Go Karts 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.
Where to Ride Go Karts in The Smokies
In the year of our Lord, 1986 AD, a young man and naval aviator by the name of Peter Mitchell first uttered what would shortly after become the most ubiquitous sentence in American history: "I feel the need... the need for speed!"
Scholars specializing in the history of Appalachian tourism are still debating whether or not this was intending to be the foundation for the go karting industry in the Smoky Mountains, but the fact remains - if YOU and your family have a need for speed, the Smoky Mountains are where you want to go! In this article, we'll showcase some of our recommendations of family fun parks in the area that have go karting available for Summer 2018 and relevant information on them.
Let's look:
Fast Tracks
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Features:
- Elevated Track.
- Pro Track.
- Junior Race Track.
- Additional rides onsite.
- Old Timey Photos.
- Concessions.
- Carnival games.
2879 Parkway, Pigeon Forge - (865) 428-1988
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Features:
- Figure 8 Slick Track.
- Indoor Electric Go Karts.
- Spin Zone Bumper Cars.
- Electric Go Karts are "green" - no fumes, no odors and low noise.
- Birthday party accommodations.
2891 Parkway, Pigeon Forge- (865) 774-5998
Xtreme Racing Center
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Features:
- 3,500 ft. Xtreme Track.
- 1,500 ft. Elevated Track.
- High Speed European Race Karts.
- Two-types of Karts, "X-treme Kart" and "Pro-Kart".
- Single or Double Karts.
- Arrive and Drive package.
3144 Parkway, Pigeon Forge - (877) 920-6294
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge near Old Mill.
Features:
- Slick Track.
- Coaster Track.
- Tennessee Twister.
- Kids Tracks.
- Single or Double Karts.
- The same company that owns SpeedZone has other attractions in town and guests can purchase a wristband that gives admission to those other attractions.
3315 S River Rd. Pigeon Forge - (888) 352-7507
The Track
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge across from Wears Valley Road.
Features:
- Wild Woody Track.
- Family Track.
- Rookie Karts.
- Bumper Cars.
- Bumper Boats.
- Arcade.
- Mini-golf.
- Children's rides.
2575 Parkway, Pigeon Forge - (865) 453-4777
Rockin' Raceway
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Features:
- Go Kart racetrack.
- Large arcade.
- Redemption center.
- Billiard tables.
2839 Parkway, Pigeon Forge - (865) 428-3392
LazerPort Fun Center
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Features:
- 50 ft. tall go kart track.
- Laser tag center.
- Indoor, blacklight mini-golf course.
- Large arcade.
- Pizza and ice-cream restaurant onsite.
- Accommodations for groups and parties.
- Attractions packages.
- The same company that owns LazerPort has other attractions in town and guests can purchase a wristband that gives admission to those other attractions.
2782 Parkway, Pigeon Forge - (888) 843-5159
Adventure Raceway
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Features:
- Wooden elevated Go Kart track with three-story spiral.
- Bumper Boats.
- Go kart stays open all the way to midnight.
- Considered one of the more reasonably priced attractions in the Smokies at $6.00 per ride/ticket.
2945 Parkway, Pigeon Forge-(865) 428-2971
FunStop Family Action Park
Located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. You'll know it when you see the big carnival-looking arcade with Spongebob and Mario on the front of it.
Features:
- Elevated Track.
- Slick Go Kart Track.
- Jr. Go Kart Track.
- Indoor Go Kart Track.
- Additional rides for families of smaller kids.
- Additional thrill rides for older kids and young adults.
- The aforementioned arcade.
3275 Parkway Pigeon Forge - (865) 429-4639
As you can see, all of these attractions are located on the parkway in Pigeon Forge and all of them are very easy to get to from any cabin we have on our program. Find the family-sized cabin that perfectly serves as your getaway headquarters for a family trip in the Smokies today!
