Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Take a spine-tingling ride over the Great Smoky Mountains aboard Gatlinburg's view-packed Aerial Tramway. Then get wet and wild on a whitewater rafting trip. Whether you want white-capped river thrills or gentle tubing down a stream, the right water is right here and waiting. Three popular whitewater rivers for families and beginners are the French Broad, the Nantahala, and the Lower Pigeon.

Appalachian Trail

Kids follow in the footsteps of Cherokees, pioneers, bobcats, and black bears as they hike this legendary pathway. A 70-mile section crosses through the National Park, so you can dip in for a day, or camp as you go in shelters that are spread along the Trail. Look for mist-shrouded mountain peaks, more than 130 species of trees, 1,500 flowering plants, and 200 types of birds.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville's most popular attraction, The Biltmore Estate, gives kids a taste of the life America's famed Vanderbilt family enjoyed. Tour the estate or explore the grounds by boat with a float trip down the French Broad River or a walk through the incredible estate gardens. Or, make a short trip outside of town to Chimney Rock Park for 75-mile views, family-friendly hiking trails, and a 404-foot waterfall. Don't miss WNC Nature Center where injured and orphaned animals thrive amid nature trails, a petting area, and fascinating environmental demonstrations.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Two lanes wide and over 400 miles long, you'll ride the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains on this winding road peppered with viewpoints that let you admire the scenery and race to the end of easy trails ending in spectacular vistas. Kids can journal your trek by photographing the landscape and listing wildlife they see on land and air. Help them keep a log of miles hiked to see how far their legs have trekked!

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