Sevierville and Gatlinburg are both mountain resort destinations in Tennessee. Both cities are just minutes away from the Smoky Mountain ridges that straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. You can enjoy a wide array of recreational activities in this scenic mountainous region including camping, canoeing and hiking.
National Park
Gatlinburg and Sevierville border the Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has a diverse plant and animal life, varied natural landscapes and sights including vistas, waterfalls and old-growth forests. Wildlife viewing is also popular to see animals such as black bears, elk and deer. Whether hiking, backpacking, fishing or camping, the national park has something to offer all outdoor enthusiasts. The park has more than 800 miles of trails with different difficulty levels. Backpackers can find campsites to pitch a tent year-round.
Attractions
A variety of educational, cultural, entertainment and art museums are in the area. Aircraft enthusiasts should pay a visit to see the aircraft collection at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in Sevierville. The collection includes exhibits of airworthy P-47 Thunderbolts, Douglas A-1H Skyraider and F-86 Saberjet.
Fishing, Camping and Boating
Douglas Lake in Sevierville is an ideal spot for camping and fishing. The lake spans 30,400 acres with 555 miles of shoreline. You can fish for species such as bass, walleye, crappie, sauger, catfish and bluegill. Other activities on the lake include swimming, boating and picnicking. Rent canoes and kayaks or take your boat and use the boat ramps and docks available in the lake. Many campgrounds surround Douglas Lake, offering campsites for tents, RVs and cabin campers. Anglers can also choose from other fishing grounds nearby such as Hazel Creek, Little River, Big Creek and Abrams Creek.
Whitewater Rafting
Go rafting and test the rapids down the Big Pigeon River. Gatlinburg and Sevierville have many outfitters that offer fully guided whitewater rafting trips in the area. The Big Pigeon River has twelve Class III and three Class IV rapids where you can enjoy the scenic mountain view of the Smoky Mountains in the backdrop as you paddle. Outfitters provide all necessary gear and equipment as well as safety and basic instructions.
Winter Sports
Snowboarding, skiing and ice skating are some of the winter sports available in the area. The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is the state's only ski resort. Ski or snowboard at one of the eight ski slopes 3,000 feet above sea level. For the less adventurous, an indoor ice skating rink is also open. Rentals for all equipment are available.
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