The Smoky Mountain National Park and surrounding area offer many opportunities to get outside and explore.

When you hear someone say we are going to a National Park, most people think of just hiking.Hiking is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in this area.

We have compiled a list of activates from the calm to the adventures and have made it easy for  you to choose an activity to enhance your vacation.

Click on the links below to view an outdoor adventure.

Smoky Mountain Field School: The Field School offers high-quality workshops, hikes, and adventures to more than 750 people each year who want to enhance their enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of the Smokies and the great outdoors. The strength of these programs comes from the enthusiasm, knowledge, dedication, experience, and love of Great Smoky Mountains National Park that instructors bring to each and every course.

Smoky Mountain Nature Guide Service: "A Walk In The Woods"  is a full range tour guide service geared to making your time in the Smokies as wonderful as possible. Emphasizing the teaching of natural history, this is A Walk In The Woods' tenth year offering spectacular trips into the Smokies. Our experienced guides will take you to incredible vistas, gentle cascades, waterfalls, majestic ancient forests, crystal clear mountain streams, old home sites, graveyards and hidden trails.

Bicycle Rental in Cades Cove: Cycling Cades Cove is an absolute must-do ride for everyone, and recommended for riders of all abilities. Our diverse rental fleet, offering bikes for all ages and levels provide for an enjoyable outing and the ideal way to see Cades Cove. $6.00 per hour

Carriage Rides in Cades Cove: Take a trip back in time where you can slow down, enjoy, and experience a 30 to 45 minutes picturesque horse-pulled carriage ride through mountainous forest of Cades Cove. Our knowledgeable carriage guides will entertain you with tales of the history of the area while showing and describing the native plant and animal life.

Swimming at the Sinks:  Take a cool refreshing swim in an old fashioned swimming hole located just 1.5 miles east of Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, The Sinks are a combination of hydraulic rapids and deep pools. Folklore tells of how a logging train once derailed and plunged into the Little River at this spot. It was never found as the bottom could not be reached. Thereafter, this spot was always referred to as "The Sinks."

Elk Viewing in the National Park: The Great Smoky Mountains National park is where the park service started an experimental release program of North American Elk in a never ending quest to preserve native plants and animals of Smokies. The Elk are now the largest residents of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park where adult males bulls elk can weigh from 600 to 700 pounds and female cows average around 500 pounds. Adult Elk measure from 7 to 10 feet long and bull elk can sport antlers that may be as wide as 5 feet from end to end.

Llama Trecking: 6-Hour "Extravaganza" Trek All-Day Trek covers about 5-6 miles round trip along a gorgeous ridge-top trail. Depending upon which trail we hike, the elevations range from 3000-6400ft.  You will experience spectacular views atop huge, rock overlooks, trickling creeks, and grassy open fields with panoramic views. Full, gourmet lunch with dessert and beverages included.

Guided Fly Fishing: For first time fly fisherman to experienced anglers. Fishing equipment tackle and even waiters are included if needed.  The guides are very knowledgeable and professional.  

Wahoo Ziplines: Zip lines are safe for ages 8 to 80 and for individuals weighing between 70 and 275 pounds. Wahoo Zip lines are committed to your safety, you can rest assured that all our guides are fully trained professionals who will ensure you have the safest, most informative and exhilarating tour of your life. Their knowledge of the equipment and safety features of the zip line will put your mind at rest, while they offer you an awesome one-of-a-kind memory making adventure that will keep you talking for years to come!

ZORB™: The  ride is just a totally bizarre and fun adventure experience where you'd be protected by a massive cushion of air while spirling down a hill. Throw in a bucket of water, hop inside the inflated ZORB™ ball, run, tumble, flip or slide inside it, doesn't sound fun enough yet? Take up to 2 of your mates with you inside the ZORB™!

Tubing: Tubing in the Smokies is only minutes from Pigeon Forge in Townsend.  Unlimited shuttle services to make your day on the Little River fun and relaxing. 

Whitewater Rafting: Enjoy the best whitewater rafting in the Smokies with Rapid Expeditions. Their experienced, friendly and fun-loving guides are ready to show you  a great time rafting on the Pigeon River. No experience is necessary.

Kayaking in the Smokies: Find your roots kayaking in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! Rapid Expeditions is proud to offer kayaking lessons, kayak clinics and kayak classes for novices and experts alike. Dave Crawford, a certified kayaking instructor and owner of Rapid Expeditions, will show you a great day on the water, whether it's your first time in a boat or you're looking to hone your skills in a particular area.

Guided ATV Trail Rides: Ride ATVs on 6000 Acres of Mountain Trails All ATV Safety Equipment Included.  Various terrain and beautiful mountain views!  Ride a 4x4 Yamaha Kodiak and experience the mountains as never before. Horse Back Trail Riding: One of the most exciting ways to view the Smokies is by horseback.  Ride on the historic Henry Marshal Farm through beautiful valleys, by ponds & streams, into a wooded wonderland!

Off Road Hummer Voyages:  Across creeks and winding through the back country you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery. And talk about adventure; once you climb aboard one of our custom designed, open air Hummers, you will be in for the ride of a lifetime.

Hot Air Balloon Adventure: flights originate near Sevierville, Tennessee at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The topography of the area is 80% rolling farm land, and offers stunning 360° scenic views. From your aerial vantage point you can view Cherokee Lake to the north and Douglas Lake to the south, with the majestic Smoky Mountains in the background.

There are also many great events throughout the year, including:

• Music of the Mountains (March) 
• Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Gatlinburg (April)
• 'Under the Apple Trees' in Cosby (April)
• Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival in Townsend (May)
• Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass in Sevierville (May)
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary (June)
• Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival in Townsend (June)
• Battle of Burg Hill- Civil War Re-enactment in Gatlinburg (June)
• Fourth of July Midnight Parade in Gatlinburg (July)
• Mountain Life Festival in Cherokee (September)
• Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day in Townsend (September)
• "On Cosby" Festival in Cosby (October)
• Festival of Christmas Past (December)
• Smoky Mountain Christmas Memories in Townsend (December)

Starting March 1st through December 31st 2009 Berry Springs Lodge is offering "Back to Nature" discount special.  Save $40.00 per night on weekdays and $20.00 per night on weekends.  It's real simple to get the discount.  You just need to bring something with you that comes from nature.  You can bring a flower to plant, a small tree or bush.  It could also be as simple as a rock for a Zen garden or a leaf for a scrapbook.  We want you to use your imagination!  You can be as creative as you like! Available when you stay 2 or more nights.