Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort

Although faithfully providing all the standard water park attractions such as Cades Cove Lazy River (900 ft.), Clingman's Dome body slide (360 ft.), and Laurel Falls tube slide (300 ft.), Wild Bear Falls does offer a few unique features as well. Perhaps the most impressive feature is its state-of-the-art retractable roof, which allows the facility to transform from an indoor to a (more or less) outdoor park with (more or less) the touch of a button.

Another novelty worth mentioning is the 15,000-sq.-ft. wraparound mezzanine, which houses a restaurant, retail shop, and electronic game room, all while giving guests a 360-degree view of the aquatic activities below. For families with young children, the park features Little Pigeon River, a zero entry pool and toddler play area. A tree house spray-ground with a giant dump bucket completes the liquid ensemble.

The property is part of the Westgate chain and provides both timeshare and nightly rental opportunities at its two hotels, the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and the River Terrace Resort. The "rustic luxury villas" provide guests with immediate access to the adjacent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as the popular Dollywood theme park located only a few minutes down the road.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee
(877) 819-4028

60,000

Guests that stay on property at either the River Terrace Resort or the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort can purchase packages that include admission to the water park. Day passes are available for the general public also.

Search for Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort rates at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

Search for River Terrace Resort rates at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

From Nashville or Knoxville: Take I-40 E to Exit 407 toward Gatlinburg/Sevierville/Pigeon Forge. Turn right on TN-66 S, which will then become TN-441 S/TN-71. Resort will be on the left.

From Chattanooga: Take I-24 E to I-75 N (via exit 185B), then merge on to I-40 E and follow directions above.

From Charlotte, NC: Take I-85 S to I-26 W to I-40 W. Take exit 440 off I-40 and turn onto TN-73, which will take you all the way to the resort.

Body slide, tube slide, lazy river, zero entry pool, interactive play structure, retractable roof.