Mountaintop Adventure Parks You Must Experience this Summer
When planning a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country often steal the spotlight—and for good reason. These famous Sevier County theme parks offer world-class rides, thrilling water attractions, and unforgettable entertainment. But what you may not realize is that the Smokies are also home to several other exciting adventure and theme parks that are must-do activities for families seeking unique thrills, scenic mountain views, and hands-on fun. From ziplining over rich forests to mountain coasters and immersive outdoor experiences, east Tennessee adventure parks deliver something special for every age and interest. When you go – and we know you’ll want to – be sure to mention that The Village Shops sent you!
Summer Fun at Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area
When the snow melts, Ober becomes a genuine mountain amusement park with thrilling rides and activities such as the Cloud Catcher Zipline, Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster, Smoky Mountain Bobsled, and downhill mountain biking. For families, there’s indoor ice skating, ice bumper cars, a carousel, rock climbing wall, Spider Jump, jump pillow, chair swings, summer tubing, and a wildlife habitat featuring native Great Smoky Mountains animals.
A highlight of any visit is the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, a scenic 2.1‑mile ride that travels between downtown Gatlinburg and the mountaintop resort in about 10 minutes. The cabins, which seat up to 120 passengers, offer panoramic views of the Smokies and no driving required!
Dive Into Cool Thrills at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
Discover unforgettable thrills this August at Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park in Sevierville Tennessee—just 20 minutes from Gatlinburg. Soar through the Smokies on the Goliath Zip Line, one of the fastest and highest zip lines in the country, or glide above waterfalls and forest canopies on the scenic Waterfall Canopy Tour. Your family can explore suspension bridges, hike shaded mountain trails to Lost Mine Falls, and cool off along the River Walk Trail. The kiddos will love the Fox’s Hollow Playground and gem mining, while climbers conquer the Gorilla Wall and challenge themselves on the Tree-Climber Ropes Course and Quick Jump free-fall.
Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park
Experience the ultimate summer adventure at Anakeesta, perched 600 feet above downtown Gatlinburg on 70 acres of beautiful scenery. Ride the world’s only fixed‑grip Chondola or hop aboard the Ridge Rambler guided truck for unlimited access to mountaintop magic, including the AnaVista Tower with 360° views, a lush Vista Gardens arboretum, and the thrilling Treetop Skywalk stretching over 880 feet through forest canopy. Cool off at the Splash Pad or get wild in BirdVenture, a giant aviary‑inspired play zone with slides and adventure features geared for families. Thrill‑seekers can elevate the day with add‑ons like the Dueling Zipline Adventure (three zips plus rappels), Hellbender and Rail Runner mountain coasters, and the mesmerizing Astra Lumina nighttime enchanted-light walk — perfect for extending the fun into evening under the stars.
Skyland Ranch Sevierville Attraction
This August, be sure to check out SkyLand Ranch, Sevierville’s premier mountaintop attraction. Sitting on a 100-acre farm, this unique destination offers thrilling rides, scenic views, and family-friendly fun. Begin your adventure with the Horizon Skyride, a scenic chairlift journey that provides awesome views of the Smoky Mountains. At the top, start with the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster, the longest mountain coaster in the Southeast, taking you on an exciting spin through the landscape. For those seeking more thrills, the WagonWheeler Swing Tower, Tennessee’s tallest swing tower, delivers a heart-pounding experience with panoramic views. Additionally, the Legacy Lookout observation tower offers a 350-foot-high perspective of Sevierville and the surrounding area. Families can enjoy the Safari Hayride, a leisurely tour highlighting the ranch’s miniature animals and peaceful, picture-worthy surroundings. With daily live entertainment, seasonal food trucks, and retail shops, SkyLand Ranch promises a memorable summer adventure!