Wears Valley Couples Can’t Miss These 7 Mountain Activities

Located deep within the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Wears Valley welcomes couples to escape from daily stress and enjoy natural beauty. The city sits between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, about 30 minutes south of Sevierville, providing guests access to both remote spots and attractions in more populated areas. Wears Valley also ranks as a top spot for a romantic getaway, even for just a long weekend. Sound like a good idea? Escape with a special someone and check out the top Wears Valley couples activities.

Wears Valley Couples Activities: 7 Romantic Ideas

wears valley couples wine tours

Try Tennessee Wines

The Great Smoky Mountains area has five wineries located within 12 miles, perfect for wine lovers. Those staying in Wears Valley have two options in nearby Sevierville: Hillside and Apple Barn. Hillside Winery specializes in Italian and bubbly wines, offering tours Tuesday through Saturday. As one of the largest grape crushing facilities in Tennessee, visitors over the age of 21 sample a collection of local wines with a valid ID.

Apple Barn Winery is not open for tours, however those 21 and older can sample delicious wines with a valid ID. The winery welcomes visitors every day and houses two on-site restaurants, so couples can sample new foods. Try Southern favorites at Apple Barn Farmhouse Restaurant and Applewood Grill, where guests bring their winery purchases to enjoy at no extra charge. Other wineries located along the Rocky Top Wine Trail include Mountain Valley and Mill Bridge in Pigeon Forge and Sugarland Cellars in Gatlinburg.

Take a Long Drive

Plan a romantic drive with a special someone to Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook. To get to the overlook from Wears Valley, drive to Gatlinburg Bypass and look for signs. The bypass has a few options for stopping and parking, so take time to inhale fresh mountain air and admire scenic views. Although this spots provides a serene escape year-round, many enjoy visiting the overlook when fall colors spread across the landscape. Read about more fall foliage drives.

wears valley couples smoky mountains vacation

Visit Smoky Mountains Park

Pack a picnic and visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a day of hiking, wildlife-watching and cascading waterfalls. The park welcomes millions of guests annually and ranks as a top spot for a couples day-trip. While exploring the park, look for black bears, blooming wildflowers in spring and summer, and foliage in the fall. The park provides an ideal place to embrace nature and connect with loved ones.

Step Back at Cades Cove

One of the top attractions near Wears Valley is historic Cades Cove, located less than an hour’s drive. The cove ranks as one of the top places to learn about history, see wildlife, hike and bike.

To tour the area, walk or ride the 11-mile one-way loop for a quick two hours or a leisurely four-hour ride. Due to pedestrian and bike traffic, drivers should practice caution and cruise at a slow pace. Along the trail expect to see churches, log houses, deer, black bears, turkeys and more. Here’s what to expect at Cades Cove.

wears valley couples horseback ride

Go Horseback Riding

Take a guided horseback tour with Waldens Creek Stables. Couples can pick from one- to three-hour rides on over 500 acres of trails and scenery.

Those comfortable on horses should book the two-hour mountain option that travels through Waldens Creek, a 1900s homestead and up to the mountain’s ridge. Visitors have the option to take photos of both their experience and surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. After the ride, enjoy the Wild West Supper Show. For around $30 per person, couples receive a Southern-style feast and enjoy live cowboy shows, music, and games.

Explore Forbidden Caverns

Those who seek adventure should check out Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville. Open April through November, Forbidden Caverns welcomes guests to explore areas once inhabited by Eastern Woodland Indians who used the cave as shelter.

In addition to learning about the tribe, Wears Valley couples will see calcite formations, cave onyx, natural chimneys and a clear water stream. Tours last about an hour, giving couples plenty of time to plan a meal before or after the experience.

Enjoy a Cabin Retreat

Sometimes couples just want to relax. Wears Valley has several cabins in the mountains where couples can reconnect and enjoy good company. Many have large porches and rocking chairs, providing the perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.

After unwinding outdoors, have a romantic dinner at home, or let the hot tub melt away stress. Complete the evening with a movie and popcorn while snuggling on the couch.

Ready to book a Wears Valley couples retreat? View available Wears Valley vacation cabins.