Cabin Fever Due To Covid? Head to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

Outdoor Adventures In The Smoky

Are you getting stir crazy from being quarantined and miss the outdoors? Then wait no longer and catch cabin fever up in the mountains. Here are some great recommendations for some fun activities to be one with nature. 

Jayell Ranch

Credit: https://blueridgetravelguide.com/listing/jayell-ranch.html

If you’re looking for fun and adventure, then look no further than Jayell Ranch located in Sevierville, TN. They are family owned and operated offering 260 acres of various outdoor activities. What makes it even better is that you don’t need to make a reservation ahead of time; you can simply walk in and choose your adventure. Jayell Ranch is the perfect place to have fun for all ages: families with small children, teenagers, and even adults who feel like a kid at heart.

Some activities at the ranch include mountain slide and horseback riding. Grab a tube and go down a special slide that was built on a steep hill. The great part about tubing is that you can go as many times as you like. You can even leave and come back later for more fun.

If you're interested in dusty trails, then they have horseback riding for adults and children. No need to worry, they have an experienced guide that will take you along the way. You will get to enjoy great sceneries along the 4 mile trail and see some true historical beauties such as Shields Mountain Fort and Mount Le Conte.

For the thrill seekers of all ages, they also have zip lining and ATVs. Be prepared to wear comfy clothes with whatever activity you choose. Jayell Ranch offers the longest zip line in the Smokies with 2 miles of high flying adventure. They even have 6 different courses and canopies which offer an unique experience all while giving breath taking view of the mountains and terrain. 

If you don't mind getting dirty then riding ATVs will be the way to go. Jayell Ranch offers a 12 mile guided ride on a all terrain vehicle. The hour long tour will take you through various landscapes through the woods, creeks, and mud. You'll even make a pitstop for a perfect picturesque moment for your selfies with the Smoky Mountains in the background.

For more information and exact details please visit Jayell Ranch.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Credit: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2018/04/13/tuckaleechee-caverns-earthquake-nuclear-testing/511080002/

Tuckaleechee Caverns is a tourist attraction located in Townsend, TN. It is considered as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies”, which was discovered in the mid 1800’s and is estimated to be between 20 to 30 million years old.

When you arrive, you will be escorted by a tour guide down a stairway which leads you towards the cavern. While on the 1.25 mile round trip tour; you will be give lots of backstory of how it was discovered and all the unique features. 

The cavern has multiple rooms ranging in various sizes. The largest room is called “The Big Room”, which is larger than an average football field. There are many rock formations called stalagmites that reach over 24 feet tall. They were formed by water dripping collecting for over millions of years. 

Some unique features of the cavern is the amazing underground waterfall called “Silver Falls”. The double waterfall reaches up to 210 feet tall and is considered to be the tallest underground waterfall in the Eastern United States. There is also an underwater river that flows along through the entire cavern and is considered to be some of the purest water with no human contamination.

Since the cavern has a unique epicenter; it is used by US government and The United States Geological Survey to study real time earthquakes and nuclear activities. Tuckaleechee Caverns has an extremely sensitive seismograph station in the world as to date. 

For more information and hours of operations, please visit their website.

Cades Cove

Credit: https://www.oldcreeklodgegatlinburg.com/blog/things-to-do-cades-cove/

If you're looking for a relaxing scenic drive in the mountains, then head over to Cades Cove Loop. It is a beautiful 11 mile  one way loop through the Great Smoky Mountain Park with picturesque views of the mountains and forest.

On your drive, you will see a lot of historic buildings along the way dating back to 1800s when its first European settlers arrived in the area. You can spot old log cabins, churches, mills, and even a cemetery.

 

Halfway through the scenic route you can even stop in the area to enjoy a nice picnic or go hiking in one of the trails nearby.  You will see some gorgeous landscapes, amazing meadows and some unique wildlife. Some of the wildlife you may see include black bears, white tail deer, elk, coyote, and fox to name a few.

It is recommended to give yourself anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to really enjoy the area; possibly longer if you want to hike the trails and enjoy some photo opts in the surrounding area. 

For more details please visit their website Cade Cove.

Grab your family and plan where you want to continue your cabin fever after exploring some great choices  to enjoy when visiting the Smokies.

 

For some great activities in Orlando go to my Orlando blog for more information.