Your host will be happy to help you find things to do & places to visit in the area. I’ve included a small list of ideas and web sites below for more information.
Nearby
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Sidecar Inn Bed & Breakfast is located close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With more than 800 square miles of mountains, valleys, meadows, and streams, it is the most visited national park in the system. With hiking, fishing, and areas for picnicking it is a beautiful destination for all day or just an afternoon. More information can be found at the link above, including current conditions and updates on any areas that might be temporarily closed. One of Roger & Deb’s favorite spot in the park is the Greenbrier area with several hiking trails, including the popular Ramsey Cascades, and Porter’s Creek Trail, a picnic area, and a swimming hole. See the Smoky Mountain Mom’s web site here.
For areas that are less crowded look at the National Park Service’s site here.
Another great online resource for the Smokies is The Friends of the Smokies website.
For those interested in hiking or backcountry camping permits, contact the rangers staffing the Backcountry Office at 865 436 1297 for information on any required permits as well information to plan your visit.
“A Walk in the Woods” is a locally owned business that offers guided tours. They may be reached at 865-436-8283 or via email at [email protected]. Various levels of guided walks/hikes are offered as well as driving/walking tours and camping trips.
Seven Islands Birding State Park
Located on the opposite side of the French Broad River, this park stretches over 400 acres and includes eight miles of trails. It is a popular launching point for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boarding. Originally a dairy farm most of the acreage has been converted back to native flora, and has attracted waterfowl, songbirds, and hawks. Barn owls have taken up residence in the several barns dotting the park. The park offers educational sessions such as Birding Basics. For more information see the Park’s web site here, or the Friends of Seven Islands website.
Fishing
Follow the link below for information on licenses and regulations. Licenses can be purchased online.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Local Area
Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg
A great starting point for information on activities, dining, and events for Sevierville is at the Sevierville Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Soaky Mountain, located just five miles away, is a recently opened water park featuring water slides, raft rides, a watercoaster, and much more. On-site dining is available at several different restaurants. For more information, please check out their website.
Dollywood is a world class theme park offering rides, shows, crafts, and dining throughout. Adjacent to the theme park is Dollywood’s Splash Country with slides, a lazy river float, and restaurants. Admission is available for the theme park or the water park, or both. More information at their website.
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park offers multiple zip lines and hiking trails and are less than 25 miles away.
Visit My Smokies is a great resource for Smoky Mountain vacation planning info for Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. They offer coupons, places to stay (The Sidecar Inn is listed), things to do, events, and dining are some of the listings.
Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
An independent organization of artisans covering almost every form from ceramics to musical instruments to painting. Find out more information on their website.
Townsend
A small town at the front door of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that frequently hosts festivals.
Little River Outfitters – Fly Shop and Flyfishing
The Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum – Focused on the Little River and the peoples who depended on it, from Native Americans to farmers to timber companies.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center – A museum seeking to preserve and share the history of Native Americans and settlers in the Appalachian area including the Park.
Things to Do Places to Visit Further Afield
Knoxville
Located 20 miles to the northwest, the downtown area of Knoxville offers much for visitors. The Visit Knoxville website has an extensive list of activities, dining, and attractions in the Knoxville area.
This is a short listing of things to do and places to visit. Your Innkeeper has many others to discuss!
