Tennessee's Underrated Great Smoky Mountains Tourist Hub Is A Riverside City Full Of Attractions And Views

For a mountain getaway that blends a riverside city feel with easy outdoor access, consider looking to the underrated hub of Sevierville, Tennessee. Find this gateway city in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Little Pigeon River runs through Sevierville's center, shaping the area into a unique base for exploring and helping differentiate it from other Smoky Mountain gateway towns. The community offers a plethora of nearby activities and attractions, from Soaky Mountain Waterpark to America's longest zipline and, of course, Dollywood. For some shopping, there's also a large menu of brand-name and chain stores at Tanger Outlets Sevierville.

The region's natural beauty is a major draw, and you can experience it via driving routes into and around town. Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) is the quintessential drive through America's most visited national park. Residing at an elevation of 5,046 feet, it ascends an additional 3,000 feet and leads to Kuwohi (previously known as Clingmans Dome), the park's highest point. From the observation tower there, you can enjoy views that stretch for miles.

Those flying in for a visit will likely land at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), the closest airport to Sevierville at about 48 minutes away. By car (the best way to get around the area), you can take Cades Cove Loop Road, a one-way street that crosses through a valley known for wildlife like white-tailed deer and black bears. The route passes by several old-timey cabins, churches, and a functioning 19th-century grist mill. Meanwhile, the Foothills Parkway route showcases mountainous landscapes and valley vistas. With all these adventures in store, Sevierville is a great starting point for your mountain travels.

Outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, your to-do list in Sevierville can include many local museums and historical hotspots. You might start at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, where you can see a collection of vintage and flight-ready Warbird aircrafts. In nearby Pigeon Forge (home to eastern Tennessee's longest roller coaster), you can visit the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, which covers the history of American crime. Within city limits, find the Sevier County Courthouse, a Beaux Arts-style building that's on the National Register of Historic Places. On the courthouse grounds stands a bronze statue of American icon Dolly Parton.

To get a little mysterious and adventurous, check out Forbidden Caverns to tour an underground cave system with calcite formations and a subterranean stream. Then, at the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo, you can hand-feed deer, camels, and zebras (yes, you read that correctly). Afterward, explore the Robert A. Tino Gallery, which displays nature paintings inside a historic building featuring hand-carved woodworking.

Your trip to the Volunteer State might also line up with one of the city's annual events. In May, the two-day Bloomin' BBQ Music & Food Festival pairs a state championship barbecue competition with live bluegrass music. In the summer, you can attend the Sevier County Fair, which has carnival rides, livestock shows, and agricultural contests. From November through February, the Winterfest Celebration lights up Sevierville with large displays of holiday lights and a Christmas parade. Once spring arrives, you can watch marching bands and floats during the Music in the Mountains Parade or celebrate Celtic culture during the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games.

When you're ready to turn in for the night or take a siesta, you'll find a handful of lodging options in Sevierville. For a stay in the downtown district, book a room at The Historic Central Hotel, which enjoys mountain views from its rooftop 101 Sky Lounge. Alternatively, The Lodge at Five Oaks (near the Tanger Outlets) has a cozy, rustic farmhouse design, and The Berry Springs Lodge (a higher-end property) sits on several acres that include ponds and hiking trails.

The city's food scene also gives you many choices for meals and drinks. For your coffee fix, visit the veteran-founded Black Rifle Coffee Company or The Heavenly Roast, which is run out of a cozy, cabin-like building. For a tasty breakfast, dine at Flapjack's Pancake Cabin, known for its pancakes made from scratch. Or, try the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill, Sevierville's oldest restaurant, for traditional Southern food served against the backdrop of an apple orchard. For a classier meal, The Appalachian reinterprets regional dishes with contemporary flair. You can also eat locally sourced, grass-fed burgers at Graze Burgers or New England-style seafood at Pinchy's Lobster Company.

In the evening, Iron Forge Brewing Co. invites you to experience its large patio and beer garden overlooking the Little Pigeon River. At craft beer market The Casual Pint, brew lovers can find a changing selection of beers on tap. For more options, you can also visit The Pines Downtown, an entertainment space inside a historic theater that now hosts a pub, bowling, and various other games.