The Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee are the perfect place to take your family for a fun and relaxing vacation. They’re conveniently located, breathtakingly beautiful and full of fun attractions and activities that everyone will love. There are dozens of Great Smoky Mountains attractions to choose from, and we’ve put together a list of our 4 favorites to help you plan the ultimate family vacation!

1. Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster

Of all the Great Smoky Mountains attractions to choose from, one of the most exciting and unique is the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. You’ll ride down the track on this family friendly roller coaster in a single or double rider cart, putting you in charge of the speed! Take it slow to get the most of the views or speed it up if you’re looking for a thrill. Either way, this is an unforgettable way to enjoy an afternoon or evening in the mountains!

2. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

For unbelievable 360 degree views of the Smokies, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a sightseer’s dream come true! At it’s peak, the wheel soars 200 feet in the sky and is considered one of the tallest attractions in the southeast. The all-glass gondolas can fit up to 8 people, which means you can share this amazing experience with your closest friends and family members. If you’re looking for Great Smoky Mountains attractions with mountain views, this one can’t be beat!

3. Cades Cove

One of the most popular Great Smoky Mountains attractions is Cades Cove because it offers several great ways to experience the Smokies.

If you’re into walking and hiking, Cades Cove has several trails that will lead you through the woods, giving you an up-close look at mountain wildlife as well as giving you a bit of a workout. You can also stroll through the Cove, exploring all the old churches and cabins that were built by the earliest Smoky Mountain settlers.

If you want to see the sights without all the walking, you’ll love the 11 mile driving loop around Cades Cove. Drivers take their time on the loop, stopping to observe wild animals along the way, so plan several hours to complete the drive.

4. Gatlinburg Ghost Walks

For those of you who love ghost stories and spooky tales, Ghost Walks in Gatlinburg TN is the perfect event for you. You’ll be taken on a mile long walk through downtown Gatlinburg TN by a costumed tour guide, learning about the town’s most haunted spots and hearing stories of the murder and mayhem that Gatlinburg TN has experienced. This hour long tour is filled with local legends, superstitions, folk tales and some Smoky Mountain history. This is a family friendly event, and children under 12 years of age can participate for free!

No matter which Great Smoky Mountains attractions you want to check out, you’ll need a convenient and comfortable place to stay during your vacation. Our Smoky Mountain cabins are the perfect home away from home because they’re large enough for your whole family to spread out and relax, and they’re decked out with all the greatest amenities like hot tubs, game rooms, theater rooms and private decks. Book your stay today, and start planning for the best vacation ever!