Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Wears Valley

"The highest mountain in Smoky Mountains at an elevation of 6,644 ft. This mountain peak can also be reached by taking the Clingmans Dome Road that is open from May to November. At the top, visitors can make the short hike to a stunning observation tower with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains."

"You can easily combine the views at Newfound Gap with a visit to Clingman’s Dome as its just 7 miles away. Now, those 7 miles are quite curvy, but still—it’s easy enough. Plus, Clingmans’ Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet."

"The Ramseys were one of the first families to settle in Knoxville and were very involved in the local community. In 1797, the city’s first builder, Thomas Hope, constructed the Historic Ramsey House using Tennessee pink marble and blue limestone. Today, it sits on more than 101 acres (41ha) and has been restored and furnished to reflect the period of the Ramsey family’s occupancy."

"The Historic Ramsey House was built for one of the very first families to come to the city and settle. Colonel Francis Alexander Ramsey arrived as the house was finished in 1797 and his family was very much involved in the local community. Few other homes dating back to the 18th century are among the open tourist attractions in the region, so this is a real find."

"This is a great hike for novice hikers as this trail is relatively smooth, and is a gradual climb of only 605 feet over the course of the two miles to the 45-foot Mouse Creek Falls. The Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade, built by the Crestmont logging company in the early 1900's to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom. The trail was improved by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s when it was converted for hiking use."

"Mouse Creek Falls is another recommended option for visitors who want to enjoy nature without the crowds. The trail leading to this 45-foot cascade is a moderately difficult, four-mile round-trip hike along the Big Creek Trail, which passes another smaller waterfall along the way at Midnight Hole. This trail, which was originally a route to transport logs in the early 20th century, was converted into a hiking trail in the 1930s."

"Mouse Creek Falls is a 45 foot high waterfall that tumbles over moss covered rocks. It’s a natural, scenic sight and a bench is even available for you to sit down and admire its beauty."

"Established to conserve Knoxville’s black history, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center features the history of African Americans in Knoxville and East Tennessee from the late 1800s to present through photographs, newspapers, biographies, audio and video recordings, books and artwork. The center is located at 1927 Dandridge Ave. and open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. This post was updated by Alexandra Olsen, a college student intern for TravelingMom.com, in May 2016."

"The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is loved for its permanent collection including The Pioneer Stairway (which includes the names and history of the earliest black achievers), The Hastie Room (includes reminders and personal items of William H. Hastie) and the United States Postal Stamps. The exhibitions pay tribute to some of the individuals in Knoxville’s past which helped shape the worl...Read more"

"The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is the primary repository of Black history and culture throughout East Tennessee. The museum’s historical archives include books written by African-American authors, and exhibits feature people and events that have played an important role in building up Knoxville’s African-American community. It’s an important place to visit."

"Scrambled Jakes is a relative newcomer to the Knoxville breakfast scene. But it didn’t take long for Knoxvillians to fall in love with this breakfast haven. And what’s not to love?"