If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. In this Smoky Mountains vacation guide, we list some of the most unique things to do in the Smoky Mountains that will definitely surprise you!
The Smoky Mountains may be known for being home to some of the most popular attractions, theme parks, and recreational spots in the country. But the Smokies also have a wide variety of offbeat attractions that are just waiting to be discovered. Today, we give you the coolest, most unusual, and unique things to do in the smokies.
If your life is all about discovery, the Smoky Mountains have so many things to offer. With over 500,000 acres to explore, there are so many unique places and new things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
And this post serves you a list of the most unique things to do in the Smoky Mountains that will excite and amaze you. Check them out!
What Is Unique About The Smoky Mountains?
There are so many things about the Smoky Mountains that will surprise you. Here are some of the reasons why the Smoky Mountains are such a unique destination.
- It is home to nearly 20,000 species of plants, fungi, and wildlife, according to the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory.
- Entrance to the Smokies is FREE!
- Most visited national park in the United States
- It’s the “Salamander capital of the world” with 30 different species of salamanders found in the area
- There are about 1,500 black bears that reside in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Its “smokiness” is actually created by the millions of plants
- There are more trees in the Smoky Mountains than in all of Europe
- Home to Synchronous Fireflies
- There are 2,900 Miles of Streams
It comes as no surprise that the Smoky Mountains are indeed one of the most famous vacation destinations in the US. A getaway to the Smokies offers endless options for families, friends, couples, and solo travelers to enjoy.
And you have probably heard about the most popular attractions in the area, but we know you want to do something you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
So you’ve smashed the standard Smoky Mountains itinerary. You’ve hiked the best trails, seen the best views, and ate your heart out at some of the best restaurants in the Smokies.
So what next? Below are some of the most unique things to try in the Smokies that we’re sure you’re going to enjoy.
Unique Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains
Here are 10 most unique things to do in the Smoky Mountains!
Are you always on the lookout for something out of the box to do in the Smoky Mountains? Then a trip to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg is for you. This mountaintop park combines the elements of adventure and relaxation for a memorable experience in the Smokies.
Though you may find some attractions in Anakeesta that are similar to the area, there are quite a few attractions that are unique to Anakeesta, including:
- Anavista Observation Tower
- Splash pad
- Vista Garden
- TreeVenture Challenge Courses
The Smoky Mountain Cat House is the perfect place to visit for all cat lovers! This unique attraction was established in 1985, providing a warm and welcoming place for cat-loving people as well as the curious visitors in the Smokies.
In the shop, you'll find all sorts of cat memorabilia, from cat-themed socks and clothes to cat jewelry and cat toys. And if you’re missing your cats back home, you can also pet the cats at the Smoky Mountains Cat House.
Located right on the Parkway, across from the Titanic Museum, Rowdy Bear Ridge is great for visitors looking for unique and exciting rides in the Smoky Mountains. From the laser gun coaster to the tubing hill, this attraction has something for everyone to enjoy.
Try the Tubing Hill, which takes you on a 70-foot drop reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Ride the Avalanche Snow Coaster wherein you can zip through the Ridge at whatever speed you want!
Outdoor Gravity Park is the first of its kind in the US. This unique attraction is invented in New Zealand and is now the only zorbing park in the country. Dive into an 11-foot giant inflatable ball and roll down on a 1000 ft hill.
Each plastic sphere called the “OGO” can accommodate up to 4 people and cold water will be added in the summer and warm water in winter. This is the perfect place to slip, slide, and get wet in the Smoky Mountains.
Our unique list of things to do in the Smoky Mountains wouldn’t be complete without playing mini-golf at Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg, TN. Ride the Incline 300 feet straight up the mountainside, and once on top, you will be greeted with two challenging 18-hole courses.
Each course is thoughtfully designed and is riddled with obstacles such as outhouses and stills.
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction in the Smoky Mountains that you shouldn’t miss. This quirky museum is home to over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers, featuring a wide variety of shakers all over the world.
In the museum, you’ll see unique shakers, from presidential-themed shakers to vegetables, animals, and vintage pieces.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some unique species of firefly. Within the park is the Elkmont area wherein you can view the synchronous fireflies as they put on an extraordinary display of lights in the Smokies.
Though you may find 19 other species of firefly in the Smokies, the synchronous fireflies are the only species in America that can synchronize their light patterns, thus the name. The peak date occurs at various times each year, between the third week of May and the third week of June.
Want to try a unique hiking experience in the Smoky Mountains? Go hiking with Smoky Mountain Llama Trek! You can also choose if you want to spend just one-day hiking or do an overnight hike with llamas.
And don’t you worry because the Smoky Mountain Llama Trek can assure you that their llamas are friendly, fluffy, and professionally trained to accompany you while hiking. Before you go hiking, you may be able to meet with the llamas and get to know them.
The Smoky Mountain Llama Trek also has a variety of trails to choose from like the Padgett Mill Trail which is considered easy to moderate.
Located right on Wears Valley Road, Goats on the Roof is another unique attraction to visit in the Smoky Mountains. This one-of-a-kind attraction in Pigeon forge is fun for the whole family. And if you’re wondering if there are goats on the roof, yes they actually are!
You’ll see live goats roaming around on the rooftop of the building. With the special “goat cycle,” visitors can buy cans of goat chow to feed the goats. Aside from feeding the goats, you can also go:
- Gem mining
- Visit their gift shop for unique souvenirs
- Ride the Coaster
- Get a tasty treat at the Sweet shop
There are tons of hotel rooms and RV campsites and cabins in the Smoky Mountains to stay at. And while we love them all, glamping is a new and unique way to experience the Smoky Mountains.
Glamping in the Smoky Mountains means you’ll enjoy the best of what nature has to offer while still enjoying the luxury and comforts of your own home.
You also have plenty of options, from glamping tents and tiny houses to vintage trailers, yurts, and more!
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get Your FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist Today!
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Planning a family getaway to the Smokies this summer? Make sure to read our post on the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in Summer to make the most out of your trip.
Also, add to your adventure these must-see stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville by CS Ginger.
Catherine Sokolowski
Tuesday 21st of June 2022
We have vacationed in the Smoky Mtn area a few times and have been to Gatlinburg but not Anakeesta yet but it is on our to do list when we get there again. We did go to the salt and pepper museum and what a fun surprise that was. I am looking forward to doing some of the things you found to do in the area!