WildSide is the Baddest Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge

WildSide Adventure Park sits on 900 acres of Smoky Mountain terrain six minutes off the Pigeon Forge Parkway — 18+ miles of trails, 1,500 feet of elevation change, and three distinct adventure formats: guided UTV tours through the backcountry, mountain biking across 12 trails for every skill level, and the MegaZip, the longest zipline in America. If you want the Smokies outdoors without a national park hiking trail, WildSide is the answer.

MegaZip — The Longest Zipline in America

WildSide's MegaZip stretches 5,771 feet from a launch point at 2,472 feet elevation, dropping over 1,000 feet in vertical descent at speeds reaching 55 mph. Four side-by-side lines run simultaneously, so a group of four can zip together rather than watching one at a time. The self-braking system gives riders control over their speed — full throttle for the adrenaline version, or a more measured pace to take in the aerial views of downtown Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains spread out below. The scale of the MegaZip is genuinely different from the zipline experiences available elsewhere in the Smokies: 5,771 feet is a distance that takes over a minute to cover at speed, producing an experience that has time to develop rather than ending before the sensation registers. Check wildsidetn.com/megazip for current pricing and booking.

UTV Tours — Guided Off-Road Adventure

WildSide's guided UTV tours put you behind the wheel of a Utility Terrain Vehicle on dirt tracks through 900 acres of mountain terrain — climbing, descending, and traversing forest so thick that the Pigeon Forge Parkway a few minutes away feels genuinely remote. An expert guide in a lead vehicle takes you through the trail system; you follow at your own pace without needing prior off-road experience. The 90-minute tour covers climbs and descents across the park's 1,500-foot elevation range, with views that open up at the high points above the treeline. Two- and four-seat UTVs are available for groups who want to share the driving; a six-seat option accommodates larger families or groups. Switching drivers during the tour is permitted.

For anyone who wants the off-road experience without driving, a passenger seat in a guide vehicle is available. WildSide's UTV tour is one of the most physically immersive outdoor experiences accessible from Pigeon Forge without requiring any prior skill or certification — the guide handles the route, you handle the wheel. Check wildsidetn.com/utv-tours for current tour schedules, vehicle options, and pricing.

Mountain Biking — 12 Trails for Every Level

WildSide's mountain bike trail system covers eight miles across 12 distinct trails, organized by skill level from beginner through advanced. Beginners have seven options: a flat introductory trail, a climbing trail that runs alongside a creek, and a long downhill trail where riders can build speed without technical challenge. Intermediate riders have three trails with turns and jumps that reward experience without requiring expert-level skill. Advanced trails — two courses with high jumps and steep descents — are built for experienced riders who want genuine technical challenge.

Beyond the standard trail system, WildSide adds two formats that change the experience: a dual slalom course where two riders race side-by-side simultaneously, and a jump course with three separate tracks graduated from beginner through advanced catches-air territory. Bike rentals are available on-site, so bringing your own is optional rather than required. Bike classes are also offered for riders who want instruction before hitting the trails. A bike shuttle carries riders back uphill, eliminating the climb between trail runs for those focused on downhill. Check the current trail status at wildsidetn.com/bikes/trail-status before visiting — conditions vary after rain. See wildsidetn.com/bikes for passes, rentals, and class availability.

Planning Your WildSide Visit

WildSide is at 1099 Laurel Lick Road in Pigeon Forge — six minutes off the Parkway, 15 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Open daily 9am–7pm. Sign your waiver in advance at wildsidetn.com to save time at check-in; waivers are required for all participants. Reservations for UTV tours and the MegaZip are strongly recommended, particularly on busy weekend days — check wildsidetn.com for the current booking calendar. Mountain biking is generally more walk-up accessible, though passes can be purchased in advance. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty on the UTV tour; closed-toe shoes are required for all activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to do the UTV tour?

No prior off-road experience is required — an expert guide leads the tour in a separate vehicle and takes you through the route. A standard driver's license is required to operate the UTV. Passengers who prefer not to drive can ride along in a guide vehicle.

Do I need to bring my own bike?

No — WildSide has bike rentals available on-site. Safety gear is also available. Personal bikes are welcome if you prefer to ride your own. Check wildsidetn.com/bikes/bike-rentals for current rental options and availability.

Is WildSide appropriate for families with children?

Yes — the multi-seat UTVs (up to six passengers) and the beginner mountain biking trails accommodate families with children. The MegaZip has height, weight, and age requirements; check wildsidetn.com/megazip for current restrictions before booking. WildSide's FAQ at wildsidetn.com/plan/faq covers all age and size requirements by activity.