Wilderness at the Smokies

Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark thrills guests all year. Slide 55 feet down a dark tunnel before dropping through a zero-gravity swirling funnel. Tackle the region’s only body-surfing simulator. Swoosh through various tube slides. Raft through the five-story Runaway Canyon. Experience five-foot waves in the ocean-inspired pool. Get drenched in a multi-level area. Or soak in the huge hot tub. Two additional outdoor waterparks open seasonally. Race down the Southeast’s only near-vertical translucent looping body waterslide. Swoosh along a 207-foot-long tube, the state’s largest waterslide. Rocket through 450 feet of water curtains, tunnels, and 360-degree loops. Entertain youngsters with a zero-depth wading pool dotted with sprinklers, bubblers, geyser jets, waterfall splashes, dump buckets, and a treehouse tower with three slides.
Wilderness at the Smokies
1425 Old Knoxville Hwy., 865.429.0625

Clarion Inn Willow River

Find four different, equally inviting ways to take a dip in crystalline blue water at this Antebellum-style hotel. The indoor pool and hot tub beckon 24-hours a day all year long. In warmer months the outdoor pools double the splash opportunities. Swim laps, play Marco Polo, or sit on the edge and kick your feet around in the large pool that ranges from three to five feet deep. Or grab an inner tube and float along the meandering lazy river, riding the current around bends, past a Southern gazebo, and under a picturesque bridge.
Clarion Inn Willow River
1990 Gov. Winfield Dunn Pkwy., 865.429.7600

Hidden Mountain Resort

This tri-level seasonal outdoor pool flows downhill like a mountain stream. Sink into any of its three tiers and enjoy the ahhh of this gated log cabin resort community. Too shy to reveal your bod to the public? Book a cabin with a private pool. Several cabins at this family-operated retreat offer that luxury, plus most have private hot tubs, and all boast breathtaking views. At Cabin #5228, affectionately named “Down By The Water,” the private pool visually blends into a lake, extending its feeling of grandeur. Its private outdoor hot tub is tucked under a gazebo. At Cabin #4167, also known as “Ski Valley Lodge,” the private hot tub is on a covered deck near an outdoor fireplace, while the partially shaded private pool stretches gracefully across the back of the property.
Hidden Mountain Resort
475 Apple Valley Rd., 865.453.9850

The Resort at Governor’s Crossing

Get wet in any weather at this indoor waterpark that pumps 50,000 gallons of water every day. Zip down two water speed slides. Wade into the zero-entry pool. Play water basketball and water volleyball. Watch little ones interact with dozens of features in the new toddler splash and play zone. Soak in the 20-person hot tub. Relax in the dry sauna where temperatures can approach 200 degrees Fahrenheit! Swim or jog against the jet-propulsion current in the Badu SwimJet. In warmer months, the outdoor waterpark opens its 80-foot water slide, 250-foot lazy river, supersized swimming pool, children’s pool with interactive water features, log roll, outdoor whirlpool, and sun deck. A new play area features a large structure that pumps over 1,500 gallons of water a minute, a dual racing slide, enclosed slide, 300-gallon dump bucket, and over 30 interactive play features. A new outdoor family area offers fire pits, a playground, hammock relaxation zone, and picnic grounds with grills.
The Resort at Governor’s Crossing
225 Collier Dr., 865.429.0500

The Lodge at Five Oaks

Slip down a twisty slide into this kidney-shaped pool for some refreshing fun in the sun. A nearby splash pad for little kids (and the young at heart) is designed in reference to the land’s farming past: An old-timey water tower spills gallons onto the splash pad where several in-ground jets spout and spray, so it’s possible to get wet with zero depth. Near the pool, two fire pits are lit every night all year long, ensuring there’s always a reason to relax outdoors.
The Lodge at Five Oaks
1650 Parkway, 865.429.8300

The Ridge Outdoor Resort

The zero entry pool at The Ridge Outdoor Resort is hard to resist! With it’s spacious sun deck and crystal blue water, the pool offers a refreshing way to cool off on hot summer days. After splashing around,head to the campfire pit for s’mores, play a round of pickle ball, or get in the swing of things at their indoor golf simulator.
The Ridge Outdoor Resort
1250 Middle Creek Road, 865.505.3111