Soak Up the Serenity of Sevier County

If the speed of life has you longing for rest and rejuvenation, spend a few days in the East Tennessee mountain haven known as Sevier County. Called the "Gateway to the Smokies" for its close proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevier County is home to three of Tennessee's most popular cities – Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville – as well as the iconic Dollywood theme park, dinner theaters, shopping destinations, live entertainment, museums, family-friendly attractions and restaurants galore. But one of the biggest reasons visitors love Sevier County is for the opportunity to bask in the peaceful tranquility of the mountains. There are more than 7,000 cabins you can choose from to make your stay memorable in this mountainous hideaway. It's no wonder more than 10 million visitors choose to vacation in Sevier County every year.

Cuddle Up At A Cozy Cabin

For an unforgettable Smoky Mountain getaway, book a cozy cabin surrounded by panoramic views and the sounds of nature. Whether you want a one-bedroom cabin for a romantic escape or a spacious retreat for the entire family, cabins of all sizes are available to rent in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Wears Valley. Not only do Smoky Mountain cabins provide a homelike place to stay, they're also equipped with everything you could want, such as full kitchens, grills, WiFi, outdoor hot tubs, decks with rocking chairs, game rooms and much more. You'll be just a short drive from all the exciting attractions in town while enjoying breathtaking mountain views, along with the peace and quiet only a cabin can provide. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you love wandering in the vast outdoors, explore the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and spans a massive 522,427 acres. The park attracted more than 13 million visitors in 2023, making it the most visited national park in America. Sixteen of the park's mountain peaks exceed 6,000 feet in elevation, creating dramatic, awe-inspiring views. Take a hike on one of the park's 150 trails, feel the spray of a cascading waterfall, go camping or take a scenic driving tour to visit one of the park's five historic areas that preserve its Southern Appalachian heritage. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including the park's most famous resident, the American Black Bear. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East, and biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live within the park. 

Dolly Parton Statue

Snap a selfie with a statue of Sevier County's most famous daughter, Dolly Parton, at the Sevier County Courthouse in downtown Sevierville. The bronze statue debuted in 1987 and portrays a young Dolly sitting on a rock strumming her guitar. The country music legend and philanthropist was born and raised nearby in Locust Ridge, a small mountain town in Sevier County. While in town, take the self-guided Sevierville Historic Walking Tour to discover nearly two dozen stops that depict Sevierville's rich history dating back to 1795.

Wears Valley

Nestled in a valley between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, the quiet town of Wears Valley is one of the lesser-known destinations in the area with its own entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hidden jewel of the Smokies is an ideal place for a family getaway, with fewer crowds and fantastic scenery. The peaceful farming community offers unique cabins, locally owned shops and beautiful drives. A natural area known as Metcalf Bottoms provides opportunities for tubing, picnicking and fishing, and local outfitters sell hiking shoes, camping supplies, hammocks, tubes, fishing gear and everything you need to make the most of your mountain adventure.

Greenbrier Area

Greenbrier is another area where you can explore nature without the crowds. A lesser-known entrance to the Smoky Mountains, Greenbrier is the perfect place to fish or hike to waterfalls such as Ramsey Cascades, which tumbles 105 feet into a boulder-filled pool. A heavily forested cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's northeast area, Greenbrier is located about 20 minutes east of Gatlinburg and is known for its wildflowers, waterfalls, historic structures and fishable streams. Stop for lunch in the Greenbrier Picnic Area, a shaded spot along the Little Pigeon River with tables and charcoal grills. 

Douglas Lake

Water enthusiasts shouldn't miss Douglas Lake, a popular spot for boating, fishing and camping just a few miles northeast of Sevierville. Paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing and swimming are just a few of the ways you can make a splash at scenic Douglas Lake. It has also been rated one of the nation's top fishing lakes for crappie and largemouth bass. Birdwatchers can spot a wide variety of birds flying overhead or feeding at the shoreline, including white pelicans, wood stork, great blue heron, great egret, swallows and sandpipers. 

Forbidden Caverns

The scenery looking out over the Great Smoky Mountains is spectacular, but have you ever wondered what the scenery looks like underneath the mountains? At Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville, you can tour the fascinating limestone cave system hidden deep within the Smokies. A cool 58 degrees year-round, Forbidden Caverns was used as a shelter in winter for the Eastern Woodlands Indians who lived in East Tennessee, and the cave river provided them with a constant supply of water. During the 1920s until 1943, the cave was used to make moonshine. Tour this subterranean wonder to discover its sparkling formations, natural chimneys, crystal clear streams and hidden grottos. Cave trails are well lit, and handrails are available.

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Arts and crafts run deep in the heritage of Appalachia, and you can explore the work of more than 80 artists and craftsmen when you visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Located outside Gatlinburg on Glades Road, travel the historic 8-mile loop road that makes up this one-of-a-kind community, dotted with handmade goods, eateries, bed-and-breakfasts, and shopping. Stop and chat with the artists about their work, which includes everything from baskets and brooms to candles, glass, jewelry, paintings, pottery, quilts, woodcarvings, sculptures, soaps and much more. 

Harrisburg Covered Bridge

Drive through the historic Harrisburg Covered Bridge for a glimpse into Sevier County's past. Built in 1875, the covered bridge crosses the East Fork of the Little Pigeon River in Harrisburg and makes a great spot for photos. The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. 

Plan your trip and learn more at visitmysmokies.com.