across the street is a small pull-off with a kiosk that has photos and information about the Wonderland Hotel. There’s a short path up the hill that leads to the remains of the hotel. We wandered around up there for a little bit and then got back to the car and drove to Jakes Creek.
One thing you need to know is that while there is no admission to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you do need to purchase a parking pass, which you can get at the Sugarland Visitors Center. Parking is $5/day, $15/week or $40/year.
Need other things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area? We have been several times and have a huge Guide to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge where you can find information on things to do, where to stay, and where to eat.
SkyFly Pigeon Forge is a newer attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN that has already won awards for its unique and amazing experience. We’ve got all the details on how to see it.
I really had no idea what SkyFly: Soar America was going to be like when we walked into the building, which is right near the big Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel on the Island at Pigeon Forge.
The decor looked like what I’d expect the workshop of some old scientist who was studying time travel may look like with gadgets and goggles. I was intrigued for sure and definitely wanted to try out whatever the ride entailed.
About SkyFly: Soar America
SkyFly: Soar America won the “Best New Attraction” award in 2021 by USA Today Readers’ Choice. They only opened in July 2021 so the award was quite the accomplishment. SkyFly was manufactured and designed by Dynamic Attractions, which also designed and made the super popular Disney Soarin’ attractions all over the world.
Once you purchase your tickets, you enter into a room where you’ll learn about explorer Peter Wilder and his daughter Hannah as they try to get ready their steampunk airship for takeoff. We were the only ones in line for about ten minutes and watched the video of the two characters for a bit to try to imagine what in the world was about to happen. A few other guests joined the line and soon we were taken into the Tram room.
Our guide instructed us where to stand and off we went. Actually, we didn’t go anywhere but the screens on the top of the tram certainly looked like we were moving as we virtually sped through the countryside and came to a stop where the airship supposedly resides.
We exited and got in line to enter the next room, which held the massive, 50-foot spherical screen. I didn’t know that yet though. While waiting, we got some safety instructions from Mr. Wilder and his daughter, which were quite the characters. They seemed a little unprepared for this journey, which was all part of the fun.
Then we were off and entered the ride. And that’s where it got exciting.
Soaring Over America
Once we got situated into our seats, buckles buckled and checked, and bags underneath our seats, it was time to get flying.
As soon as the show started, our seats moved straight up and our feet were dangling in the air, ready to fly. The screen looks like we are going through some big tube and then we’re off high in the sky above Chimney Rock (I was so excited to see such a familiar spot) soaring like the peregrine falcons. It was such a cool sensation.
Next, we took flight along the Blue Ridge Parkway, over the geyser in Yellowstone, glaciers in Alaska, and above the massive Grand Canyon.
SkyFly: Soar America
We flew over Niagara Falls and even got sprayed with real water and felt the wind. Then it was on to the Grand Tetons, over the beauty of Hawaii, through the Sequoia National Forest, and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We flew low over the flat waters of the Everglades and up high to get a glimpse of the presidents carved into Mt. Rushmore.
It was so cool and you really do feel like you’re flying. The seats move around as you fly so the experience is totally immersive.
The movie is six minutes long but I could have done it at least a couple more times, which you can actually do for a greatly reduced price once you’re done with the first ride.
How in the world did this movie get made? That’s what I kept thinking. SkyFly says that they used drones and helicopters to film it and that there is nothing else like it in the world.
Experiencing SkyFly for Yourself
SkyFly: Soar America is located on the Island at Pigeon Forge and is open Sunday – Thursday from 10 am – 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm.
Our total time at SkyFly was around 30 minutes but if you have to wait in line, it could be longer. SkyFly says to allow 30-60 minutes once you enter the queue.
Guests must be 40″ to ride and guests between 40” and 55” must be accompanied by an adult. Guests taller than 76″ are not permitted on the ride. If you have a child shorter than 40”, you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room while your partner rides the ride and then you can switch out. They do tell you that if you have a fear of heights, you may not like the ride and you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room. I’m not a big fan of heights or flying but had no issues with the ride. I thought it was awesome.
Also, if you’re a pregnant mom, SkyFly does not allow you to ride. SkyFly is fully ADA-accessible and can accommodate. If you have other questions, there is a great SkyFly FAQ section on their website.
Tickets to SkyFLy can be purchased online or in person. During peak hours and seasons, which is pretty much all year except January and early February, they advise you to purchase tickets ahead of time. Adult tickets are $22.99 and kids ages 11 and under are $17.99.
Pigeon Forge officially has its first indoor waterpark at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort, only a three-hour drive from Greenville, SC. We’ve got all the details on this new spot for great family entertainment!
Thank you to Country Cascades Waterpark Resort for hosting us. All opinions here are our own.
Watch! Our Visit to Country Cascades
My daughters and I love waterparks in general but especially indoor ones during wintertime. What’s better than sliding down a waterslide when it’s chilly outside and still staying warm and having fun in the water? You can do all of that and tons more at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN. But read on to learn how they’ve recently renovated rooms to make sure a family of six – yes, six – can fit comfortably!
View of the waterpark from the waterslide tower
About Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
Country Cascades Waterpark Resort is right on the main strip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, only about 20 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is walkable to the Island at Pigeon Forge.
The resort has two restaurants, a candy shop, coffee shop, indoor and outdoor waterpark, and tons of activities for the family right on-site. If you get there and don’t want to leave during your trip, you won’t have to since it has everything you need to have fun with your family.
They are also home to Pigeon Forge’s only indoor waterpark, which opened in November of 2024, called Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark (keep reading for a detailed review!). The resort is only a little over three hours driving distance from Greenville so it’s a great spot for a weekend adventure or just to get away for a few days but not travel too far.
The Rooms at Country Cascades
Country Cascades recently finished a large-scale, multi-million dollar addition of the River Tower, which features new cabin and treehouse suites that are just awesome with lots of thoughtful touches.
We stayed in one of their new cabin suites, which can sleep a total of six people. Yes, six. It includes a king bed and four bunk beds. The bunk beds are in their own little room that has a flat screen TV and a light and electrical outlets next to each bed. They are really cute and such a lifesaver for larger families who need more space for kids.
The treehouse suites sleep four people and have a king bed plus two twins.
Bunk beds inside the Cabin Suite
They do have other rooms that sleep six with pull out beds but the new suites are fantastic for their design. They also have really cute scavenger hunts within the room that the kids can do. Rooms do have a small fridge but no coffee maker or microwave.
One thing that I absolutely loved was that your room key is your wristband that you get when you check-in. Every member of your party has one, which honestly saved me so much stress. I’m one of those people who have to check their pockets a million times before leaving a hotel room to make sure I have the keys. This method is amazing and I loved that the kids could open the room door with their own wristbands as well.
Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark
The brand new Braxton Beaver’s Indoor Waterpark is a $14 million addition to the resort that opened in late 2024. It includes a four-story waterslide, dueling mat waterslides, a huge soaking tub, large pool with basketball hoops, a zero-entry splash pad, several smaller waterslides, and cabanas you can rent.
Obviously we loved this part of our stay. My daughters are 10 and 14 and while there is probably more to do for younger kids, they weren’t bored at all. They loved all the waterslides, pool, and soaking spa. I thought the huge water slide was super cool because of the light patterns they have throughout it. And I did the dueling mat slides a few times to try to beat my kids (they won). That was a favorite of all of ours.
One of the best parts about the indoor waterpark was that it was open late at night, until 11 pm. I really try to stick to bedtimes at home but it’s a free-for-all when we travel and my daughters took advantage of the freedom. We stayed up late both nights hanging out and playing at the waterpark, which is a lot of fun and a great way to get out the last of any energy the kids may have left. My energy was gone long before then but per usual, my kids had some left.
Splash pad
While I didn’t take advantage of this option, the resort offers a cool feature where you can order food and drinks from the Snack Shack through a QR code right on your chair and it will be brought to you. I love that, especially if you’re a parent of a smaller child who needs to keep an eye on them but you’re also hungry.
Speaking of smaller kids, they will be endlessly entertained here at the waterpark. They have so many options to have fun that you could probably spend hours here with them and it wouldn’t be enough.
The indoor waterpark has life jackets available as well as towels for guests. And I have to give the lifeguards a lot of credit. They were very attentive to every guest the whole time I was there. My daughters said the lifeguards at the smaller water slides were really nice and I saw one lifeguard stop a little kid from errantly climbing up the stairs to the big water slide. The staff were constantly on watch for any trash and emptied garbage cans regularly. So a big high-five to all of them!
The indoor waterpark is only for guests and access to it is included in your stay. They do not sell day passes. And they do have an outdoor waterpark that is open over the summer but we went in February so I can’t give you an opinion on that one! I saw some slides though and it looked like a lot of fun.
The Endless Activities at Country Cascades
The first thing I noticed after we checked into the resort was the amazing number of things to do as a family. The front desk attendant gave me a list of all the activities they had going on that weekend and it was literally something every hour from 9 am – 9:30 pm. Some of the activities were paid things to do like build-a-character doll or cookie decorating but most of the activities were totally free. Their weekday schedule is a bit shorter but still has lots of things to do.
We got there late afternoon on a Friday and just made it in time for Family Trivia, which my daughters wanted to do. They host all their activities in the Friendship Forest Activity Center which looks like you’re in the woods. It’s cute.
Playing bingo
The trivia was a blast. There were a couple other families and you play a game of 20 questions with a bonus question. If there’s a tie, you go into the tie-breaker round. The first night’s trivia theme was Disney. We had a bit of a rough go of it but ended up in the tie-breaker round with one other family amazingly.
We both got the first question wrong so went on to the next one, which we got right! It was pretty exciting I must say. My daughters were thrilled and we won a free box of popcorn from the candy kitchen.
Next up was bingo. My daughters were already wishing this would last all night. They were having so much fun. Lots of people joined in for bingo and we played several rounds. The hosts made it interesting and we had to get bingo using different shapes on the board. One of my daughters won a round and got a $5 coupon to the candy kitchen. It was a good night.
But there’s even more things to do besides the games. They have a big arcade with lots of fun games and a virtual reality arena. There’s also duckpin bowling, gem mining, and a nightly dance party. It was never-ending fun.
Be sure to get the schedule of activities when you get there or you can check out their calendar online ahead of time to plan your adventures.
Dining at Country Cascades
For dining options at the resort, you can get breakfast at Granny Cluckets, delicious fudge and other delectable sweet treats at Candi’s Candy Kitchen, pizza at Nonnaroni’s, and coffee and pastries at Refuel. The Snack Shack at the waterpark also serves up food.
We had breakfast one of the mornings we were there at Granny Cluckets, which is an all-you-can-eat setup. I loved how they did this though: you just go in and the host seats you and then your server brings you a huge platter full of breakfast food. There was bacon, eggs, biscuits, gravy, potatoes, and breakfast sausage. The meal comes with coffee and orange juice.
Granny Cluckets breakfast
You can ask for refills of anything you want on the platters. I thought it was efficient and better than tons of people grabbing serving spoons off a buffet table. Plus, the food was great!
Kids 13 and under eat free with a paid adult. Breakfast for adults is $14.99 or you can grab a discounted breakfast ticket online for $10, which includes a pass for one adult and one child.
They also offer meal deals and some of their hotel packages include breakfast passes so be sure to check them out before booking or just call the resort.
Honest Mom Review
I think the best part about Country Cascades was the focus on making sure that everyone in the family had fun and that they enjoyed their stay with each other. My daughters absolutely loved the Family Trivia and Bingo games. We actually rearranged our schedule on Saturday to make sure to be there that evening for them since we did the games on Friday night and it was such a huge success.
The indoor waterpark was a blast and something really fun to do over the winter months especially. It extended our family time in the evenings and I loved seeing my daughters having so much fun. We have been to the other waterparks in the area and as a comparison, Country Cascades is smaller than the others in size and water activities but it’s just as fun.
And all the activities you can do right at the resort is a huge plus. It’s also one of the more affordable trips, especially if you add on the breakfast vouchers to your room.
The behavior of the staff at the hotel was something I noticed. Every single person we talked to was kind and happy to help or just did their job so well. All the people who did the activities with the families were upbeat and funny. The front desk people were patient and helpful. And everyone working at the waterpark obviously wanted to be there.
I know so many businesses have challenges with staffing but this business got it right. The resort also communicates with their guests via text message and is quick to reply to any questions, which I found to be a seamless way to work with guests.
The location cannot be beat. We walked to the Island at Pigeon Forge and you can easily walk to restaurants, shops, or pretty much anything else you want to go if you want to explore elsewhere.
The other amazing thing I loved was the double bunk beds. I only have two kids but I know many, many families who really need that space – all in one room – to fit their families and the way that the resort constructed these rooms was very thoughtful. It was easy to see that making those memories as a family together is a focus of the entire resort, which I certainly appreciated since that’s our focus at Kidding Around as well.
Booking Your Reservation
You can easily book your trip at the Country Cascades Waterpark Resort’s website. You can get a discount when you sign up for the free Smoky Mountain Rewards program so be sure to do that when you’re there.
