Head to the Smoky Mountains for the Scottish Highland Festival!

Formerly held in Gatlinburg, this year’s Scottish Highland Festival will be held about 20 minutes away in Maryville, Tennessee, May 20-22. Gather around your clan tent to watch athletic competitions which include the Caber Toss, Stone Put, Scottish Hammer Throw and Sheaf Toss. Other less athletic competitions include highland dance, pipes and drums, a dog show and a clan challenge. There will be plenty of musical entertainment on hand as several bands perform traditional and original Celtic songs; you will surely be dancing a jig after hearing these bands. Food vendors will be selling everything from fish and chips to the true Scottish delicacy of Haggis. There will also be plenty of unique merchandise readily available for purchase such as handcrafted Celtic jewelry, Scottish kilts, bagpipes, and clan attire. Don’t forget to book your Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge lodging!

While in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area, enjoy a peaceful hour-long Horseback Ride through the Smoky Mountains. Geared towards beginners, the guided tour will take you along a beautiful mountain stream, through lush forestry and by wonderfully colorful wildflowers. All of the horses used are extremely gentle and mild-mannered, due in part to the fact that they live in a pasture, not in stalls, and get the opportunity to run and play regularly. This is truly a wonderful way to spend some time in the Smoky Mountains!

For a more adventurous activity, hitch a ride aboard the ZORB, an 11-foot-tall inflatable globe that takes you down an 820-foot hill for a ride you won’t soon forget. The Zorbit, or dry ride, harnesses the rider into the globe and rolls head over heels down a straight track while the  Zydro, or wet ride, places you in the globe with five gallons of water and lets you slip and slide your way down the straight track or the more thrilling zig zag track. You and two friends can even ride the Zydro together for a really wild time. ZORB is the only one of its kind in the United States so make sure and plan an afternoon for a ride like no other!

Plan a Summer Adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Adventures await in the great outdoors and the Smoky Mountains that surround Gatlinburg, Tennessee! With the wide variety of outdoor attractions the area offers, you will be sure to find the perfect activity with the appropriate skill level for everyone in your group. Whether planning a group retreat or some quality family time, exploring the outdoors together offers a bonding experience like none other. Check out the ideas below, and don’t forget to pack the sunscreen!

River rafting provides a fun experience unparalleled by other river activities. Experience the thrill of rushing rapids on the Pigeon River Rafting experience. The river features Class III rapids which are appropriate for both novice and experienced rafters. Your experience includes two hours on the river with an experienced guide that will show you the best way to raft and make sure you have an unforgettable time. The river experience begins in Hartford, Tennessee, and transportation is provided from Gatlinburg. The rafting center also features a volleyball court, gift and souvenir shops, and showers. The Pigeon River Rafting experience is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Tennessee outdoors and summer sun.

For a unique exploration experience, the Waterfall Jeep Tour is an ideal choice. This experience takes place by the Nantahala River in North Carolina. It is a two-hour guided tour in a Jeep that features a clear Plexiglas roof to make for optimal viewing. The tour takes you through the area mountains to the various beautiful natural waterfalls in the area, giving you ample time for picture taking, while your knowledgeable guide provides information about the sights and area. Snacks are included as well as any needed equipment. The Jeep can hold up to passengers, making it perfect for smaller groups and families.

For a relaxing activity, try the 1 Hour Horseback Ride in nearby Walland, Tennessee. This experience is perfect for novices as the horses are gentle and friendly and the terrain is mostly flat. However, if you are an experienced rider, you can choose an advanced tour. During your ride, you will explore around the base of the Smoky Mountains with the chance to see area wildlife as well as the beautiful scenery. An experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead the way and provide pertinent background information. Getting to the stables does require a short drive from Gatlinburg, but you will find that the experience is well worth it.