5 Breathtaking Alpine Towns In Tennessee
Rich Civil War history, delicious Southern cuisine, and a world-famous music scene are only a few reasons why travelers often visit Tennessee. However, the state also boasts mesmerizing mountain-backed scenery, making for a magical winter escape. While there is only one ski resort in the state, Ober Mountain, you will find spectacular snow-capped scenery and exciting seasonal activities in the surrounding towns. From Gatlinburg to Sevierville, get ready to bring your winter wonderland dreams to life as you explore these 5 breathtaking alpine towns in Tennessee.
Gatlinburg
Set above the town of Gatlinburg, Ober Mountain is a wonderful place for adventure seekers. With ten distinct trails spanning 38 acres, a vertical drop of 500 feet, and an exhilarating terrain park, skiers and snowboarders of all levels will love it here. Enjoy the picture-perfect panoramic scenery of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an incredible 2.1-mile journey onboard The Gatlinburg Tram, taking you from downtown to 2,813 feet above sea level. Another site you must not miss is The Village Shops. Here, you will find quaint cafes, timeless antiques, exquisite galleries, specialty shops, and lovely eateries amid charming European-inspired architecture.
Townsend
If a peaceful, picturesque escape immersed in the Smoky Mountains is what you are craving, get ready to spend several days in Townsend. This stunning town is the "Gateway to Cades Cove," a mesmerizing mountain valley surrounded by a riveting 11-mile loop with several wildlife and vista-viewing locations. Among the most fascinating sites is The Tuckaleechee Caverns. Begin your extraordinary journey underground as you explore the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies.” See striking 24-foot-tall stalagmites along with Silver Falls, a double waterfall rising 210 feet high. Take in the scenery while driving along routes such as the Gatlinburg Bypass on your way to Ober Mountain, a journey that takes under one hour from Townsend.
Pigeon Forge
Discover Pigeon Forge, one of the most breathtaking alpine towns in Tennessee. Just over 10 miles from Ober Mountain, this is one of the best places for a family-friendly vacation. Often referred to as the "Gateway to the Smoky Mountains," many hotels offer gorgeous views right outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pigeon Forge Snow, an exciting indoor snow park, is open all year-round, offering snow tubing and snow play that everyone will love. Rowdy Bear's Smoky Mountain Snowpark is another spot to visit, home to Tennessee’s longest outdoor snow tubing hill in the winter, and thrilling attractions, including a roller coaster, axe throwing, and outdoor tubing in the summer. One of the standout sites here is the Titanic Museum Attraction. Located diagonally to Rowdy Bear, you can find over 400 real artifacts from the Titanic, amid twenty galleries and a life-size lifeboat you can sit in.
Signal Mountain
Only eight miles from the expansive city of Chattanooga, Signal Mountain, a serene small town known for its stunning views of the Tennessee River, is one of the state's prettiest mountain towns. Soak in the scenery of the surrounding landscape from Julia Falls Overlook, where panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge await. Follow the easy Rainbow Lake Trail to see cascading waterfalls, before you head to The Mountain Opry for some live music on Friday evenings. Travelers can enjoy crisp mountain hikes and scenic overlooks year-round, seeing stunning snow-capped vistas in the winter. Signal Mountain also serves as a peaceful retreat within driving distance of Ober Mountain.
Sevierville
In the foothills of the Smoky Mountains lies Sevierville, a small town under 13 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is where American singer, songwriter, and actor Dolly Parton grew up. You can see the bronze statue of Dolly in the heart of the historic downtown district. Sevierville is also "The Shopping Capital of the Smokies," boasting quaint antique shops, beautiful boutiques, and exquisite galleries, along with over 100 high-end outlet stores at Tanger Outlets Sevierville. Enjoy another family-friendly afternoon at Rainforest Adventures Zoo, where over 130 species of tropical animals reside. If you are interested in skiing, Ober Mountain is only 17 miles away.
Discover Tennessee's Mountain Towns
Experience the beauty and magic of the Southeastern USA as you get to know Tennessee's alpine treasures. From the expansive panoramic views of Gatlinburg, to the exhilarating snowpark activities of Pigeon Forge, and the cultural wonders of Sevierville, each of these 5 breathtaking alpine towns in Tennessee offers its own distinct charms. In addition to incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities within easy access, you will find a variety of activities that the whole family will enjoy in each of these dazzling destinations.
