Vacation rentals in Wears Valley

Wears Valley is a tranquil area nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It is most known for its abundance of nature activities, spectacular views, and great dining and shopping options. The area is best for travelers who are seeking a low-key vacation in the mountains with plenty of outdoor activities on offer. Families, couples, and nature lovers will feel recharged and reconnected with nature after a stay in Wears Valley.

Enjoy a peaceful vacation tucked away in nature and surrounded by Smoky Mountain Views. Wears Valley is one of the most tranquil vacation destinations in Tennessee, with a wide range of vacation rentals available. Choose from a variety of ultra-spacious rentals, which are suitable for families and come with fully equipped kitchens and several bedrooms. Couples and solo travelers can choose from a variety of cozy, smaller rentals. Opt for a rental with sweeping mountain views. Several rentals in this area come with a jacuzzi to warm up in during the cooler months. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

If you’ll be arriving to Wears Valley by plane, the closest airport is Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Regional Airport, just a 30-minute drive away. McGhee Tyson Airport is the closest major airport, located in Knoxville, Tennessee and is 31 miles away. Car rental companies are available in Knoxville and at both airports.

Having a car during your vacation in Wears Valley is crucial for getting around and enjoying everything the region has to offer. Since Wears Valley is set inside the Smoky Mountains, some attractions and points of interest can be remote and far apart from each other. Many of the most popular attractions are actually in neighboring towns just a short drive outside of Wears Valley, such as Townsend, which is a 10-minute drive southwest.

Wears Valley is an excellent destination for families of all ages. Stop by the Friendly Falls Gem Mine where children can participate in real-life treasure hunting as they sift for gems using a sifting box under rushing water. Horseback riding is another excellent family-friendly activity and a great way to experience the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Head to Walden Creek Stables for a guided trail ride, where you’ll get to ride past historic cabins, old moonshine distilleries, and more!

Enjoy a fun outing to the Tuckaleechee Caverns, which are located in nearby Townsend. Situated deep under the Smoky Mountains, the caverns are home to spectacular cave formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground waterfall. You’ll go on a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide who will teach you all about the underground wonders. Explore the Titanic Museum, just a quick drive north of Wears Valley, where you can see real artifacts from the Titanic. The museum features several interactive exhibits, informational displays about the ship, and a replica of the grand staircase.

One of the best summer activities in Wears Valley is taking a tube down Little River. You can rent some tubes from Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing Outpost and enjoy a lazy afternoon floating down the river. There are different sections of the river which are more or less advanced, so be sure to ask before you begin tubing.

With its Smoky Mountain location, one of the best ways to explore Wears Valley is on foot. There are several well-known hiking trails in the area. Metcalf Bottoms Trail is a 1.2 mile beginner-friendly trail with an add-on trail option at the end of the path for more advanced hikers. One of the most popular hikes in the area is Laurel Falls, which is moderate in difficulty at 2.3 miles round trip and features an 80-foot multi-tiered waterfall. Experienced and advanced hikers should try Anthony Trail, which is over 10 miles in length and features stunning panoramic views.

Brush up on your knowledge of the local area at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Here you can learn all about the history of the park and the wildlife species that inhabit the region. The center features a museum and a historic village. Guided tours of Cades Cove are available from here as well.

Enjoy a memorable adventure by ziplining at Wears Valley Zipline Adventures. The park features over 2 miles of zip lines and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. There’s even a 2,000-foot zip line that sits almost 300 feet above the forest floor!

No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without riding the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Sit inside a glass gondola while the 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel slowly turns, offering panoramic views of the water and mountains below. You can ride it in the day or at night.