SOAKY MOUNTAIN WATERPARK
Splash into Sevierville, Tennessee’s newest waterpark.
Summer in the Smoky Mountains is splashier than ever, thanks to Soaky Mountain Waterpark, the brand-new attraction that opened to the public in the summer of 2020 in Sevierville, Tennessee.
The 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark splashes cool thrills even as it heats up adrenaline across its more than 19 attractions. Among the adventures is an innovative water coaster that’s the first of its kind, “Avalaunch Watercoaster.” The two-person tube ride offers hills, valleys, and wide turns leading to a heart-pumping wall climb that descends into a whitewater finish. The massive 35,000-square-foot wave pool “Soaky Surge” can create six-foot tall waves.
The park’s waterslides are comprised of more than 3,700 pieces and total more than 1.5 miles. Among them, “Blue Mountain Mayhem” is a five-person raft ride that features two gravity-challenging walls for a feeling of weightlessness before splashing into the finish. The “Whoop & Holler” body slide places you on a floor that drops away for a heart-thumping plummet into the splash zone. The “Splash & Furious” mat slide satisfies the need for speed races as four lanes navigate exhilarating twists and turns.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark is packed with a wide range of adventures to ensure excitement for everyone. Among the attractions that will appeal to guests of any age, “Black Bear Rapids” is an adventure river—not a lazy river—with waves and rapids. “Rainbow Revenge,” a state-of-the-art, five-person raft waterslide, dazzles with translucent effects, multi-colored channels, and expansive saucer turns.
For youngsters, “The Hive” play zone boasts multiple water play features including a water bucket dump, twisting body slides, and swirling body bowl slide. “Boomer’s Bay” features small versions of the big kid rides including a mini-tornado, squirt-sized wall ride, and two twisting slides.
The highly anticipated waterpark also offers ways to test agility and balance. “Hang 10essee” is a dual FlowRider surf system. “Slippery Salamanders” is a two-lane inflatable water obstacle course.
“There are a ton of awesome thrill rides!” says Dave Andrews, general manager of Soaky Mountain Waterpark. “It’s my favorite park I’ve ever worked at (and I’ve worked at four different award-winning parks). This place is such a blast to be around. It looks amazing and is so much fun with a lot of newer features including our one-of-a-kind water coaster. Our slides are amazing!”
Soaky Mountain Waterpark is located next to its sister property, Wilderness at the Smokies, the largest waterpark resort in the Smokies. Unlike its sibling, however, the new Soaky Mountain Waterpark will be open to the public. Tickets are available for purchase online as well as on site. (It’s not exclusive to guests of the Wilderness at the Smokies resort, but they will enjoy ‘best price’ daily admission.) “Season passes are the best way to enjoy any waterpark,” says Andrews. “It’s such a great value and sets you up for a really fun summer.”
For relaxing between thrills, climb into one of the more than 50 cabanas. At “Coyote Springs” bask near a pool. At “Boomers Bay” and “The Hive” sit back while keeping an eye on little ones. “Overlook” cabanas invite rest while near the action at the wave pool.
From bistros to cafés to food trucks, the park’s multiple dining options feature popular favorites. “Tacolicious” is a double-decker food truck serving specialty tacos from mild to spicy. The “Philly Up” food truck offers a variety of Philly Cheesesteaks. The "Bee Good Café” serves healthy snacks for little appetites. “The Candy Cabin” produces hand-made sweet treats. “Base Camp Bistro” specializes in bold flavors. “Soaky Shake Shoppe” mixes ice cream with flavors and toppings. Adult beverages are poured at “Overlook Bar” and “Wipeout Bar.”
A team of leading experts in waterpark design and construction helped bring Soaky Mountain Waterpark to life. Safety is built in. “Our company has a longstanding, impeccable safety record,” says Andrews. Lifeguards and paramedics are among the park’s on-site staff.
“We want people to have a great time,” says Andrews. “My job is to make sure staff is delivering on the great promise of this park in all the personal connections with guests. We get to see people smiling, giggling, and laughing. There’s nothing better than that!”
Soaky Mountain Waterpark is located at 175 Gists Creek Road in Sevierville. It’s easy to find: From Winfield Dunn Parkway, look for the ‘Hollywood’-type sign on the side of the Mountain. Parking is located off Gists Creek Road. To learn more, visit SoakyMountainWaterpark.com
