Explore the Smoky Mountains: Bear Camp's Top 8 Attractions Await

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.

Nestled in the lush green valleys and rolling peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains lies an adventure wonderland waiting to be explored.

From thrilling amusement parks to charming mountain towns brimming with culture, Bear Camp is your gateway to experiencing the best the Smokies have to offer.

Staying at Bear Camp Cabins gives you exclusive access to discounts and freebies at some of the most popular Smoky Mountains attractions. From world-famous dinner shows to exciting family fun centers, Bear Camp guests can save big on admission to these eight must-see stops:

1. Alcatraz East Crime Museum

Investigate notorious crimes, see authentic artifacts, and learn about law enforcement at the fascinating Alcatraz East Crime Museum located right off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

This family-friendly museum displays Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle, John Dillinger’s death mask, Al Capone’s fedora and more behind-the-scenes relics that bring America’s most infamous crimes to life. With special rates for Bear Camp guests, become crime detectives for a day at one of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge.

2. The Comedy Barn

This attraction was voted the most award-winning family comedy variety show in the Smokies. As one of the best Smoky Mountain attractions, The Comedy Barn welcomes audiences into

their hilarious barnyard world filled with side-splitting jokes, hilarious antics, outstanding magic, and vocal impressions of famous singers.

Experience two hours of music, magic, and mountain hijinx that’ll leave your cheeks hurting from laughing but wanting more. Bear Camp guests receive exclusive discounts on this beloved Pigeon Forge comedy hotspot.

3. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

For staggering elevated views of downtown Sevierville, hop aboard The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel towering 200 feet over Forks of the River Parkway.

Each climate-controlled gondola offers 360° vistas of the surrounding Smoky Mountains as you make a full revolution high above the valley below during this charming 15-minute experience. Bear Camp visitors receive money off tickets to take in the sweeping scenery aboard this iconic Sevierville attraction.

4. Dollywood Theme Park

As one of the most popular Smoky Mountain attractions for families, Dolly Parton’s 150-acre Dollywood theme park provides endless entertainment. It has exciting rides and rollercoasters, live music shows, talented craftsmen demonstrations, Southern-inspired dining, and more fun the whole family enjoys.

From the daredevil thrills of Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle to charming shows like Dreamland Drive-In, Dollywood captures mountain magic at its best. With discounted admission tickets, Bear Camp guests can experience it all!

5. The Grand Majestic Theater: The Magic of Terry Underwood

At one of the best Great Smoky Mountains attractions, Magician Terry Evanswood amazes Pigeon Forge audiences with spellbinding illusions, hilarious comedy routines, musical ventriloquism, and interactive magic at his popular Grand Majestic Theater.

This family-friendly show infuses drama, intrigue, mystery, and magic into 75 minutes of pure entertainment. See it for yourself using special reduced ticket pricing extended to Bear Camp guests.

6. Titanic Museum Attraction

Pay touching tribute to Titanic’s unfortunate passengers and crew on an insightful self-guided journey inside this half-scale replica ship docked along the Little Pigeon River.

Guests receive boarding passes detailing an actual passenger or crew member’s fate that night to personalize exhibits while walking through painstakingly recreated rooms, touching a floating iceberg, and more across intricate galleries and interactive displays.

With new artifacts continually being added, Bear Camp guests can experience this Smoky Mountain tourist attraction repeatedly. Each time you can discover something fresh with every visit using discounted admission tickets.

7. Mad Dog’s Creamery

Located right next to Three Arts Theater in Sevierville, this incredibly popular sweet stop whips up homemade, hand-crafted ice cream using local dairy and fresh ingredients onsite daily.

With unique flavors like Salted Caramel Moonshine and Smoky Mountain Mudslide, they have a heavenly option for everyone’s taste buds.

Enjoy your decadent treats on their outdoor patio with the whole family, or grab pints and quarts custom-packed to take back to your Bear Camp cabin worry-free with their exclusive freezer totes. As a favorite for both locals and tourists alike, Bear Camp guests receive discounted prices at Mad Dog’s to satisfy those creamy cravings.

8. TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena

For high-flying family fun, TopJump Trampoline Park gets your crew airborne with wall-to-wall interconnected trampolines perfect for free jump, dodgeball, volleyball, ninja courses, and more adrenaline-pumping action.

If one level of trampolines isn’t enough, challenge yourself on the heights of their Extreme Arena climbing walls. With special pricing for Bear Camp visitors, kids and adults alike can bounce, climb, and play for hours at TopJump!

The Great Smoky Mountains: FAQs

What is the difference between the Smoky Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America's most visited national park, spanning over half a million protected acres of land with incredible biodiversity across North Carolina and Tennessee.

The Smoky Mountains refers more broadly to the greater region surrounding the national park encompassing towns with more development like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Where are the Great Smoky Mountains?

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has land in both eastern Tennessee (Blount, Sevier, and Cocke Counties) and western North Carolina (Haywood, Swain, and Graham Counties). The park is about a 45-minute drive from Knoxville, TN, and a 2-hour drive from Charlotte or Asheville, NC.

How long does it take to go through the Great Smoky Mountains?

With over 800 miles of hiking trails stretching across the vast park, it could take many months to fully explore every corner by foot!

Scenic drives like the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop or the 10-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail allow you to take in those beautiful mountain vistas more easily accessible by car — each showcase highlights in just a few hours.

Of course, we recommend budgeting as much time as you can to immerse yourself in everything the Smokies have to offer!

Final Thoughts

Staying at Bear Camp Cabins in the Great Smoky Mountains provides easy access to the lively entertainment and mountain adventures that call visitors to keep coming back to the spectacular Smoky Mountains year after year.

With quaint cabins tucked in the tranquil woods, you have a serene home to explore the region’s vibrant culture, rich history, and abundant natural beauty at your own pace. We can't wait to host your Smoky Mountain getaway soon!

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