The Wilderness at the Smokies just turned 15! And the owners are celebrating this huge milestone with several waterpark expansions. Each one gives their guests even more room to slip, slide, and play to their hearts’ content. Want to learn what awaits at your visit? Here’s an overview of the latest waterpark upgrades you can look forward to enjoying.
Introducing the Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark
The Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort and Family Adventure Center is a popular vacation destination in the heart of Sevierville, Tennessee. When you stay at this destination, you get access to all their waterparks, including the biggest indoor waterpark in the state: the Wild WaterDome.
Attractions within the WaterDome include:
- Storm Chaser Thrill Ride
- Runaway Canyon slide
- Trail Twisters Tube Slides
- Smokies Surf Rider
- Magnolia Grove Hot Spa
- Washout Mountain
- Snapping Turtle Activity Pool
- Great Wave pool
The littlest adventurers in your group also have the Flying Squirrel Shallow Activity Pool to enjoy at their leisure.
In addition to the indoor WaterDome, there are two outdoor waterparks open year-round, plus an Adventure Forest family fun center. Between all these attractions, there are endless things to do during your stay.
What’s New at the Wilderness at the Smokies Waterparks
The Wilderness at the Smokies has once again raised the bar with its many much-anticipated Wild WaterDome expansions, such as:
Ridge Runner
The Ridge Runner was the first of many expansions to open in December 2023. This exciting addition is a three-story water coaster towering above the many other attractions across the indoor waterpark.
A ride on this new water coaster will take you on down three ultra-steep drops taken at unbelievably fast speeds. The first drop is 22 feet long, allowing you to reach speeds of up to 29 miles per hour.
After that, you’ll find yourself in a tube featuring the Reverse AquaLucent system. This system lights up the inside of the tube in a dazzling array of colors, complete with special effects galore. Although you might want to stick around to enjoy those effects, you’ll quickly dive into the second drop.
An open flume follows and then quickly turns into more brightly lit tubes and drops until you hit the last section. Here, you get to shake off all the overwhelming sensations by enjoying a quick trip through a dark tube to the end of the ride. All in all, it’s sure to leave you wowed and ready to hop back in line for another ride down the slide.
Kaleidoscope Kavern Lazy River
The Kaleidoscope Kavern Lazy River is another fun expansion recently added to the indoor waterpark. This lazy river goes beyond the traditional layout and takes you into a tunnel filled with the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
As you enter the tunnel, you’re instantly immersed in the sights and sounds of the Smokies, making you feel like you’re actually floating down a river inside the park. It was designed by the same crew who created Anakeesta’s Enchanted Night Walk, so you know it’s going to be good.
Snapping Turtle Indoor/Outdoor Play Lagoon
The Snapping Turtle Indoor/Outdoor Play Lagoon got a big overhaul as well. This popular playspace now has over 1,000 square feet of space to play basketball and enjoy many other activities with friends. It also features a hot spa with cozy seating made in the style of the Old Magnolia Grove spa.
New Attractions to Come in 2024
Within the next few months, additional attractions will open for guests at the Wilderness of the Smokies to enjoy. The brand-new rooftop infinity pool, Lookout Lagoon, has a soft open date of mid-March 2024. The Peak Rooftop Bar and Eatery will follow soon after, bringing an entertainment stage and multiple cabanas to the mix.
Top Things to Know Before Your Waterpark Trip
To have the best Wilderness at the Smokies experience possible, keep these things in mind:
Book in advance
The resort gets busy, especially during the peak travel season. Booking your resort accommodations in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Pack essentials
Don’t forget to bring water shoes, towels, and sunscreen. While you won’t need sunscreen while visiting the WaterDome, staying protected from the sun while playing at the outdoor waterparks and family adventure center is important. But don’t worry, if you forget anything, you can likely find the items you need at the resort shops.
Take advantage of locker rentals
Keep your belongings safe while you’re in the water by renting a locker. It’s a convenient and safe way to store your cell phone, wallet, and other important items.
Check height requirements
Some attractions, like the Ridge Runner, have height requirements for riders. You can check them in advance to avoid any disappointment and plan your route through the waterpark accordingly.
Be prepared for maintenance
Check the website regularly to see if any attractions will be down for maintenance during your stay. In some cases, maintenance closures occur due to unexpected issues. When that happens, the resort staff will let you know.
Stay hydrated
With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. There are plenty of spots around the park to refill your water bottle, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
It’s Time to Plan Your Waterpark Adventures
Are you ready to enjoy the newest attractions at the Wilderness at the Smokies? Book your stay and then start planning your visit today to ensure you can have the time of your life.
With so much to see and do, planning your visit can help ensure you don’t miss a thing during your stay. Decide which attractions are a must-see for you and your group. Just be sure to consider starting with the most popular rides early in the day when the lines are shorter.
The extra effort you take in mapping out your itinerary will pay dividends as you step foot in the resort. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to dream up what you’ll see and do well before you even arrive to explore what’s new at this resort.
