Best Adrenaline-Pumping Activities in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
Best Adrenaline-Pumping Activities in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
Think you’re brave? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are here to prove that idea. They offer thrilling coasters, swinging bridges, and ziplines. You might think, “Wait… this is higher than it looked online!”
These adrenaline-pumping activities aren’t about sitting pretty with a latte. Nope, we’re talking treetop drops, twisty mountain tracks, and the kind of rides that have you screaming so loud, the bears probably hear you. Here’s where to test your mettle.
Mountain Coaster Mayhem
If you've never experienced a mountain coaster, prepare to have your definition of fun completely rewritten. These bad boys combine the thrill of a roller coaster with actual mountain terrain, and honestly, they're addictive.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Address: 2940 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Nine minutes. Four lift hills. One coaster. Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is an absolute beast and a must-do for anyone who loves a long, thrilling ride.
You're in complete control as you navigate over 20 acres of twists and tunnels at up to 30 MPH.
The real pro move, however, is to go at night when the whole mountain comes alive with spectacular lights, turning the forest into your own private, high-speed disco.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Address: 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Had enough of the slow-moving sidewalk crowds on the Parkway? Good, because Moonshine Mountain Coaster is your personal escape pod, ready to launch you straight from downtown into the forest at a ridiculous 30 MPH.
You’re in control of the brakes, but let's be honest, that's just a suggestion. Let gravity do its thing and prepare for every twist, dip, and curve to hit just a little harder than you expected.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Address: 867 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster was the first mountain coaster to hit the Smokies, and it still sets the bar sky-high (literally). With over a mile of downhill track, this ride gives you seven to eight glorious minutes of twists, dips, and “Should I brake or just send it?” moments.
Top speeds hover around 27 to 30 MPH, but thanks to the sled’s hand brakes, you can slow down, if you must. Ride it at night under 300,000 glowing LED lights for a downhill glow party to remember.
Theme Park Thrills
Dollywood is home to some of the most adventurous attractions in the Smoky Mountains. But with 10 rollercoasters on site, your biggest problem is figuring out which scream-inducing coaster to tackle first. Thankfully, we’re here to help.
Lightning Rod
Lightning Rod wastes exactly zero seconds getting down to business—chain lift, then BAM, 165-foot drop straight into 73 MPH of pure chaos. The hybrid track whips you through banked turns and sequences that snap left-right-left so fast your brain can't keep up. And just when you thought you were done, four straight drops keep coming until you’re laughing, crying, or both.
Wild Eagle
As America's first wing coaster, Wild Eagle suspends you beside the track while you zoom through the air at 61 MPH. Your feet swing free through inversions and loops that make your stomach drop in ways you didn't know were possible. Equal parts thrilling and beautiful, you can appreciate mountain views while questioning all your decisions.
Mystery Mine
Mystery Mine messes with you from the start with its creepy mining theme, then backs it up with a 95-degree drop that's basically vertical. This coaster combines indoor dark ride elements with outdoor chaos, so you never quite know what's coming next. It features inversions, sudden drops, and enough surprises to make even roller coaster veterans feel a little nervous.
High-Flying Havoc
Not all thrills stay on the ground. Some dangle you over treetops, zip you across valleys, and have you questioning your life choices midair. These Smoky Mountain standouts promise to turn a casual day in the Smokies into a full-on brag-worthy adventure.
Smoky Mountain Ziplines
Address: 509 Mill Creek Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Ready to fly? Smoky Mountain Ziplines straps you in and sends you soaring above the forest canopy like a slightly terrified superhero.
The lines stretch long enough to make you forget you ever had feet on solid ground, and the guides keep things equal parts safe and hilarious. Expect a mix of laughter, high-pitched shrieks, and views that’ll make you want to go again the second you hit the landing platform.
Dueling Zipline Adventure at Anakeesta
Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Who says you can’t bring a little healthy competition 1,000 feet in the air? Anakeesta’s Dueling Zipline lets you race your best friend, your partner, or your overly competitive uncle side-by-side.
The launch is a fun event. Watching your rival try to beat you is almost as enjoyable as the mountain view. Just remember, the winner buys the loser a consolation funnel cake. Hey, it’s only fair.
Gatlinburg SkyBridge
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the ultimate "look down if you dare" experience. The bridge is so long you'll practically need a snack for the journey across.
The real party trick is the glass panel section in the middle, which provides a stomach-dropping view of the valley floor far, far below. Don't worry, the bragging rights last much longer than the wobble in your knees.
Off the Wall Adventures
Alright, let's get weird. For those times when a roller coaster or zipline just feels a little too... normal. These off-the-wall adventures are for anyone looking to bounce, roll, and rumble their way through the Smokies.
Outdoor Gravity Park
Address: 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Ever wondered what it feels like to be a human hamster in a giant, inflatable, water-filled ball? Of course you have, which is why you need to get to the Outdoor Gravity Park. It's the only place in the country where you can try zorbing, where they strap you into a massive inflatable sphere, add water, and send you tumbling down a quarter-mile course.
The experience is equal parts hilarious and disorienting, and you'll spend the whole time wondering why this isn't a thing everywhere.
TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena
Address: 3735 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Think you’ve got what it takes to be an action hero? Here's where you prove it. TopJump is a full-on training ground for your inner daredevil, featuring the intense "Fire & Ice" ninja course and 21 different climbing challenges.
After you've dominated the obstacle course (or spectacularly wiped out), you can challenge your friends to a high-flying game of dodgeball. It's the most fun you can have while getting a serious workout.
Smoky Mountain Jeep Tours
Address: 2826 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Think your SUV is tough? Wait until you meet the professional off-roaders at Smoky Mountain Jeep Tours. This is where you trade your latte for a steering wheel grip and discover what your vehicle wishes it could do.
You'll splash through mud puddles, crawl over boulders, and conquer hills so steep you'll be giggling nervously. It's a mud-slinging, adventure-chasing, photo-worthy romp through the Smokies' wild backcountry.
Go Wild by Day, Get Comfy by Night
You screamed. You soared. You maybe questioned your life choices somewhere between the drop on Lightning Rod and the last loop on Mystery Mine.
That’s what vacation memories are made of. Now give your nerves (and your legs) the break they deserve.
With vacation rentals from Mountain Laurel Chalets, you’ll trade the “hold on for dear life” energy for fluffy pillows, crackling fireplaces, and views worth a slow clap. Adventure all day, melt into comfort all night. That’s balance, baby.
