Distilleries in the Smokies

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells.

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

It used to be I'd preface blog articles with the knowledge that the distilleries here were a relatively young, hot industry taking the Smokies by storm after the first legal moonshine distillery in the state became available via Ole Smoky Moonshine. That's now fairly common knowledge, but while the industry is no longer really "young", it's still very hot! If you haven't been to Sevier County since 2017, you may be surprised to learn we still have more distilleries and liquor companies that you haven't tried here and may want to come back to check out!

For fans of responsible recreational drink, you can't barely throw a stone in any direction without hitting a distillery (which is good because, again, that's really not a good idea in the first place). We have many, many different types of moonshine and many places they are available here now as well as whiskey, rum, vodka, wine and even some interesting mixtures among those choices. We have distilleries and tasting floors ranging from downtown Gatlinburg out to Chapman Highway near Seymour, TN, that connects Sevierville to Knoxville. No matter what your taste, you'll find it here!

And now, our list of distilleries we have in Sevier County for 2019:

Let’s start:

Ole Smoky Moonshine

903 Parkway Unit 128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-6995

131 The Island Dr #9116, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 436-6995

Flavors: Moonshine Cherries, Moonshine Peaches, Harley-Davidson Road House Customs, Blue Flame, Lemon Drop, Hunch Punch Lightnin', Apple Pie, Pineapple, Mountain Java and more!

Old Forge Distillery

170 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 774-4126

Flavors: 1830 Original, 1830 Original Distiller's Blend, 1830 Original Miller's Blend, Chocolate, French Toast, Coffee, Blackberry, Lemon, Apple Pie, Peach, Cinnamon, Vanilla Bean and more!

Tennessee Shine Company

3435 Teaster Ln, Sevierville, TN 37863

(865) 366-3204

3303 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862

(865) 286-4262

Flavors: Muscadine, Honey-Do-Me (!!!), Small Batch Corn Whiskey, Apple Pie, Blue Houdini, Small Batch Rye Whiskey, Moonshine Cherries, Coffee, Moonshine Peaches and more!

King's Family Distillery

1440 Upper Middle Creek Rd Suite 201, Sevierville, TN 37876

(865) 446-2002

Flavors: Vodka, straight rye whiskey, bourbon, blended whiskey, Apple whiskey, ginger vodka.

Smith Creek Moonshine

1645 Parkway #1090, Sevierville, TN 37862

(888) 761-5409

Flavors: Sweet Tea, Peach, Apple Pie, Chocolate Silk, Strawberry Shortcake, Orange Cream, Lemon Lime, Butter Cake, Ginger Snap and more!

Tennessee Legend Distillery

2874 Newport Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37876

(865) 429-3572

870 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876

(865) 366-1757

Flavors: Apple Pie Moonshine, Blackberry Moonshine, Grape Moonshine, Coffee Moonshine, White Lightning – Tennessee Moonshine, various whiskeys and creams.

Thunder Road Distillery

3605 Outdoor Sportsman Pl, Kodak, TN 37764

(865) 401-2574

Flavors: Tennessee Frost, Apple Pie, Autumn Flame, Banana Shine, Blackberry Bramble, Cinnamon Bonfire, Little River Cinnamon, Pumpkin Patch, Red Haven Peach and more.

Sugarlands Distilling Company

805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 325-1355

Flavors: Silver Cloud Tennessee Sour Mash Jar, Mint Condition Peppermint, Jim Tom Hedrick's Unaged Rye, Mark & Digger's Rye (Apple), Root Beer, Pina Colada, Appalachian Apple Pie and more!

D&S Distilling Company

1610 Jenkins Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876

(865) 505-1010

Flavors: Delgado Original, Cane Hollow Moonshine, Dam Vodka, Delgado White

Sevier Distilling Company

745 Old Douglas Dam Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876

(865) 366-1772

Flavors: Yenoh, Yetti Vodka, TenneKeela, Ginessee, Pontoon Pirate Rum, Real Deal Shine.

These distilleries are spread throughout Sevier County, but the cabins we have at Bear Camp Cabins are convenient to them and practically everything else you want to see in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville! Find the cabin for you at our cabin index page here: https://www.bearcampcabins.com/find-a-cabin/.