This 900-Acre Tennessee Adventure Park Lets You Drive A UTV Through Rugged Mountain Trails

One trail on this mountain property is called Stairway to Heaven, and you get to drive it yourself. Another goes by Devil’s Branch, which tells you plenty about the mood out there.

The guided UTV tours run about 90 minutes over tight turns, steep climbs, rocky stretches, mud, and creek crossings. I appreciate that nobody pretends this is a gentle sightseeing cruise.

The same 900 acres in Tennessee also hold a zipline over a mile long.

I can see why families plan a whole day around it. There are bike trails, a taco truck, and big Smoky Mountain views between the dust clouds.

So which would you tackle first, the mud or the mile-long zip?

The Family Behind A Famous Smokies Attraction Built This Wild Playground

WildSide Adventure Park comes from the same family behind Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. That’s a solid résumé for anyone building a new mountain attraction.

The park opened in 2024, with some sources pointing to July 19 as the big day. It sits on 900 acres of rugged terrain in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Most folks just call it WildSide. The name fits, since the land feels a lot like the national park next door.

Much of the property is described as untouched wilderness. You get thick woods, rocky ridges, and wide-open views instead of neon signs and souvenir strips.

Here’s what makes the setup clever. Everything happens on private land, so you’re not driving all over town between activities.

You can zip, drive, and bike in one place. That saves time, gas, and probably a few family arguments in the car.

The park is still fairly new, which adds a little fun. Early visitors get to say they knew about it before it became the talk of every vacation group chat.

Plan for a full day if you can. Squeezing it into one rushed hour would feel like eating one chip from the bag.

Grab The Wheel Because These Mountain Trails Will Test Your Nerve

Ninety minutes of dirt, rocks, and switchbacks is the main event here. The guided UTV tours roll across private off-road trails built just for this adventure.

Those trails aren’t random logging paths. Crews built and maintain them to deliver a true off-road feel.

Expect tight turns and steep climbs. Rocky sections and mud stretches keep your hands busy and your grin wide.

Creek crossings add another splash of excitement. Wear clothes you won’t miss, because clean and UTV tours rarely stay friends for long.

The trail names alone could sell tickets. Bottlegger Basin, Stairway to Heaven, Rodeo Ridge, and the Devil’s Branch loop all live on this mountain.

Guides lead each group along the route. That means you focus on driving while someone who knows the trail keeps things on track.

Drivers need to be at least 18 and carry a valid license. Passengers must stand at least 36 inches tall.

One honest tip makes a difference. Book this if you want real thrills, not a slow cruise past pretty trees.

Bring sunglasses or goggles too. Dust has a talent for finding eyeballs on dry days.

Pick Your Ride Size And Bring The Whole Crew Along

Can-Am vehicles make up the WildSide fleet. They come in two-seat, four-seat, and six-seat versions.

That range solves a classic vacation problem. Couples can grab a smaller ride, while bigger families can pile into one machine together.

A six-seater means nobody gets stuck waiting at base. Everyone shares the same bumps, the same views, and the same muddy surprises.

Of course, sharing a vehicle also means sharing driving opinions. Choose your driver wisely, or at least choose someone who handles backseat advice well.

Younger adventurers have an option of their own. Children can join guided UTV tours as passengers if they meet the minimum height requirement of 36 inches.

I find it interesting that the park thought about this group. Preteens often watch adults have all the fun, so giving them a chance to join the adventure is a smart touch.

The guided tours let younger passengers experience the mountain trails while an adult handles the driving. It’s a fun introduction to off-road adventures before they’re old enough to drive themselves.

Talk about seating before you book. Knowing your headcount ahead of time makes check-in smoother and keeps the group from splitting up awkwardly.

A Mile-Long Zipline Steals Some Serious Spotlight

Fifty-five miles per hour on a cable sounds a little bonkers. That’s the top speed riders can hit on the MegaZip.

The zipline stretches 5,771 feet, which is more than a mile. WildSide markets it as the longest zipline in America.

It opened in April 2025 and quickly became a headline attraction. The launch point sits at 2,472 feet in elevation.

From there, riders drop over 1,000 feet before finishing at 1,377 feet. Your stomach may arrive a few seconds after the rest of you.

Four lines run side by side, so groups can race. Bragging rights are not included in the ticket, but they’re definitely available.

A self-braking system handles the stop at the end. That means you can soak up the scenery instead of worrying about slowing down.

Riders need to be at least 10 years old. That makes it a fun option for families with older kids.

Pair it with a UTV tour for a big day. One gives you speed through the air, and the other gives you grit on the ground.

Those Smoky Mountain Views Might Distract The Driver

Mount LeConte shows up as a backdrop at WildSide. The property offers clear, wide views of both Pigeon Forge and that famous peak.

Not many off-road trails come with scenery like this. You climb rough ground, then suddenly the whole valley opens up around you.

The UTV tours deliver sweeping panoramas of the Smoky Mountains. Ridges stack up in the distance like they’re posing for a postcard.

Drivers should keep their eyes mostly on the trail, naturally. Passengers get the better deal here, since they can stare all they want.

Bring a phone with a secure case or strap. Snapping photos from a bouncing vehicle takes some skill and a firm grip.

Morning, afternoon, and late-day light can all change how the mountains look. Booking time matters less than simply showing up ready to look around.

The views also explain why this Tennessee park feels so different from town attractions. You’re surrounded by wild land, not parking lots.

Take a quiet moment at the top if your group stops. Those big views deserve more than a quick glance between bumps.

Bike Lovers Get 11 Miles Of Dirt To Play On

Twenty mountain bike trails crisscross the property. Together they cover more than 11 miles of terrain.

Trails follow a ski-style rating system. Green, blue, and black markers help riders pick the right challenge.

Beginners can ease in without feeling lost. Advanced riders get tougher lines that make their legs and nerves work harder.

A jump park adds some airtime for confident riders. There’s also a dual slalom course, perfect for friendly races with a sibling or friend.

Don’t own a bike? No problem, because rentals include both traditional mountain bikes and electric-assisted e-bikes.

E-bikes make climbs friendlier for riders who’d rather save energy for the fun downhill parts. Honestly, that’s a pretty smart trade.

A bike shuttle service is available too. That means fewer long uphill pushes and more time rolling down the good stuff.

The MildSide trail serves as a multi-use path. Hikers and e-bikes can both use it, which works well for mixed groups.

Know your skill level before choosing a trail. Picking a black run on day one is a bold plan, but maybe not a wise one.

BaseCamp And WheelHouse Handle The Practical Stuff

Lockers, restrooms, and first aid all sit at BaseCamp. Think of it as the home base where your WildSide day officially begins.

Check-in happens here too. Grab your paperwork, stash your extra gear, and get ready to go.

There’s also a retail shop on site. A park shirt makes a good souvenir, especially if your other clothes come home covered in mud.

First aid services add peace of mind. Rugged trails are a blast, but it’s nice knowing help is close by.

Bikers will spend time at the WheelHouse. This building focuses on bike rentals and repairs.

Flat tire or squeaky brakes? The WheelHouse can help get you rolling again without ending your ride early.

Showers are available there as well. After a dusty UTV tour or a muddy bike run, rinsing off before the car ride is a gift.

Pack a small bag with a towel and a change of clothes. Your car seats will thank you, and so will anyone riding home beside you.

Arrive a little early when possible. Starting calm feels much better than sprinting to check-in.

Refuel With Tacos Between All That Trail Time

Adventure burns energy fast, and a taco truck is a very good answer. WildSide brings food to the mountain with the Wheelie Good Taco Truck.

Yes, that name is a pun. It’s also a fitting one for a park full of tires, bikes, and UTVs.

The menu includes sweet chili chicken tacos. That combo sounds like a nice mix of sweet and savory after a rough trail.

Fiesta fries are on the list too. Fries make sense after any outdoor adventure, and these sound like they bring extra personality.

Carne asada quesadillas round out some of the options. They’re easy to share, which helps when everyone wants just one bite of yours.

Having food on site keeps the day simple. You don’t need to leave the property and lose your adventure groove.

Plan a meal between activities if you’re doing more than one. A zipline in the morning, tacos, then a UTV tour sounds like a strong lineup.

Keep water handy all day too. Mountain air, sun, and dust can leave you thirsty quicker than expected.

Getting There Takes Less Time Than Picking A Playlist

About six minutes off the Pigeon Forge Parkway, the pavement gives way to adventure. WildSide sits at 1099 Laurel Lick Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

That short drive is a big perk. You can leave the busy Parkway and reach rugged mountain trails before your snacks run out.

Downtown Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both just minutes away. That makes it easy to fit into any Tennessee vacation plan.

Hours shift with the seasons. Through October 31, the park runs 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Starting November 1, hours change to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The park closes on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Hours can change, so check before heading out. A quick look saves you from staring sadly at a closed gate.

Weather can also affect outdoor plans like UTV rides. Storms and trails aren’t a great match, so keep your schedule a little flexible.

Build in time for more than one activity. With 900 private acres right outside town, WildSide makes a full day feel easy and seriously fun.