An escape is affordable when your destination is the Smoky Mountains. The drive is short, the scenery spectacular, and there’s even lots to do for free once you arrive.
Bust stress not your budget with a getaway to Sevierville, Tennessee, a cost-effective destination that’s also good for the soul. Whether you crave an overnight or a weekend escape, an adrenaline boost, or a romantic jolt, you can find whatever you need for a great getaway in Sevierville.
Located just ten miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville is 200 miles from Nashville, Tenn., Charlotte, N.C., and Lexington, Ky., and about 240 miles from Atlanta, Ga. That means you can trade city stress for calming mountain vistas for the price of a tank of gas and less than four hours of drive time.
Fresh mountain air and comfortable temperatures are natural invitations to visit. You can also expect to find friendly folks, camera-ready views, and plenty to do indoors and out, regardless of your age and interests. To help stretch your travel dollars even further, we’ve rounded up this list of fun things to do that are absolutely free. That’s right, FREE. Jump in your car and discover Sevierville.
Snap a Selfie With Dolly Parton
For the quintessential Sevierville experience, visit Dolly Parton…or, at least, the statue of her that was unveiled in 1987. Since then it has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world. Head to the bronze statue of Dolly Parton—the most honored female country performer of all time!—on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn. This tribute to the superstar by her hometown community is the perfect place to snap a picture since it’s the only place on earth you’re guaranteed to get close to the living legend.
Hike The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Sevierville is located in the foothills of America’s most visited national park, which has no entrance fee. The Great Smoky Mountains are also known for their diversity of plant and animal life, mountainous beauty, and historic Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Hiking is one popular way to explore this natural treasure for free. Choose a trail that suits your interests and endurance. Several hikes lead to waterfalls, including the Laurel Falls trail, the park’s longest paved trail for a total 2.6 miles round-trip. You can even set foot on the famed Appalachian Trail that threads 70 miles through the park; a two-mile stretch is accessible near the Newfound Gap parking lot. Some other popular hiking trails include Charlies Bunion, an eight-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail that boasts gorgeous mountain views; Alum Cave Bluffs, a five-mile route that crosses log bridges and climbs up Peregrine Peak to just below the summit of Mt. Le Conte; Rainbow Falls, a 2.7-mile path to an 80-foot waterfall named for what can be seen in its mist; and Chimney Tops, a steep four-mile hike up to an impressive lookout point.
Drive Cades Cove
Enjoy a leisurely drive through Cades Cove, a valley surrounded by mountains that is one of the Smokies’ most popular destinations. During the 11-mile one-way loop through Cades Cove you’ll pass by the widest variety of historic buildings in any area of the national park including three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and several other restored 18th- and 19th-century structures. Pick up a self-guided tour information booklet at the entrance and allow at least two hours to enjoy the scenery. This is a popular place to spot wildlife.
Climb Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also the tallest point in Tennessee, the highest point along the Appalachian Trail, and the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Smokies and beyond; on clear days you can see up to 100 miles in any direction. Clingmans Dome Road is a seven-mile route that leads to a large parking area; from there, you’ll need to climb a steep half-mile trail to reach the observation tower that rises above the treetops.
Watch A Movie
Head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to watch a free 20-minute orientation film. You’ll get an in-depth look at the Smokies and the diverse population of plant and animal life it houses. You can also tour the on-site natural history exhibits. Ranger talks and slide shows are presented daily throughout the fall season. From the Visitor Center it’s a short easy stroll to Laurel Falls, a lovely little waterfall.
McMahan Indian Mound Site
Considered one of Tennessee’s most fascinating historical landmarks, the McMahan Mound Site is a tribute to the Native Americans that used to inhabit the area. The archaeological site is located just above the confluence of the West Fork and Little Pigeon Rivers, near the Sevierville Riverwalk Greenway. This historical landmark dates back as early as 200 A.D.
Fish & Watch Birds At Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake boasts 30,400 acres and 555 miles of shoreline. With healthy populations of bass, crappie, sauger, walleye, blue cat, flat head catfish, channel catfish and bluegill, it’s an ideal spot for fishing. In fact, the 2001 B.A.S.S. Masters MegaBucks Tournament was held here. Cast your line and try your luck to reel in a big catch (a valid Tennessee fishing license is required).
There’s great birdwatching, too: From late July to early October Douglas Lake attracts flocks of migrating shore birds, wading birds and other waterfowl. The birds rest and feed on the muddy shoreline and in areas of shallow water before continuing to wing their way south.
Visit Smoky Mountain Knife Works
The world’s largest knife showplace is a store and more that operates under the motto “if it cuts, we carry it.” It’s free to peruse the massive collection of just about every kind of knife and sharp edge you can imagine as well as some you never knew existed, including collectible and antique knives, hunting and camping knives, kitchen and tactical knives, swords, hatchets, axes, museum-quality cutlery, plus fantasy, movie and superhero blades. You also won’t want to miss the Relic Room, billed as “the largest diversity of history for sale in North America.” From dinosaur teeth to Civil War newspapers, Cold War Soviet medals to U.S. military pins, Zuni fetishes to 15th Century books and so much more, the assortment of treasures available here is mind-boggling.
Stroll Through Historic Downtown Sevierville
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Sevierville. Pick up a free brochure near the Dolly Parton statue at 125 Court Avenue or at the Sevierville of Chamber of Commerce building located at 110 Gary Wade Boulevard. The tour features 40 of the city’s most important historic sites, from when the city was settled in the late 1700s to today. While downtown, explore boutiques, galleries and restaurants while enjoying sculptures and colorful murals throughout the historic district.
Explore Sevierville’s Greenways and Parks
Stretch your legs on 12-miles of greenways throughout Sevierville. These picturesque trails wind through scenic parks and alongside Sevierville’s rivers (which are known for their world-class smallmouth bass fishing). You can even start logging miles for Sevierville’s 225 Challenge, which encourages residents and locals to log 225 miles of self-propelled movement in Sevierville (by walking, swimming, kayaking, roller skating and more) in order to receive a commemorative pin celebrating 225 years since the city’s incorporation
Sevierville’s City Parks and Dog Park are also fun places to explore. Plan a day of fun at the Sevierville City Park and enjoy an inclusive playground, tennis, basketball, walking trails, a dog park and more for free. During the summer, splash around at the Family Aquatic Center which includes an outdoor pool, splash pad and waterslide. Admission to swim is $5 for adults and $4 for kids and seniors.
Stay at a Cabin
While some may find it pricey with all of the fees a few platforms charge, renting an entire cabin is often budget-friendly. If you can split the price of the cabin with another family, it is definitely a better deal. Book direct and avoid the fees charged by platforms. Great Escape Shop has 2 large family cabins to choose from: Breathless (with an amazing, panoramic view) and Dragonfly Inn (with a private indoor pool). With so many activities to do IN THE CABIN, you will not need to spend needlessly on arcades, water parks, or other amusements.
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