Sevier County, Tennessee, is home to some of the nation's most enticing natural and man-made attractions. Thirty percent of the county is within the protected boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, yet the region is also home to the well-known tourist towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, which have numerous shopping, dining and entertainment options. Among Sevier County's attractions are several large water parks where you can splish, splash and slide the day away, including some indoor parks that provide year-round fun no matter how cold or wet the weather may be outside.
Splash Country in Pigeon Forge -- typically open from mid-May to Labor Day Weekend -- has approximately two dozen rides and slides on 30 acres adjacent to Dollywood's main amusement park. Splash Country's latest addition is the four-story River Rush, a 1,176-foot water coaster that includes plenty of twists, sharp turns and dark tunnels. Other highlights include the twin, 70-foot slides of Fire Tower Falls and Big Bear Plunge, a whitewater rafting adventure. The outdoor park also has two interactive play areas for children, plenty of family-friendly rides, a 25,000-square-foot wave pool, rental canopies and several dining options. Multipark passes that include admission to Dollywood and the water park are available at a discounted rate, as are packages from the nearby Dollywood Cabins.
This Sevierville resort is home to Tennessee's largest indoor water park and two outdoor water parks that are available only to guests staying in the resort's lodge or villas -- access is included in an overnight stay. The 66,000-square-foot Wild Water Dome, open year-round, has a glass roof and includes several slides and thrill rides, including a five-story family raft adventure called Runaway Canyon, a 10,000-square-foot wave pool and Washout Mountain -- a two-story interactive play area for children. The outdoor water parks, Salamander Springs and Lake Wilderness, are open seasonally. Other resort amenities include several restaurants, miniature golf, several arcades and Adventure Forest, a 25,000-square-foot indoor entertainment area with a three-story rope course and laser tag arena.
Because it has a retractable glass roof, this 60,000-square-foot indoor water park at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg can turn into an outdoor park in nice weather. The year-round park, open to resort guests and the public, has eight attractions that include tube slides of more than 300 feet, a 900-foot lazy river, an interactive tree house play area and a zero-depth spray ground for children. Additional amenities at Wild Bear Falls include a snack bar, arcade and gift shop. The resort also has two heated outdoor pools and hot tubs, a fitness center and spa for overnight guests who stay in its studio rooms or larger villas.
A few other Sevier County hotels and resorts provide water parks for their guests, including The Resort at Governor's Crossing in Sevierville and the Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge. The Resort at Governor's Crossing has a year-round indoor park that includes 50,000 gallons of water, two large slides, a zero-entry pool and children's spray areas -- plus a seasonal outdoor pool with a slide and lazy river. The Music Road Hotel's outdoor water park, open seasonally, includes a 60-foot water slide, lazy river and a water umbrella. The hotel also has a 24-hour indoor pool and whirlpool for year-round relaxation.
