Eastern Tennessee is where outdoor adventure, mountain culture and craft beer collide. For our latest Daycation, we headed west into the Smoky Mountains to explore why this region is quickly becoming a go‑to destination for adventure travel lovers and craft beer fans alike.
With wildlife‑filled trails, mountaintop views, thrilling attractions and a cozy A‑frame base camp to wind down with Highland Brewing beer, this Eastern Tennessee trip delivered the perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation.
WildSide Adventure Park: High‑Energy Outdoor Fun in Eastern Tennessee
Our adventure began at WildSide Adventure Park, a must‑visit for anyone seeking Eastern Tennessee outdoor adventures. Nestled in the Smokies, WildSide offers UTV rides, zip lining and mountain biking designed for families, friends and thrill seekers.
UTV Riding Through the Smokies
The UTV experience was a huge adrenaline rush! The WildSide UTV trails feature tight hairpin turns, relentless bumps and wide‑open sections where speed comes into play. Built and maintained by WildSide, these routes weave through the Eastern Tennessee Smokies and showcase the park’s impressive recovery following Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Drivers can rotate throughout the ride, so everyone can satisfy their need for speed. When we visited in May, conditions were dry and dusty, which only added to the fun.
By the time we rolled back in, every single one of us was caked in mountain dirt—faces, clothes, helmets, all of it. Good thing our crew had no problem getting a little dirty. The dust kicked up on every turn made the adventure feel even more authentic, like the kind of day you don’t forget because you earned every mile of it.
Zip Lining the Longest Zip Line in the U.S.
After a quick car shower (aka wiping ourselves down with baby wipes in the parking lot) came the moment we were all waiting for: the longest zip line in the United States. The WildSide guides walked us through the gear, gave a quick “just in case” safety rundown and sent us on our way (happy to report no emergencies were needed).
Then it was time to head up. And up. And still up.
The drive alone felt like an adventure, winding higher and higher into the mountain until we were convinced we’d run out of elevation. Just when we thought there was no way we could go any higher, the takeoff tower came into view.
Cue a collective “yee haw.”
What followed was nearly three minutes of pure flight, gliding across the Smoky Mountains with unreal 360‑degree views that somehow kept getting better the longer we were in the air. Equal parts thrilling and awe‑inspiring, it was one of those moments that makes you laugh, yell and forget about everything else—exactly the kind of highlight you hope for on a Destination Daycation.
This zip line defines Eastern Tennessee adventure travel at its best. You’ll have plenty of time to take it all in—just know any photos will be captured one‑handed while the other hangs on for dear life.
Mountain Biking at WildSide
Prefer wheels over heights? WildSide’s mountain biking destination delivers 11 miles of trails, 600 feet of elevation gain, a dedicated jump park and 20 total trails for all skill levels. While we didn’t attempt this adventure, we can see how it’s quickly becoming a standout spot for mountain biking in Eastern Tennessee.
Anakeesta Gatlinburg: Smoky Mountain Views & Family Adventure
After a full morning at WildSide, we headed to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, one of the most iconic attractions in Eastern Tennessee.
Getting There: Chondola & Ridge Rambler Rides
The adventure begins with a scenic Chondola or Ridge Rambler ride from Gatlinburg’s Parkway to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. In just a few minutes, the energy of downtown gives way to treetop views and cooler mountain air.
Breathtaking Attractions at Anakeesta
Anakeesta blends nature, thrill and family fun seamlessly:
- Treetop Skywalk: 880 feet of hanging bridges suspended more than 50 feet above the forest floor
- AnaVista Smoky Mountain Observation Tower: Gatlinburg’s highest point with 360‑degree views reaching as far as Kentucky
- Hellbender Mountain Coaster & Rail Runner: High‑speed rides hugging the mountainside
- Dueling Zipline Adventure for those craving more thrills
At night, Astra Lumina turns the forest into a glowing, otherworldly journey of light and sound inspired by the cosmos, making Anakeesta one of the coolest evening experiences in Eastern Tennessee. Unfortunately, we missed it—after a full day of ripping trails, flying through the air and generally choosing adventure at every turn, our energy reserves were officially tapped.
Honestly, it only cemented what everyone says: you need 3–4 days here to do it right. We’ll absolutely be back, rested up and ready to wander through a forest that looks like it fell straight out of a dream.
Dining, Shopping & Festivals
Anakeesta also shines when it comes to food and culture. Clifftop Restaurant and Kephart Café serve elevated Smoky Mountain flavors and an incredible craft beer selection. While village shops showcase artisan goods and locally inspired gifts. Live music and seasonal festivals ensure that no two visits feel the same.
At its heart, Anakeesta is about connecting people to the mountains while preserving the magic that makes Eastern Tennessee special. Our guide has us convinced to bring our families back for Anakeesta Enchanted Christmas!
Base Camp: A‑Frame Living with Craft Beer & Sunset Views
Every Daycation needs the perfect place to unwind. Our A‑frame base camp delivered exactly that.
Overlooking the Smoky Mountains and Anakeesta park, the cabin featured a fire pit, hot tub and postcard‑worthy views. You could even hear riders on the Anakeesta mountain coaster echoing through the valley.
As the sun dropped behind the ridgeline, we closed out the day with Highland Brewing Daycation (IPA and Gold) in hand, soaking in the hot tub and bumping tunes on our Turtlebox Speaker from Great Outdoor Provision Company. Reflecting on our action-packed day, we came to the conclusion that few things pair better with Eastern Tennessee sunsets than a Daycation enjoyed outdoors.
Adventure, Craft Beer, and more in Eastern Tennessee
Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains offer incredible versatility. Theme parks, adrenaline adventures and world‑class hiking coexist within minutes of each other. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a weekend escape or a craft beer‑fuelled adventure, Eastern Tennessee delivers.
This Daycation barely scratched the surface, but it reminded us why Highland Brewing loves partnering with places that celebrate the outdoors, community and unforgettable experiences.
Eastern Tennessee understood the assignment.
