The Best & Most Exciting New Attractions to Come to the Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge area of the Smoky Mountains
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1.) Hellbender
A new, 2nd, double rail mountain coaster has opened at Anakeesta theme park in September 2023 and its name is quite intriguing! Named after the famous salamander of the Smoky Mountains, it is a double rail coaster, which is different from the single rail they also have, called Rail Runner.
It is 3,350 feet long, unlike most coasters, it starts at the top of the mountain and goes down first! It has 90, 270 and 360 degree turns before taking you back to the top. It promises scenic views and thrilling inclines!
2.) Exit 407 Gateway to Adventure
A new 75-million-dollar (just for phase One!) development called Smoky Gap, will be evolving at exit 407, right off of I-40. It is being planned in a partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and will become an "entertainment complex" with attractions, hotels, retail shops and eateries.
A European style historical theme park is planned to open, with a dramatic, extravagant, live show that is a popular overseas. This is SUPER exciting, and if you watch the video below, you will see why....
Now this is not to say the video above depicts exactly what is coming to Sevierville exit 407. But "Puy du fou" is a unique experience and "journey through time", that is unlike any other!
The captivating family show will depict historical events based on the Cherokee Nation's involvement in World War I.
You can see more about Puy du fou here.
3.) Crayola & Nerf
Expected in Fall of 2024, these 2 family entertainment centers look like so much fun!
The Crayola Experience will be 30,000 sq. ft. of colorful creativity and have over 20 interactive experiences like:
Be the star of your very own coloring book
Design your own wax color creation
Name your own crayon
It will also feature the world's largest crayon and marker retail selection.
Also coming in the Fall of 2024 will be Nerf!
The Nerf Action Xperience will feature 29,000 sq. feet of a family friendly play arena with activities like:
sports challenges
Battle Blaster Zone
obstacle course
It will also have space for "team building, corporate events and parties.” Food, beverage and retail areas will be included.
4.) Mountain Biking at Ober
The new, scenic, downhill mountain biking experience features 3 levels of trails, including trails like:
Joy Ride
High Roller
Snake Dance
Bikes, helmets and pads are all available or you can bring your own bike (see rules).
The chairlift takes you and the bike safely up to the top, with ease.
and is open during the warm months. They even have lessons too, if you need them.
All trails are professionally designed and maintained. Ober Mountain Bike Park trails are family friendly!
5.) American Eagle Sanctuary & Rehab Center
American Eagle Foundation, 510 Kodak Road, Kodak, TN
Project Eagle is the biggest expansion in the American Eagle Foundation's history. A brand new facility is opening on 57 acres in Kodak, Sevier County.
The foundations pillars are:
Conservation
Education
Protection
The new facility will have and focus on:
Birds of Prey Museum
3 Classrooms
Conference Center
Interactive Playscape
Conservation gardens
Aviary Exhibits
Administrative offices
6.) Big Bear Mountain
Exciting news as Dollywood has finished construction of its newest addition and its longest roller coaster in the park, and it's called Big Bear Mountain! It's 3,990 feet long, goes 48 mph and has audio and music as you ride.
Help "Ned Oakley" on his hunt for the "Big Bear" in Wildwood Grove at Dollywood!
7.) Birdventure
Anakeesta has done it again...they have been expanding their beautiful theme park for a few years now and Birdventure is one of their latest unique additions.
3 life sized birdhouses become fun "adventure zones" for kids and adults, with long, snaky slides, winding 50 feet down the mountainside.
8.) Astra Lumina
Astra Lumina is described as an "enchanted night walk amongst the stars" and is now a popular part of the Anakeesta experience. A unique light and sound show as you walk a path throughout the mountain forest that surrounds you.
Add on tickets for this immersive experience and see displays like
Astra Archway, Stellar Visions, Cosmic Choir and more.
9.) Dig'n Zone Theme Park
This is the largest construction-based theme park in North America. A truly unique and SUPER exciting theme park for Sevierville!
Wow what a great idea, kids and adults are going to go bananas over these diggers, dumpers, and big trucks. Opening is slated for (hopefully) the end of 2023.
Could be every kid's dream come true. Operate real construction equipment in a safe environment. 25 attractions on 27 acres.
Kids and adults can operate equipment like:
Skid steers
Excavators
Forklifts
Rollers
Loaders
More
Holiday themes, Food and beverages will also be available.
10.) Xperia Ocean Journey
Inside the Tanger Outlets, right off the Parkway in Sevierville, you can explore deep into the ocean! Stunning visual affects and cutting edge 3D technology.
3D Bait Ball
Dancing sea lions
Giant squid battle
Thresher Sharks
Humpback whale
Cute dolphins
Motorcycle Friendly Cabins with Good Road Access