When you come to the Smokies, you will definitely want to spend some time outside. There are several fun outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains you should try, from fishing to hiking. Soak up some vitamin D and enjoy time in the sun on your next vacation! Here are the top 5 outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains you should try:

1. Ziplining

If you love adventure and the outdoors, you should try one of the various ziplining courses in the Smokies! There’s nothing more exciting than being strapped into a harness and flying through the trees from platform to platform. You’ll find tours with the best mountain views throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There are also tours where you can race down the hills against friends and family to add a layer of competition, including the dueling ziplines at Anakeesta and other thrilling activities! Quite a few of these zipline companies have bridges or obstacle courses in the trees for even more fun!

2. Fishing

Do you like to fish? Then you should go fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You can actually fish at any water source in the park, from creeks to rivers. With over 2,900 miles of streams in the park, you have plenty to choose from! In order to be able to fish in the park, you do need a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license. Some of the fish you might see include trout and bass. You are allowed to fish from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

3. Hiking

The most popular outdoor activity in the Smoky Mountains is hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate to difficult, so there’s a hike for everyone! A great way to pick which hiking trail you want to go on is by deciding what kind of features you want to see. From waterfalls, mountain views, wooded views, historic buildings, and much more, there are options everyone will love. You might even see wildlife along your hike!

4. Horseback Riding

For any animal lovers in your group, you should take them horseback riding! Small children can ride with parents, but older kids and adults get their own horse. All tours are led by a guide on their own horse, and you will travel along trails in the mountains, walking over creeks and up hills. Check out Five Oaks Riding Stables or Deer Farm Riding Stables for the best tours in the Smokies. No matter how old you are, you’ll have a great time riding horses in the Smoky Mountains!

5. White Water Rafting

Another exciting outdoor activity in the Smoky Mountains is white water rafting! This is a great thing to do with the whole family to make memories together on your next trip. Lower river trips are perfect for small kids or people who don’t want to go on a wild ride. Upper river trips are more likely to have class 3 and 4 rapids, making for an exciting trip. No matter what trip you choose, you’ll have fun with your family and friends!

These outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains are things you definitely have to do when you’re in town. Still looking for a place to stay on your next Smokies vacation? Check out our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and book one for your next vacation today!