Just outside Gatlinburg lies Wears Valley, where history, outdoor adventures, and great food come together. You’ll find plenty to do here, starting with these 10 ideas!
1. Step Into History at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Visit the 19th century print shop, sawmill, granary, moonshine still, chapel, and more. These are authentic buildings, saved and moved here to create a typical mountain village.
2. Fly Over the Forest at Wears Valley Zipline Adventures
Sail through the air on some of the region’s highest ziplines! Ride six different lines through the treetops. Kids as young as five can join the thrilling fun.
3. Shop at Harper Brothers Mountain Store
This family-owned general store is an old-fashioned delight. You’ll find everything from cast iron cookware to locally crafted glassware. Ride the scenic chairlift up the mountain for spectacular views.
4. Get Outdoors on Ober Mountain
This ski resort is also a year-round amusement park featuring ice bumper cars, ziplining, a mountain coaster, a climbing wall, a mountain bike trail, and an animal encounter with native Smokies critters.
5. Take a Scenic Drive
The Foothills Parkway rolls past valleys and peaks, with viewpoints along the route. Wears Valley Road meanders through farmland and pastures with mountain vistas.
6. Explore the Walker Sisters Homestead
Wears Valley is just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, giving you easy access to the park’s historic sites including this famous homestead, a time capsule of Appalachian family life.
7. Lunch at Sloppy Hog Burger Joint
Burger lovers can’t miss this down-home joint. The menu tempts you with beef burgers, sloppy joes, and the spicy Red Hot Sloppy Burger.
8. Taste Moonshine at Tennessee Shine Co.
You haven’t experienced the Smoky Mountains until you’ve tried “white lightning”! Tennessee Shine Co. creates shine, bourbon and wine. Pick your favorites to sip on your cabin’s deck.
9. Picnic at Metcalf Bottoms
Sparkling streams and ample picnic sites make Metcalf Bottoms one of the best spots in the national park! Whip up a picnic in your cabin and head here to explore the creek banks.
10. Dine at Elvira’s Cafe
Fresh food, prepared in front of you, using local ingredients. That’s Elvira’s. Southern favorites like chicken and waffles or country ham share the menu with prime rib, hamburgers, and sandwiches piled high with homemade fillings.
Stay in a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin rental so you’re close to all that Wears Valley has to offer. Book your cabin today!
