Cumberland Caverns
This national landmark lures visitors with its more than 32 miles of caves and underground passageways. Guests congregate for the daily 1½-mile tours. These treks include a stop in the Mountain Room, where jagged helictites jut down from the ceiling. Step into an 1812 saltpeter mine, and get an eyeful of an underground waterfall and glistening pools. Cumberland Caverns offers daytime and overnight caving experiences. Its breathtaking Volcano Room plays host to Bluegrass Underground, a monthly concert series. Taking place 333 feet beneath the surface, the shows feature national acts, such as Riders in the Sky. The Grammy-winning group performs its Christmas show Dec. 19.
1437 Cumberland Caverns Road, McMinnville, Tenn. 931-668-4396, cumberlandcaverns.com.
Nantahala Outdoor Center at Ocoee River
Nantahala offers rafting trips on eight different rivers throughout the Southeast. This includes the Ocoee River, known for white-knuckle white water with serious waves. Visit Nantahala’s Ocoee outpost and choose from two trips. The staff says most folks gravitate toward the half-day excursion with its 5 miles of Class III and IV rapids. Thrill-seekers may consider opting for the full-day rafting trip, which adds a ride down the Class IV Ocoee Olympic Whitewater Center, site of the 1996 Olympics. Nantahala’s 300-acre outpost offers pre- and post-rafting adventures, including paintball, zip lining and mountain biking.
150 Hawkins Drive, Ocoee, Tenn. 423-338-5901, noc.com.
Flyaway Indoor Skydiving
So, you’ve always dreamed of skydiving, but you’re not quite ready to take the plunge? This skydiving simulator offers the next best thing to jumping out of an airplane. After a 20-minute training session, guests gear up in a flight suit, helmet, goggles, gloves and earplugs. Then, you step inside a 21-foot-tall vertical wind tunnel with its 120-mph winds. Groups of five take turns during the 15-minute flying session, allowing about 3 minutes of flight time per person. Just about anyone can take to the faux friendly skies. Kids must weigh at least 40 pounds, and those younger than 18 must be accompanied in class by a parent or guardian age 21 or older. Weight limits apply according to height, so call or check the website before spreading those wings.
3106 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 877-293-0639, flyawayindoorskydiving.com.
About the Author
