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Located just outside of Pigeon Forge, TN, you’ll find Wears Valley. This valley is known for its gorgeous mountain views and is considered the “peaceful side of the Smokies.” If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Wears Valley is the place for you. It’s filled with history and culture and runs parallel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There’s lots to explore in this hidden gem!

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Wears Valley is a quaint community in the Smoky Mountain area that attracts both locals and visitors alike. It’s well known for its breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and is especially popular during the fall. This area is small, however, stretching only 3 miles wide and 5 miles long. Its small size is part of its charm! Wears Valley is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and even provides its own entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re looking for a less crowded way to get into the park, this is the place to go. It’s home to fun things to do, mom and pop restaurants you’ll love, and stunning scenery.

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Fun Things to Do in Wears Valley

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Wears Valley Zipline Adventures 

See the Smokies from new heights at Wears Valley Zipline Adventures, where you can enjoy over a mile and a half of some of the longest and highest ziplines in the area. From these ziplines, you’ll have gorgeous views of Mount LeConte and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Goats on the Roof

You can also visit a unique attraction in the Smoky Mountains, Goats on the Roof. Yes — there are actual goats on the roof! Not only can you feed the goats, but you can do some shopping, gem mining, and enjoy some ice cream. If you’re looking for a thrill, go for a ride on the Coaster at Goats on the Roof. You’ll control your own speed as you go on an exciting journey through the hills of Tennessee. Go up to 30 miles per hour, or take a slower, scenic ride around the track.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As we mentioned before, you’ll also find a “secret entrance” to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Wears Valley TN. This is where many of the locals go to enter the park. The entrance connects to Little River Gorge Road, which allows you to access some of the most popular areas of the park, including Cades Cove!

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Mountain Brothers General Store

Be sure to stop by Mountain Brothers General Store for a unique shopping experience. From coffee and honey to souvenirs and gifts. This store has it all. There’s also a pottery store next door with homemade creations you’ll want to bring home!

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Great Places to Eat in Wears Valley

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Elvira’s Cafe

Elvira’s Cafe is a local favorite. Enjoy fresh, farm-to-table food in a friendly atmosphere. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m., and the menu includes everything from hot cakes, to french toast, to country ham and eggs! For lunch, choose from a variety of sandwiches and burgers, from a grown up grilled cheese to a roasted turkey sandwich. For dinner, the menu includes pork chops, chicken tenders, catfish, trout and more! You’ll feel right at home at Elvira’s Cafe.

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Grandmother’s Kitchen

At Grandmother’s Kitchen, you’ll find all your favorite Southern staples you can enjoy for breakfast and lunch. You can find this restaurant near the center of Wears Valley. If you’re in the mood for old-fashioned, home cooking this is the spot for you. For breakfast, enjoy platters with eggs and your choice of breakfast meat. For dinner, enjoy platters like catfish, fried chicken, country fried steak and more!

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Hillbilly’s Restaurant

Hillbilly’s Restaurant has a casual, laid-back atmosphere. They serve up a delicious country-style breakfast, and a variety of burgers, sandwiches and salads. To start your day off right, enjoy one of their popular breakfast dishes, like Aunt Bessie’s Rolled Up Eggs or Banana Foster French Toast. Their burgers are cooked just right with the best beef available. You can also try their country fried steak, chicken tenders or grilled chicken burger!

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Fun Things to Do Around Wears Valley

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Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks, offering breathtaking views, wildlife sightings, and nature immersion.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

Hours: Trails accessible year round.

Distance: Appx 8 miles from the cabin

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Cades Cove

Explore the historic Cades Cove, a picturesque valley offering scenic drives, preserved pioneer structures, abundant wildlife, and beautiful landscapes.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm

Hours: Accessible year round.

Distance: Appx 21 miles from the cabin

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Clingmans Dome

Visit the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower, along with access to various hiking trails.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingsmansdome.htm

Hours: Accessible year round.

Distance: Appx 30 miles from the cabin

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Laurel Falls

Hike to the picturesque Laurel Falls, an iconic waterfall in the Smoky Mountains that cascades over 80 ft and features a paved trail for accessibility.

Hours: Accessible year round.

Distance: Appx 14 miles from the cabin

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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Take a scenic drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and witness cascading mountain streams, historic buildings, and diverse wildlife.

Hours: Accessible year round; road conditions may vary.

Distance: Appx 10 miles from the cabin

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The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge, a popular entertainment complex offering shopping, dining, live music, thrilling rides, and the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel!

Website: https://islandinpigeonforge.com

Hours: Vary

Distance: Appx 9 miles from the cabin

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Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a scenic ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views, walk across the SkyBridge, and explore the park.

Website: https://www.gatlinburgskylift.com

Hours: Varies

Distance: Appx 18 miles from the cabin

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Anakeesta

Experience outdoor adventures, scenic views, dining, and shipping at Anakeesta, an aerial adventure park nestled in the hear of Gatlinburg.

Website: https://www.anakeesta.com

Hours: Varies by season

Distance: Appx 17 miles from the cabin

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Alum Cave Trail

Embark on a rewarding hike along the Alum Cave Trail, which leads to stunning natural features like Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and Alum Cave Bluffs.

Hours: Trails accessible year round.

Distance: Appx 26 miles from the cabin

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Tuckaleechee Caverns

Explore the remarkable Tuckaleechee Caverns for an awesome caving adventure1

Hours: Accessible year round.

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Horseback Riding

Enjoy guided horseback riding tours through scenic trails, providing an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

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Whitewater Rafting

Embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure on the Pigeon River, offering a thrilling experience amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

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Visit Dollywood

Explore Dollywood, an award-winning amusement park, featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and traditional crafts.

Website: https://www.dollywood.com/

Hours: Varies by season.

Distance: Appx 12 miles from the cabin

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Discover Ober Gatlinburg

Enjoy year-round fun at Ober Gatlinburg, offering activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, wildlife encounters, and an aerial tramway.

Website: https://obergatlinburg.com

Hours: Varies by season

Distance: Appx 16 miles from the cabin

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Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Immerse yourself in an underwater world at Ripley’s Aquarium, featuring interactive exhibits, a tunnel surrounded by marine life, and live shows.

Website: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg

Hours: Varies by season.

Distance: Appx 16 miles from the cabin

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Titanic Museum

Step aboard the Titanic Museum and relive the ill-fated voyage through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and recreated spaces.

Website: https://titanicpigeonforge.com

Hours: Varies by season.

Distance: Appx 13 miles from the cabin

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Smoky Mountain Opry

Attend a spectacular variety show at the Smoky Mountain Opry, featuring music, dance, comedy, and special effects in a state-of-the-art theater.

Website: https://www.smokymtnopry.com

Hours: Varies by season.

Distance: Appx 17 miles from the cabin

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Great Places to Eat Around Wears Valley

The Old Mill

Enjoy Southern comfort food in a historic setting, featuring dishes like fried chicken, country-fried steak, and freshly baked bread.

Website: https://old-mill.com/restaurant  

Hours: Open daily, 8:00am-9:00pm

Distance: Appx 7 miles from cabin

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The Peddler Steakhouse

Savor delicious hand-cut steaks cooked over an open flame, along with fresh seafood and a salad bar in a rustic yet elegant atmosphere.

Website: https://peddlergatlinburg.com

Hours: Open daily, 5:00pm-10:00pm

Distance: Appx 11 miles from the cabin

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Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

Indulge in Southern comfort food, including BBQ, friend catfish, and homemade deserts while enjoying live music in a lively atmosphere.

Website: https://www.pckettsgro.com/pigeon-forge/

Hours: Open daily, 7:00am-10:00pm

Distance: Appx 8 miles from the cabin

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Local Goat New American Restaurant

Experience a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors with dishes like burgers, steaks, seafood, and craft beers in a modern setting.

Website: https://wwwlocalgoatpf.com/

Hours: Open daily, 11:00am-10:00pm

Distance: Appx 8 miles from the cabin

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The Apple Barn & Cider Mill

Delight in home-style cooking featuring apple-infused dishes, including apple fritters, apple butter, and classic Southern comfort food.

Website: https://www.applebarncidermill.com

Hours: Open daily, 8:00am-8:00pm

Distance: Appx 6 miles from the cabin

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Cherokee Grill

Enjoy a diverse menu of grilled steaks, seafood, and other American classics, complemented by cozy mountain ambiance.

Website: https://www.cherokeegrill.com

Hours: Open daily, 11:00am-10:00pm

Distance: Appx 8 miles from the cabin

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Bullfish Grill

Relish in a wide selection of fresh seafood, aged steaks, and unique appetizers, prepared with high-quality ingredients.

Website: https://www.bullfishgrill.com

Hours: Open daily, 11:00am-10:00pm

Distance: Appx 8 miles from the cabin

 

The Melting Pot

Experience interactive fondue dining including cheese fondue, delicious entrees, and decadent chocolate desserts in a romantic setting.

Website: https://www.meltingpot.com/gatlinburg-tn/

Hours: Varies by day

Distance: Appx 9 miles from the cabin

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Smoky Mountain Brewery

Sample handcrafted beers and enjoy a diverse menu featuring burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and barbecue, accompanied by live music.

Website: https://www.smoky-mtn-brewery.com

Hours: Open daily, 11:00am-11:00pm

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Trailhead Steak & Trout

Steaks, burgers, trout, and other American classics served in a rustic, lodgelike setting.

Website: https://trailheadsteakhouse.com

Hours: Open daily, 12:00pm-9:00pm

Distance: Appx 11 miles from the cabin

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