What-To-Do Issue 1 2025-2026 - Magazine - Page 40
Cities & Towns
of the Smoky Mountains
(continued from page 26)
after being on the go all day? There are tons of mouth-watering
places to eat in Pigeon Forge offering cuisines from barbeque to
sushi, and the adults may want to sample some Tennessee moonshine at a local distillery. There is no shortage of fun, entertainment
and shopping in the valley that was once just wide-open farmland.
Sevierville
Dolly Parton is the sweetheart of the Smokies. She was raised in
Sevierville where you can even pose with a statue of the music legend! This town is a wonderful place to explore the outdoors while
horseback riding or journeying around on an ATV. It’s also possible to venture underground to check out the Forbidden Caverns
and wander around the stalactites and stalagmites that have been
forming for thousands of years. Aerial attractions are quite popular
here as well. Zip lines, rope courses, and canopy tours are just a few
of the more adventurous activities that travelers to Sevierville can
have fun doing. Around the town, visitors will find an assortment
of restaurants, wineries and shops. Sevierville is a town that should
not be missed!
There are other small towns on the Tennessee side of the
Smokies including Townsend—known as the gateway to Cades
Cove—and Cosby. These towns are on opposite ends of the park
with Townsend southwest and Cosby northeast of Gatlinburg.
Those who like rugged outdoor adventures may particularly enjoy
a trip to Cosby. It is here along the Pigeon River where strong rapids lead to excellent white-water rafting expeditions. To try a
calmer float down the river, head to Townsend for leisurely tubing
with a few fast-paced spots on the water.
Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains! We hope you enjoy
your visit throughout the entire region!
Dolly Parton
The Dolly Parton Statue on the Sevier
County Courthouse lawn stands
as a tribute to the superstar by her
hometown community and has
become Sevierville’s most iconic spot,
visited by thousands of people each
year. Unveiled more than 30 years
ago, the bronze sculpture shows Dolly
holding her guitar and was crafted
by nationally-known local artist Jim
Gray. Dolly ranks the work as one of
her most-prized recognitions and has
said, “One of the best things that ever
happened to me in my whole career is
the statue of me in the courthouse yard
in Sevierville.” It’s a featured location on
Tennessee Music Pathways trail and is
located at 125 Court Ave.
Cherokee, NC
On the other side of the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park in North Carolina lies Cherokee—a sovereign nation
and home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The
residents of Cherokee are directly descended from the
clans that have lived on this land for countless centuries.
Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian where displays
of artifacts present the history of the tribes from the early
1700s to the Trail of Tears in the 1800s. At the Oconaluftee
Indian Village, visitors can explore the life of Native
Americans, and see demonstrations in traditional trades.
You’ll see canoes being made, preparations for war,
cultural dances, and recreated dwellings.
40 WHAT-TO-DO.com
www.
