Downtown Sevierville showcases 40 of its most important historic sites on a free, self-guided walking tour. Download a free map or grab one near the statue of Dolly Parton—the bronze work of art is a tribute to the most honored female country performer of all time by her hometown community. First stop: The Sevier County Courthouse, the iconic standout in the Sevierville skyline, designed in the Beaux Arts style and built using bricks produced by local African-American brick masons. Construction was completed in 1896, the same year that the state of Tennessee celebrated its centennial. In 1976 it became the first courthouse in the state to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The McMahan Indian Mound Site is considered one of Tennessee’s most fascinating historical landmarks. A tribute to the Native Americans that used to inhabit the area, the archaeological site is located just above the confluence of the West Fork and Little Pigeon Rivers, near the Sevierville Riverwalk Greenway. This historical landmark dates back as early as 200 A.D. and was first excavated in 1881 with artifacts sent to the Smithsonian.

One of only four historic covered bridges in Tennessee, the Harrisburg Covered Bridge is an 83-foot-long covered timber truss bridge across the Little Pigeon River that’s still functional. Located off Old State Highway 35 near U.S. 411, it’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1875 to replace the original bridge destroyed in a flood that same year.

In Sevierville you can cast a line in waters teeming with fish yet uncrowded with anglers. Tennessee holds the world record for smallmouth bass and the Little Pigeon River is widely considered one of the best smallmouth bass streams in the world. Try your luck reeling in a trophy-sized catch. You can also cast a line into Douglas Lake, a 28,000-acre reserve that’s ranked in the nation’s Top 10 for both largemouth bass and crappie fishing. The water also swims with white, striped, and spotted bass.

Mountain Cove Marina , which is located one-quarter mile from Douglas Dam, makes it easy to spend time on Douglas Lake. The full-service, year-round marina rents 22-foot long Crest Pontoon Boats that can hold up to eight people as well as jet ski personal watercrafts. Rent by the hour or for a half-or full day. If you have your own boat, you can put it in the water at the boat launch.

Check into one of Sevierville’s luxury mountain cabins any time of year to enjoy spectacular views and private amenities. At Oak Haven Resort & Spa every fully-furnished cabin (ranging in size from one to seven bedrooms) boasts a large private hot tub, fireplace with gas logs, private screened porch, large jetted bathtub, custom kitchen with full-size appliances, master bedroom with king-sized bed, plus rockers and a swing to comfortably enjoy the outdoors. Most cabins also have a game room. The sprawling property offers a fishing lake, nature trails, golf course, and more. Log cabins, mountain villas, and farmhouse cottages at Hidden Mountain Resort range from one to 14 bedrooms. There’s room to spread out, both indoors and out, thanks to property amenities including fishing ponds, pavilions, seasonal pools, event center, gazebos, fire pit, and more. All rentals boast spectacular views, are individually decorated, and offer upscale features like a private hot tub, gas fireplace, full-service kitchen, and more. Some cabins are dog friendly.