Things to do in Appalachian Mountains

Activities, attractions and tours

Appalachian Mountains
North Carolina showing interior views
Atlanta showing street scenes and a house
Foggy Bottom which includes a city, a house and street scenes
Washington Monument featuring a monument and a sunset

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Top places to visit

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The beauty and diversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park explain why it is the most visited of the U.S. national parks. Enjoy nature, wildlife and the quiet peace of endless forests.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring forests, tranquil scenes and a house

2. Dollywood

From adrenalin-pumping roller coasters to kiddie rides, seasonal festivals to live music , museums and historic buildings, find boundless fun for the entire family at the Dollywood theme park. Opened in 1986 by legendary country singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the highlight of the trip to Pigeon Forge for many people. It attracts over 2 million visitors per year.
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Dollywood featuring rides and signage

3. Hersheypark

Plummet, splash and spin on the confectionery-themed coasters of Hersheypark, a destination inspired by the sweet produce of Hershey’s. Visitors of every age will find a ride to suit their tastes, with a wide array of high-speed, big-drop attractions sitting alongside gentler attractions for younger visitors. A water park and selection of chocolate-filled restaurants further add to the appeal of this exhilarating family destination.
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Hersheypark showing a waterpark

4. Biltmore Estate

Visit Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the United States and tour its magnificent grounds. Stop at the winery and Antler Hill Village and walk through the striking 75-acre (30-hectare) formal gardens. Tour the estate and enjoy a wide range of activities. Discover many of the 250 vintage-style rooms in Vanderbilt’s Biltmore House, including a seven-story-high banquet hall, a library with over 10,000 books, an indoor pool, a bowling alley and more.
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Biltmore Estate showing interior views, a garden and a statue or sculpture

5. PNC Park

Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park is considered one of the country’s best major league ballparks. In addition to offering gorgeous views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline and riverfront, the park features an intimate design that ensures every fan feels close to the game. Watch the Pirates play, explore the park’s exhibits and enjoy classic ballpark food.
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PNC Park showing a city

6. Shenandoah National Park

As you travel along Skyline Drive on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, stop to enjoy views of forested ridges, one behind the other. Challenge the family with the question, “How many ridges can you see?” As you observe hills near and far, you’re likely to see nothing but forest stretching for miles and merging into a blue haze at the far horizon.
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Shenandoah National Park showing a river or creek and forest scenes as well as a couple

What to do in Appalachian Mountains

Popular places to visit

Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring forests, tranquil scenes and a house

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America’s most visited national park offers blue mountain ridges, forested hiking trails, a variety of wildlife and bits of Southern mountain history.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Dollywood featuring rides and signage

Dollywood

This amusement park owned by country singer Dolly Parton lures fans with its roller coasters and children’s rides, museums and live music and theater shows.

Dollywood
Hersheypark showing a waterpark

Hersheypark

Ride roller coasters in this action-packed candy-themed park filled with thrilling water slides, child-friendly rides and opportunities to dine with actors dressed as Hershey products.

Hersheypark
Harrahs Cherokee Casino

Harrahs Cherokee Casino

Why not roll the dice by visiting Harrahs Cherokee Casino where you can enjoy the games and entertainment of this top casino in Cherokee? Discover the mountain views and casinos in this quaint area.

Harrahs Cherokee Casino
Biltmore Estate showing interior views, a garden and a statue or sculpture

Biltmore Estate

Wander through gardens and lush grounds, tour the grand mansion and learn about the history of this opulent estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

Biltmore Estate
PNC Park showing a city

PNC Park

Root for the Pittsburgh Pirates at this iconic stadium, which blends a timeless ballpark atmosphere with modern amenities.

PNC Park
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Have a fun-filled day at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and find out why this is a popular amusement park in Allentown. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake

Explore the great outdoors at Deep Creek Lake, a popular spot to commune with nature in Cumberland.

Deep Creek Lake
Shenandoah National Park showing a river or creek and forest scenes as well as a couple

Shenandoah National Park

Blue ridges fill your view as you gaze over the many acres of tree-covered wilderness in this peaceful Virginia park.

Shenandoah National Park

Areas of Appalachian Mountains

Downtown Pittsburgh which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Downtown Pittsburgh

Abundant dining options, interesting museums and live music are just a few top things to explore in Downtown Pittsburgh. A visit to PPG Paints Arena or Allegheny County Courthouse might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Wood Street Station or Steel Plaza Station to get around town.

Downtown Pittsburgh
Gatlinburg showing landscape views and autumn leaves

Downtown Gatlinburg

While visiting Downtown Gatlinburg, you might make a stop by sights like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

Downtown Gatlinburg
Chattanooga showing a bridge, a city and a river or creek

Downtown Chattanooga

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Chattanooga is its must-see aquarium. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Tivoli Theatre and Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Downtown Chattanooga
Asheville

Downtown Asheville

Travelers to Downtown Asheville praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Grove Arcade and Pack Square.

Downtown Asheville
Knoxville featuring markets

Downtown Knoxville

Downtown Knoxville is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Bijou Theater and Tennessee Theatre while you're in town.

Downtown Knoxville
North Shore showing a river or creek, a bridge and a city

North Shore

Visitors often come to North Shore for its stunning river views, but many stay to explore sights like PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at North Side Station.

North Shore