Smoky Mountains

A Weekend In The Smokies

Planning a vacation can be very exciting. What are we going to do? Where are we going to stay? What are the top-rated sites and where are the hidden gems? Here at CLIMB Works, we would like to simplify that process for you and suggest the perfect weekend getaway for you.

Limited to one weekend?

If you only have a weekend to spend here, you don’t want to wear yourself out with too many activities, but also want to spend your time wisely. Although you might not be able to do it all in one weekend, you can hit the top attractions easily in one weekend.

Vacationing in the Mountains

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are without a doubt, worth visiting (or at least passing through). But if you are like us, you really just want to escape to one of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges, the Appalachians. Here we will show you the ideal trip for a weekend in the Smokies.

Where to stay

You’re in the mountains, get a cozy cabin! Airbnb and Vrbo offer a variety of homes and experiences that will be unique to you. This allows you to customize your location, needs, and amenities. It is the best way to find the right fit for you and your crew. Looking at a map you can see where the stay will be in comparison to where you are going. We suggest browsing along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park border between Cosby and Townsend.

What to do

For a weekend trip arriving on Friday, we suggest getting settled in the cabin, playing some games, and going to get some delicious food! Some of our favorites from Pigeon Forge include The Local Goat, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and The Blue Moose. The Blue Moose’s Big Daddy Mac ‘N Cheese Burger is worth trying.

Start Saturday morning bright and early with CLIMB Works Mountain Top Zipline Tour. Early morning views of the sun rising and birds peacefully chirping are hard to beat. After the 2-hour guided tour, head over to Hartford Tennessee for some afternoon rafting. Stop at 321 Doc’s Café for a unique Tennessee BBQ experience or The Bean Trees restaurant just off the river. Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers the longest rafting along the river for an afternoon rafting experience.

On Sunday, we suggest taking a day to drive through the park and visiting Clingman’s Dome along Newfound Gap. If you’re looking for more, head to Cades Cove, taking a stop to hike into Abram’s falls. This combines the park’s most iconic vista with 360 degree views, a wonderful scenic drive with lush forests, bear sightings, and our favorite waterfall to finish the day off.

Book your zipline and rafting package by clicking the link below for our package discount!

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Enjoy!

Experience Ziplining During Fall in the Smoky Mountains

aerial view of a climb works platform surrounded by fall foliage

As the crisp, cool breeze of autumn sweeps through the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of the season than by soaring through the treetops on a zipline adventure. Nestled in the heart of the Smokies, CLIMB Works offers an exhilarating ziplining experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning fall foliage. In this post, we’ll take you on a journey through the magic of ziplining with CLIMB Works during fall in the Smoky Mountains.

Fall is arguably one of the most enchanting times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg, TN, wasn’t named the #1 best place to visit for fall in 2023 for nothing! The lush greenery of summer transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues as the leaves change color. The air is crisp, and the vistas are absolutely mesmerizing. What better way to take in these sights than from high above the forest floor? Not only are we biased to the beauty of fall in the Smoky Mountains, but there is the science to support it! The Smoky Mountains are actually one of the most biodiverse ecosystems by area in the world! There are over 130 species of trees that make each view of the mountains incredibly picturesque. CLIMB Works offers a reasonably priced photo package that will give you amazing photos of walking on the rope bridges, standing on platforms, self portraits, group pictures, and action shots of you ziplining. Many people have asked if they are photoshopped because of the beauty of the backdrop is that unbelievable!

CLIMB Works is a premier ziplining destination located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s renowned for its commitment to safety, eco-friendly practices, and unforgettable adventures. Our zipline courses are designed to offer a perfect blend of excitement and appreciation for nature’s wonders.

During the fall season, CLIMB Works takes on a whole new level of charm. If there is a known time that past guests want to visit CLIMB Works, it’s the month of October and beginning of November. That is when you’ll catch the magic of the fall colors. Don’t forget to wear your CLIMB Works merch! Each guest with a CLIMB Works shirt receives a 10% discount at check-in (cannot stack with other discounts). If you’re looking for a zipline in Pigeon Forge or the surrounding area, our mountaintop zipline tour can’t be beat!Fall Foliage

The highlight of ziplining at CLIMB Works in the fall is undoubtedly the spectacular foliage. As you soar from one platform to another, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of colors. The vivid reds and oranges of maple trees, the golden leaves of oak trees, and the deep greens of evergreens create a breathtaking contrast against the clear blue sky.

Cooler Temperatures

Fall brings relief from the summer heat. The crisp, cool air is perfect for ziplining, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about overheating. Dressing in layers is advisable, as the temperature can vary throughout the day. Ponchos are available on site for rainy weather. Hoodies, sweaters, gloves, and beanies are available for purchase as well. Mornings and evenings are better for sweaters and pants, while tours during the middle of the day can still be comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. We do offer water on course, so there is no need to worry about getting dehydrated or overheating throughout the tour.
Fewer Crowds

Fall is considered the shoulder season for tourism in the Smoky Mountains. With fewer visitors compared to the summer months, you’ll have a more peaceful and intimate zipline experience. This also means you’re more likely to have more one-on-one time with your guides, whereas the summers can get hectic.

The leaves start to change color towards the end of September but continue through mid-November. The pro move is to come the first couple days of November. Most people visit during October, which is often too early to see the peak of the color change. The last week of October and first week of November are historically the best weeks to see all of the leaves in their prime while the colors are at their most vibrant.

Don’t forget to check out surrounding events in the area. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville all have seasonal festivals, and local businesses will often have fall-themed events!

Thrilling Ziplines

CLIMB Works offers a variety of ziplines, each with its own unique features. The first 2 ziplines start out shorter, allowing guests to get warmed up and comfortable. Once you get to line 3, after hiking up a floating staircase and crossing a suspension bridge, you step out of your comfort zone! The next 3 ziplines are over 1,000 feet long with epic vistas and 360-degree views. You finish with line 6 that has an amazing drop and takes you back to the check-in area after an ATV ride to the bottom. The ziplines are strategically placed to offer the best views of the autumn scenery. It is hard to explain the beauty of zipping over color-changing trees. It’s truly something you just have to experience for yourself! The pictures and videos don’t do it justice.
Safety First

Safety is a top priority at CLIMB Works. Knowledgeable guides will provide you with thorough instructions and ensure that you’re securely harnessed before each zip. You can focus on the fun while they take care of the technical details. A really cool part about CLIMB Works is that our staff does all of the work for you. You are there to enjoy the views and spend quality time with those you came with. Our guides use an intuitive braking system that is stress-free for guests. It is one of the most luxurious ziplines you can find!

Ziplining in the fall at CLIMB Works in the Smoky Mountains is an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of flying through the treetops with the natural beauty of autumn. The vibrant foliage, cooler temperatures, and the chance to experience this adventure with fewer crowds make it an ideal time to visit.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone looking to try something new, ziplining at CLIMB Works is an experience you won’t want to miss. So, gear up, embrace the fall spirit, and prepare for an incredible journey above the canopy of the Great Smoky Mountains this autumn. It’s a ziplining adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the season.

CLIMB Works

Pre-Order Your Photos And Save

The best deal for the best memories

One of the most memorable parts of your vacation to the Smoky Mountains or Hawaii will be ziplining with breathtaking views. We do our best to capture these moments by taking professional pictures throughout your tour with us.

Pre-Order Your Photos And Save

Now you can pre-purchase your photos while booking your tour for a hassle-free experience. While creating your reservation, you have the option of pre-ordering photos for a 10% discount if purchased during your reservation checkout. Photos will automatically be sent to your email after completing your tour.

What photos are included?

Multiple photos are taken by our tour guides during your experience. These pictures include group shots with the entire group as well as your own party, crossing our scenic rope bridge, and action shots of you while ziplining.

Forgot to order your pictures?

No worries, we’ve got you covered! 48 hours after completing your zipline tour, we will send you a follow up email with a link to preview photos of your tour. These can be purchased online and digitally sent to your email address.

Don’t forget to share!

As the top rated zipline in the area, we hope you have a unique experience at whichever location you visit. The majority of our guests hear about us through reviews or by word of mouth. Don’t forget to tag us on social media using our handle @climbworks and using our famous hashtag #alwaysCLIMB that will enter you into our annual giveaways (all inclusive trips to our Hawaii and Tennessee courses).

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Smoky Mountains

Top 5 Drives through the Smoky Mountains

Exploring the Smoky Mountains can be done in so many different ways! From hiking, camping, llama treks, drives, and other outdoor recreational activities, it’s no wonder that the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States! With so many options it can be hard to narrow it down to what you should do. Something great about this area are the roads designed specifically for you to enjoy the unique sights of the Smokies. So, roll down the windows and breathe in the mountain air while you cruise along our top 5 favorite drives through the Smoky Mountains.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Take a drive into the heart of the Smokies as you navigate along a single lane, one-way road, through the forests. This path may be congested, but with a variety of pull-offs it can feel like you’re the only one in the mountains. Enjoy the sights and sounds of waterfalls and rivers as they drown out the noise of passing cars. Simply drive the loop or stop and hike the many trails throughout, ranging anywhere from 1-8 miles, depending on what you feel, or explore some of the historical buildings. But, be sure to stop at the one peek-a-boo lookout, it is here that you’ll glimpse the majesty of the Smokies through the trees. And don’t worry about bathrooms, there are ones at the beginning and end of the loop with a little gift shop to complete the drive.

Cades Cove Loop Road: This single lane roadway is usually very busy, but is worth a visit for the many historical buildings you can explore. Grab a map in the beginning and decide which hikes or buildings you want to see, with so many options it’s good to have a plan, or even come back and explore the other areas you missed the first time through. There are also bathrooms and a shopping stop where you can grab some snacks or enjoy your own picnic in the fields. But, whatever you do, keep your eyes open for the wildlife you’ll see wandering the trails with you!

Clingmans Dome Road (Be sure to stop at Newfound Gap Viewpoint along the route to the top): Ascend into the clouds as you make your way to the highest man-made point in Tennessee (the highest natural point is Mount LeConte). The drive to Clingmans Dome will take you winding through the mountains, with a variety of pull-off viewpoints for the Smokies that will leave you in awe. Depending on what time of year you go, the stops can be windy and cold but are still worth stopping. Give yourself the time to take it all in and I promise you won’t regret it. The walk to Clingmans Dome is a little over half a mile, with a slight incline. There are benches along the way, if you need to take a break, and then you can climb the spiral ramp to the highest point for an epic 360 view of the Smoky Mountains. You’ll also find bathrooms and a shop here. Insider’s tip: Stay at the top to watch the sunset, you won’t regret it.

Foothills Parkway Drive: Our zipline guides personal favorite, as it’s close to where many of them live (so you may just see your guides up here watching the sunset after a day of ziplining). This drive is the least busy and probably the newest scenic roadway, near Gatlinburg. It is a double lane so you have to be cautious of other drivers, but you will have plenty of pull-offs where you can not only enjoy views of the Smoky Mountains but also the glittering lights of some of the surrounding towns.

Max Patch: Right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina is this gem of a spot. It is a bit of a journey to reach this location but is so worth it! You will have to drive about 7-10 miles off-road and then take a small hike to the top. Once you reach the top you’ll be so glad you made the journey! The views here, especially at sunset are out of this world! You will often find many people getting family, engagement or wedding pictures here because this spot is just so beautiful! If you want, you can even extend your stay at Max Patch and watch the sunrise the next day by bringing your camping gear and staying the night. Just be mindful of the times you’re allowed to build a fire and when you cannot.

There are always more drives to explore, each one offering something unique, but the above are our personal favorites! If you have the time and want a few more suggestions, we also love Rich Mountain Road, Upper Tremont Road, and The Tail of the Dragon. Enjoy your drives through the Smokies!

Smoky Mountains

8 Hidden Gems of Gatlinburg Tennessee

Gatlinburg Tennessee is full of things to do! Driving down the center of this city can leave you a little overwhelmed, and with the vast amount of activities calling for your attention, it can be hard to decide what to do! So, if you want to step away from the madness, and experience the hidden gems of Gatlinburg you will find what truly makes this a special place in Tennessee.

Just like the area, this list is an eclectic bunch of things but are worth a visit!

1. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum: This may seem like an odd one, and well….it is! You don’t quite know what to expect of this little oddity but you don’t want to miss it! Upon walking in you are greeted by the owners, whose mom is the one who started it all, and your eyes will behold this immense collection that will leave your mouth open in awe! You would never believe it until you saw it. This place is open everyday from 10am-2pm and only costs $3 to enter, to which you can apply to buying your own salt and pepper shaker at the end!

2. Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House: Right across from the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is a unique place of various jellies, jams, butters, spreads, preserves, pickles, and hot sauces. You will never see a more diverse set of options for your tastebuds. Come in, sample some, and take home a souvenir that may beg you to return to Gatlinburg for a refill.

3. Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community: Discover the lives of hundreds of artists as they gather along this 8 mile loop in a community that is open to sharing their passions with others. Each shop is unique and if you see something you like, get it because you won’t see it again! A few must stop places are the Wild Plum Tea Room, Ogles’ Broom Shop (This family has been making brooms for 100 years!), and the Cliff Dwellers Gallery (specifically the little crafts shop entrance to the right and upstairs where you can sit and do your own little craft for free).

4. Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens: Right off the main strip of Gatlinburg you can experience lifelike exhibits and representations of the life of Jesus Christ as the museum takes you back 2,000 years and into the story of Christ with remarkable effects, lighting, life-size figures and music. Guests who go to the museum park for free and from there it’s a short walk to the strip where you can continue to explore downtown Gatlinburg.

5. Cataract Falls: About 10 minutes away from the bustling streets of downtown you’ll find the Cove Mountain Trailhead. Take a 5-10 minute nature walk and you’ll find Cataract Falls! A perfect escape from the manmade attractions and a breath of fresh air. Pack a lunch and enjoy a little down time by the falls.

6. Aunt Debbie’s Country Store: A short drive outside of Gatlinburg will lead you to this quaint store full of unique gifts to give, or items to collect for yourself! All items are either made by the owner herself or done locally. Don’t forget to say hi to Bullet the store’s pup!

7. Cakes by Bakin’ Bishop: Just down the street from Aunt Debbie’s Country Store is this perfect baked goods store. What’s great about this bake shop, apart from the delicious goodies, is that you get to choose what cake you want followed by the frosting you want it to have. Mix and Match different flavors and take your tastebuds on a delightful journey of flavor.

8. CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains: Of course we had to add ourselves to this list! Give yourself the best views of the Smoky Mountains by zipping in and above them! Learn about the area, master new challenges, and conquer your fears with guided tours to help you have the most memorable experience during your family vacation.

What is special about each one of these hidden gems is that they are either businesses that are locally run and have been in the family for years, are an escape from the main streets of Gatlinburg, and each place has free and available parking, which is extremely hard to come by! It is at these locations that you will meet people who are passionate and open to giving you a glimpse into their world, truly showing you what it is we love about Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountains

5 Tips for Planning your Fall Trip to Gatlinburg

A question we often get asked, especially as the seasons begin to change, is when is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains for the fall colors? Well, here are 5 Tips to planning your trip for one of the most magical times of year!

When is best time to come for the color transformation?

The Smoky Mountains are covered in a variety of trees including sugar maples, hickories, sweetgum, scarlet oaks, red maples and nearly 100 other species of native trees. This makes for amazing fall colors from vibrant golds to oranges and reds! The best time to catch this transformation is mid-October to the beginning of November. This splendor of colors will last for about 7 weeks, depending on the temperature and length of sunlight in the day. For that reason it’s always a little tricky to predict when the exact “best” time will be.

How does fall in the mountains work?

What’s incredible about fall in the mountains is that it’s like a cascade of color. The leaves will begin to change at the highest elevation first and throughout the weeks will make its way down the mountain as temperatures cool. The green in the leaves will start the break down process and in turn create those vibrant colors we all love.

How soon should you start planning your trip?

The Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in America! That being said, it is always wise to plan your trip at least a few months in advance, especially for this time of year. The last three weeks of October hosts the most people.

What are the best ways to see the fall colors?

There are so many ways to enjoy this display of colors, and maybe we’re a little biased, but ziplining is our favorite way! But in all seriousness, most people will take in the views by driving through Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Road (US 441), but those roads can get pretty congested during this time of year! Being able to zipline amongst the trees is something else entirely! You don’t have to worry about getting distracted while you drive, you can pause on our platforms and take pictures, and you can feel like the wind as you zip through the many fall colors. It really is the most breathtaking experience.

After you zipline with us we can suggest a few hikes where you can continue to take your time and soak in the beauty that is all around you!

What are the best views of the foliage?

Both our zipline courses offer unique ways to experience the fall colors. The tree top course puts you right in the middle of it all! Zipping from tree to tree, you’ll be right amongst the leaves. Our Mountain Top Course will give you the full picture and view of all the colors as they cover the mountains. If you can’t decide, that’s ok! You can do both 🙂 Afterwards you can take a short drive up the Foothills Parkway to take some epic pictures. Pack yourself a lunch and have a little picnic on your car as you enjoy these scenic spots of the epic Smoky Mountains.