Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for being one of the best places in the world to go hiking or take a scenic drive. But wouldn’t it be cool to ride a bike or all-terrain vehicle on a Smokies trail?
A new outdoor adventure theme park created in Pigeon Forge from the creators of Anakeesta will give visitors the chance to do unsanctioned adventure activities in the national park.
WildSide, coming this summer, will debut seven miles of mountain bike trails and eight miles of utility vehicle (UTV) trails that wind, twist, climb and descend across nearly 900 acres of untouched mountain land.
“We want people to get out in the mountains, and there aren't a lot of attractions in this area that focus on that,” Bryce Bentz, co-owner and partner of WildSide, told Knox News in an exclusive interview . “(We) really want to bring people into this adventure mode.”
The owners and creators of the new park have experience building a breathtaking attraction after creating Anakeesta, which opened in 2017 and has become one of Gatlinburg's top family destinations. WildSide is a separate company.
The park is expected to open at 1105 Laurel Lick Road by July 4 and will likely remain open year-round.
Pigeon Forge's new theme park focuses on outdoor adventure
During its first year, WildSide visitors can ride pedal-assist electric mountain bikes or bring their own.
There will also be guided UTV rides, with a guide in a separate vehicle guiding visitors behind the wheel of their own UTV. Guests will need a driver's license and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children ages 10 and up will have the chance to drive UTVs on a controlled track at the front of the property.
If you're hungry, don't worry. The park's welcome cabin will resemble a ski resort base, where you can grab food and drinks while watching bikers hurtle down the mountain.
A chance to go off-roading in the Smokies
WildSide will offer trails for all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
The extensive rocky, branch-strewn trail system circles the massive property, providing drivers with an authentic off-road experience. It's a dirty activity, and may get your driving equipment dirty.
Trails can gain up to 1,500 feet in elevation, and some lead to overlooks with stunning views of the mountains and East Tennessee.
The Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg neighborhood can be an almost overwhelming experience with its loud noise, colors and wacky buildings. WildSide wants to offer a break from this traditional tourist experience.
“This park is supposed to be a complete outdoor adventure park,” Bentz said.
More trails planned for Pigeon Forge Park
UTV tours, ATV and UTV trails are just the beginning for WildSide. With so much room for expansion, the park has plans for the future, including building trails to the highest peak on the property and other surprises.
To learn more, visit wildsidetn.com.
Silas Sloan is the growth and development journalist. E-mailsilas.sloan@knoxnews.com. Twitter@silasloan. Instagram@knox.croissance.
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