4 Things to Look for in the Smokies During 2023

Posted by Jon Hoffman in Things To Do

A whole new year is approaching. Are you ready for exciting new experiences? Head to the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. Even if you've been here before, you'll always find fresh new things to discover and explore. That's especially true for 2023, when multiple family-friendly attractions will be opening and/or expanding.

Here's what to look for next year in these magnificent mountains.

New Cloud Coaster in Sevierville

Sevierville's Wilderness Adventure Forest is known for fun indoor activities like laser tag and rope climbing. And starting in Spring 2023, this 25,000-square-foot site will also offer the Smokies' very first Cloud Coaster, a thrilling indoor ride that literally soars high above all the other activities.

Designed and built by Extreme Engineering, an award-winning USA company, this 25-foot-tall coaster will run along 400 feet of space-age track, with steep lifts and sudden drops for heart-pounding excitement. Each ergonomic single-seater cart will feature a locking lap bar, front and side handlebars, safety protections galore, plus built-in technology that creates the illusion of flying.

Best of all, it's family-friendly, with low G-force for a smoother ride plus special magnetic braking that lets you control your speed.

Open between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., Wilderness Adventure Forest is located at 1424 Old Knoxville Highway in Sevierville.

Major Expansions at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

If you've never visited Anakeesta, Gatlinburg's mountaintop theme park, now's your chance. In Spring 2023 this legendary park will introduce the initial phase of a quaint European-themed village, complete with new attractions such as:

• BirdVenture: What's it like to be a bird in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains? Kids of all ages can find out at Anakeesta's BirdVenture experience. You'll wander through three gigantic birdhouses, explore 12 lofty adventure zones, and twist and turn downhill via seven serpentine slides – the first slides of their kind in the nation!
• Hellbender: Named for a slithery salamander native to Appalachia, this double-rail mountain coaster will take you on a twisting downhill plunge through lush forest and experiential tunnels.
• New Interactive Caves and Waterfalls: Nestled amid gardens and walking trails, this nature-themed attraction will offer actual waterfalls and ultra-realistic caves. Walk behind the falls to feel the refreshing spray. Plus, explore the caves to savor the thrill of spelunking, without any of the danger or discomfort.

When you're all finished, enjoy a scrumptious snack at the all-new Mimi's Bakery, a charming Parisian-style pastry shop.

To get to Anakeesta, head to 576 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. Then board the scenic Chondola – or ride a Ridge Rambler truck – to reach the breathtaking summit.

Big Bear Mountain, Dollywood's Longest Roller Coaster

There's always something new at world-famous Dollywood Theme Park. In 2023, the iconic attraction will introduce Big Bear Mountain, its longest coaster ever, featuring nearly 4,000 linear feet of elevated track. You'll zoom up, down, and 'round and 'round at speeds up to 48 mph – all in a spectacular setting above Dollywood's Wildwood Grove.

Open daily during the season, Dollywood is located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge.

Dig 'N Zone Theme Park in Sevierville

Do your kids love anything to do with digging, dirt, and construction? They'll have a blast at Dig 'N Zone, the 27-acre theme park coming to 1707 Veteran Boulevard, Sevierville, in Spring 2023. Here youngsters will get to operate forklifts, excavate dirt, ride in dump trucks, and handle a wide array of real construction equipment. They'll be in seventh heaven!

Book Your 2023 Smoky Mountains Getaway Now

Don't miss out on all the new family fun. Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals today to reserve your mountain cabin just minutes from all the action.

This content posted by Volunteer Cabin Rentals. Visit our home page, www.volunteercabinrentals.com to book your next vacation cabin today.

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