Tourism in Sevier County, Tennessee

When you hear people talk about vacationing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, they’re often referring to Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself. But this geographic area also includes neighboring Sevier County and its popular resort communities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. While the park is definitely the place to go to get away from it all and experience the wonders of nature, Sevier County provides everything else you could want in a family getaway, including accommodations, restaurants, shops, attractions and more.

If you’re planning a trip to the area, you’ll probably want to start by finding a place to stay, and no matter which town you choose, there are plenty of Sevier County lodging options. You’ll find new national-chain hotels and motels as well as mom-and-pop establishments that have been serving visitors for decades. If you want something with a more home-like feel, you’ll find literally hundreds of overnight rental cabins and chalets at your disposal, ranging in style from rustic to luxurious. Charming bed and breakfast inns and RV campgrounds round out the selection.

Of course, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville also boast attractions galore, making these towns the anchors of Sevier County tourism. In Sevierville, you’ll find longtime favorite attractions like Forbidden Caverns as well as the area’s minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. In Pigeon Forge, Dollywood theme park is one of the South’s premiere fun stops, or you could check out the historic Old Mill, which dates back to the 1830s. Gatlinburg gathers guests year ‘round thanks to Ober Gatlinburg’s ski resort and other attractions, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies continues to keep downtown visitors in the swim of things.

In between, you’ll find countless other attractions, including go cart tracks, miniature golf courses, unique museums and haunted houses. And all three communities are known for their music theaters, which present a wide array of family-friendly entertainment. Whether your taste is country music, bluegrass, rock-and-roll oldies, magic, comedy or even the exotic acrobatics of the Far East, you’re guaranteed to find something to your liking in Sevier County.

Shopping is the county’s other major form of entertainment, and there is, without a doubt, no shortage of places to scratch that retail itch. Six different outlet malls provide hundreds of shops where you’ll get great deals on everything from clothing and jewelry to housewares and power tools. For something a little more homegrown, you could visit the area’s many antique shops or tour the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg, where you’ll find dozens of local artisans creating their wares daily along the community’s eight-mile auto loop.

But believe it or not, there’s even more to Sevier County, Tennessee, than meets the eye. Did you know that the area is one of the nation’s top wedding destinations? That’s right; dozens of wedding chapels can be found throughout the county, giving visitors a beautiful and unique backdrop for exchanging their vows. And again, there’s something for all tastes and budgets. Whether you want a drive-through wedding, a horseback ceremony or an elegant affair with hundreds of guests, there’s a Sevier County wedding chapel that will meet your needs.

Now all you need to do is pick up a phone or go online and start planning your vacation in Sevier County, Tennessee!