This is a sponsored blog; while the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Wilderness at the Smokies.
The Smoky Mountains located in Tennessee (think Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area) are a draw for those wanting to get away to the mountains but want to stay closer to home rather than traveling out West.
From our hometown in Louisville it is just shy of a 4 hour drive, and in my car, is just one tank of gas there and back. Our family loves a ‘one tank’ trip. They get us far enough away from home that we are away from the familiar surroundings but not so far that we spend the whole time driving.
Which is where Wilderness at the Smokies comes in.
Did you know that the Wilderness at the Smokies is Tennessee’s largest waterpark resort? So, you can get your fill of waterslides and mountain views all at the same time.
Where is Wilderness at the Smokies located?
Wilderness at the Smokies is in Sevierville Tennessee. For perspective, Sevierville is about 27 minutes from Gatlinburg, you know give or take traffic issues.
The address for Wilderness at the Smokies is: 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37876.
When was Wilderness at the Smokies built?
The Wilderness at the Smokies resort is located on Wilderness Territories property in Sevierville, Tennessee. The property was built and it opened in 2008.
Waterparks at Wilderness at the Smokies:
You can enjoy water features both indoors and out, so the good time doesn’t have to stop just because the weather is less than optimal. Of course, the outdoor waterparks, Lake Wilderness and Salamander Springs open seasonally. There is the indoor waterpark area, called the Wild WaterDome, is open no matter the weather.
Are there any special areas for toddlers at Wilderness at the Smokies?
When my boys were little, making sure that there were ample, safe, areas for my kids was a top priority. Mixing toddlers in with middle school kids was never something that I felt comfortable with no matter how aware the older kids were.
Good news! There are many water activities for smaller children including a two story interactive play feature, kiddie slides, bounce swings and teeter totters.
Height Requirements for Water Rides at Wilderness at the Smokies:
48″ to ride the Wall, Wild Vortex and Storm Chaser.
42″ with an adult or 48″ by yourself to ride the Trail Twisters, Runaway Canyon and Timber Rattler.
42″ to ride the Cyclone Racers, River Otter and Smokies SurfRider.
Does wilderness at the smokies provide towels?
Good news! You don’t have to overload your suitcase with towels, I mean unless you really want to. The Wilderness at the Smokies provides towels for use in the waterparks as a part of the admission fees.
Water-free attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies:
If your family gets tired of being in the water or at the very least if you need a break Adventure Forest is also located on site. This indoor area and most of the activities are included with a stay. In this area of Wilderness at the Smokies, your kids can rack up tickets in the arcade, try their luck at bowling or challenge you to a round of mini glow golf. If adventure is more your family’s speed, then the 3 story ropes course or indoor rock climbing, will provide the thrills they are looking for!
You can also purchase an “All Day Pass” that includes the attractions for the day or an “All Stay Pass” that includes the attractions for the duration of your stay. Fury in the Forest Laser Tag & Adventure Forest Mega Arcade not included in either of the passes.
The Food at Wilderness at the Smokies:
There are 2 sit down restaurants on site, Hidden Trail Bar and Grill and Thirsty Miner Restaurant.
Bonus, kids 8 years old and under (one kid per adult) eat free for breakfast and dinner!
In in addition to the 2 sit down places, there are also 5 additional places to grab a bite to eat, you can find a grill in each of the 3 waterpark areas. There is also a spot for food in Adventure Forest, and if you are craving morning coffee you can head over to the Mountain Marketplace.
Accommodations at Wilderness at the Smokies
The Wilderness at the Smokies is close to all of the major attractions that people flock to so you can absolutely make it your home base and venture out, if you can tear yourself away from all of the fun things to do at the resort.
There are a wide range of accommodation styles. From the traditional feel of a hotel room, in Stone Hill Lodge, to the River Lodge Suite area which consists of all suites and are best suited for bigger families. The 3rd type of lodging are their Sanctuary Villas, which are homes topping out at 3,500 square feet and can sleep up to 15 people.
The cool part is, no matter the size of your crew, they have options to help you find what works best for your group.
For reference here are the distances from the popular local areas:
Sevierville – Dolly Parton’s hometown (less than 4 miles)
Pigeon Forge – Dollywood (10 miles)
Gatlinburg – Ripley’s Aquarium (15 miles)
Smoky Mountain National Park (18 miles)
If you are wanting to venture out and explore other areas of the Smokies, we have suggestions!
Things to do in the Smoky Mountains
Things to do with Kids in Gatlinburg
What you need to know about booking a cabin in the Smoky Mountains
Tara
Tuesday 10th of July 2018
I was just looking at this place online! I hadn’t heard of it, looks like fun though!😊