Tag: Wilderness at the Smokies

Two weeks of action-packed tournaments at Wilderness at the Smokies bring top athletes to Sevierville

Posted by Ryan Willis – January 31, 2013

Sevierville, Tenn. – Volleyball, a game more closely associated with summer fun, is providing some warmth for winter tourism revenue in the Smokies this year. With 325 teams scheduled to compete, the third annual K2 Wilderness at the Smokes tournament and second annual K2 Elite Invitational, hosted by Wilderness at the Smokies resort will attract approximately 14,000 athletes and spectators to Sevierville, Tenn., over two winter weekends.

Citing the benefit of year-round offerings at the resort, the tournament organizers are bringing the popular national competition back to Sevierville for a third consecutive year. While winter is traditionally a slower tourism season in the region, Wilderness at the Smokies has successfully attracted large events to the area, boosting area sales receipts in shopping, food and family activities.

The opening weekend, January 26-27, welcomed 145 teams featuring some of the south’s rising stars in volleyball clubs from the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), USA Volleyball (USAV) and the Junior Volleyball Association (JVA). On February 2, another 180 teams will join the competition, taking part in the third annual K2 Wilderness at the Smokies tournament.

In addition to almost 4,000 12-18 year-old athletes, the tournament draws approximately 14,000 spectators and supporters over the two weekends. The tournament is sanctioned by the Southern Region Volleyball Association (SRVA) and has become one of the most popular early season tournaments in the southeast.

“We are excited to be back for a third year for the Wilderness at the Smokies Tournament,” says Christine Hames, K2 Volleyball Club Director. “The number of teams attending each year continues to grow, allowing athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the best in the nation.”

The back-to-back weekend tournaments will feature 21 courts of play each weekend. Each team in the tournament will have a five-game guarantee, giving players more opportunities to square off against talented rivals.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort is one of the Southeast’s only year-round destinations for hosting sporting events. The resort is attached to the 200,000 square-foot Sevierville Convention Center, providing direct access for guests to the tournament area without having to brave winter weather if it should arrive. Wilderness at the Smokies is home to restaurants, gift shops, convenience stores, game rooms, two 18-hole championship golf courses, as well as an indoor water park and Adventure Forest – an indoor adventure center featuring ropes courses, bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and more.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Ryan Willis is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Digital images of Wilderness at the Smokies are available to all media.  Contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 for more information.

Wilderness at the Smokies ‘Races’ Into Its 5th Year With New Slide

Posted by Erin Freeman – January 16, 2013

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – On your mark! Get set! Go! Wilderness at the Smokies is adding the adrenaline-pumping spirit of competition to its outdoor waterslide collection this spring with the debut of the Cyclone Racer, a four-lane high-speed waterslide that turns guests into hydro-powered drag racers. Starting on a racing tower 50 feet above the ground guests will race each other down the spiral course in mere seconds.

“The Cyclone Racer will give our guests something different to enjoy at Lake Wilderness, and will certainly get the competitive juices flowing between family members and friends,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “It will be a fantastic complement to all of our outdoor water attractions, especially the newly added Wild Vortex.”

The debut of the Cyclone Racer continues the Sevierville resort’s tradition of debuting a significant expansion of new features each year. Sharing a platform with the popular Wild Vortex, the Cyclone Racer will feature 1200 feet of combined waterslide lanes. Each lane combines a mixture of open flume racing and enclosed tunnels using aqualucent striping to provide strobes of color to the experience. A water flow of 1200 gallons per minute fuels the high-speed racing experience.

“We have created a strong track record of continued growth and expansion since day one and we’ll continue to look for new and unique opportunities each year to enhance our guests’ experience,” added Cruz.

Alongside Cyclone Racer, the Wild Vortex, which opened last summer, is a 66-foot tall AquaLoopTM, the Southeast’s only near-vertical translucent looping waterslide.  This is has been an extremely popular addition to the resort, with guests getting an adrenaline rush like no other.  Riders of the Wild Vortex enter a capsule at the top of the ride, stand vertically over a trap door and then once the door is released, they accelerate into a 39-foot vertical free fall drop generating maximum g-force (2.5 Gs in less than two seconds) before reaching the inclined loop element.  The entire ride is over within seven seconds.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, the Adventure Forest entertainment park, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Ryan Willis is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Wilderness at the Smokies’ Expansion Provides Something New this Fall/Winter

Posted by Ryan Willis – October 30, 2012

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Falling temperatures and winter’s arrival won’t put a damper on family vacation fun in the Smokies this year as Adventure Forest, Wilderness at the Smokies’ new multi-million dollar indoor fun park, celebrates its first fall and winter seasons entertaining guests. Adventure Forest provides families with climate-controlled indoor entertainment options, including mini-bowling, a 23’ climbing wall, black light mini-golf and more, to complement the resort’s already famous indoor water park.

Adventure Forest doubles the number of indoor amenities at the year-round destination, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Currently, the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark provides acres of indoor water attractions for visitors, but with this addition of the new Adventure Forest family adventure center, guests will have a ‘dry’ option when staying at the resort.

“There is absolutely nothing like Adventure Forest anywhere in this region,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “If it were a stand-alone attraction, it would be an amazing addition to the local tourism market – but when combined with everything Wilderness already offers on property, we have further cemented ourselves as the premier year-round destination in the Smokies.”

Features of Adventure Forest include a three-story ropes course, a multi-level, enclosed laser tag arena, mini-bowling, black-light mini-golf, more than 100 arcade games, a ‘Laser Maze,’ a 25-foot tall spring ride, a 23-foot climbing wall, special birthday party rooms, another restaurant and lounge, plus other attractions and activities that do not involve water – all of it indoors and open year-round.

Unlike the other attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies, Cruz said the new Adventure Forest would be open to the general public until it reaches capacity.  Currently, all of the amenities at Wilderness at the Smokies are only open to resort guests.

Adjacent to Adventure Forest is the resort’s other indoor park, the Wild WaterDome.  This 66,000 square foot water park features a 10,000 square foot wave pool, a number of large water slides and the Smokies Surf Rider, a surfing simulator that creates five to six foot waves using 19,000 gallons of water per minute.  And thanks to the Wild WaterDome’s energy efficient, Foil Tec roof, guests can tan and enjoy a warm 84 degrees no matter the temperature outdoors.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Ryan Willis is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Water Safety Day Makes a Splash at Wilderness at the Smokies

Posted by Ryan Willis – September 11, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – Over the weekend, hundreds of kids and families participated in “Splash-Tacular: Water Safety Day” at Wilderness at the Smokies resort.  The event, sponsored by Food City Kid’s Club and Wilderness at the Smokies, was FREE and taught kids about water safety and provided them with a fun-filled day at the water park.

“Not only are we committed to the safety of our guests while they are enjoying our water attractions, but through events like this, we are able to provide them with water safety tips and information that will keep them and their families safe for years to come,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning.  Of these ten, two are children aged 14 or younger.  Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

“These numbers are staggering and we are hopeful through the Splash-Tacular event, kids and adults alike will be more aware and recognize the dangers associated with water, even in a fun and relaxed setting,” added Cruz.

In addition to water safety classes, other activities and performances were provided throughout the day from other area attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, Titanic Museum Attraction, Dixie Stampede, among many others.  Participants were also served breakfast and lunch and enjoyed a variety of games, including complimentary miniature golf.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com

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Editors:  High resolution photos are available upon request.  For interviews or more information, contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550.

Wild Vortex Continues to Receive Worldwide Recognition

Posted by Ryan Willis – July 18, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. - Having only been open just over a month, the newest and most extreme water attraction in the Southeast, the Wild Vortex at Wilderness at the Smokies, has garnered media attention from some of the largest travel and media outlets from around the country.

This week, Travel + Leisure magazine named the Wild Vortex as one of the “World’s Craziest Waterslides.”  This list includes extreme slides from all over the world, with only a handful from the United States.

In a round-up of new water park rides by Budget Travel, the Wild Vortex was listed as one of “5 Amazing New Water Park Rides.”

Last month, shortly after opening, the extreme looping slide was named one of “America’s Amazing Waterslides” by ABC News.

This 66-foot tall slide is the only near-vertical, translucent, looping waterslide in the Southeast.  Riders of the Wild Vortex enter a launch capsule at the top of the ride, standing vertically over a trap door.  Once the trap door is released, the rider accelerates into a 39-foot vertical free fall drop generating maximum g-force (2.5 g in less than two seconds) before reaching the inclined loop element.  The entire ride is over within seven seconds.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

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Digital images of Wilderness at the Smokies are available to all media.  Contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 for more information.

ABC News Recognizes Wild Vortex as one of “America’s Amazing Waterslides”

Posted by Ryan Willis – June 18, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn - The newly opened Wild Vortex waterslide at Wilderness at the Smokies resort was just named one of “America’s Amazing Waterslides” by ABC News.

This 66-foot tall slide is the only near-vertical, translucent, looping waterslide in the Southeast.  Riders of the Wild Vortex enter a launch capsule at the top of the ride, standing vertically over a trap door.  Once the trap door is released, the rider accelerates into a 39-foot vertical free fall drop generating maximum g-force (2.5 g in less than two seconds) before reaching the inclined loop element.  The entire ride is over within seven seconds.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

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Digital images of Wilderness at the Smokies are available to all media.  Contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 for more information.

Wilderness at the Smokies Resort Brings G-Force Thrills to Waterslide Fun

Posted by Ryan Willis – June 7, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – The newest waterslide to debut at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort appeals to a certain type of thrill seeker, perhaps one who has wondered what it might be like to be a drop of water inside a water pistol. The Wild Vortex features a trap door launching pad and a gravity-powered loop-the-loop experience at 2.5 g (g-force) and has adrenaline-hungry visitors lining up for a waterslide experience unlike any other ever seen in the Smokies or the Southeast.

Standing 66-foot tall, the slide is the only near-vertical, translucent, looping waterslide in the Southeast.  Riders of the Wild Vortex will enter the capsule at the top of the ride, standing vertically over a trap door.  Once the trap door is released, the rider accelerates into a 39-foot vertical free fall drop generating maximum g-force (2.5 g in less than two seconds) before reaching the inclined loop element.  The entire ride is over within seven seconds.

“The Wild Vortex provides our guests with the opportunity to witness and experience one of the most extreme thrill rides in any water or amusement park in the country,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “It has been an extremely busy year for us as this opening marks the launch of our second major expansion of the year.”

In March, the resort opened Adventure Forest family entertainment park, a ‘dry’ indoor park that has doubled the resort’s indoor park offerings.  It features a three-story ropes course, multi-level enclosed laser tag arena, mini-bowling, black-light mini-golf, more than 100 arcade games, a ‘Laser Maze,’ a 23-foot climbing wall, special birthday party rooms, another restaurant and lounge, plus other attractions and activities that do not involve water.

Cruz added, “We look forward to continuing to expand and providing our guests with a new and enhanced experience each time they choose to vacation with us.”

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Digital images of Wilderness at the Smokies are available to all media.  Contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 for more information.


Wilderness at the Smokies continues to receive national accolades

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 4, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – The global travel website Away.com has named Wilderness at the Smokies one of the top 10 waterpark resorts in North America.  It is the fourth time in the past year the Smoky Mountain vacation resort has been honored in media and industry top 10 lists.  Southern Living magazine, TotsandTravel.com and Aquatics International have also recognized Wilderness at the Smokies as a premiere family-friendly resort.

“We continue to have a great year and are honored to be recognized on each of these lists,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “These awards and accolades are a direct result of people recognizing what we are able to provide – under one roof – a fun, affordable, family-friendly destination.”

In addition to the top 10 listing by Away.com, Wilderness was recognized by Southern Living last summer in its list of the “South’s Best Pools.”  Other recognitions include being named to the “Top 10 Best Indoor Waterpark Resorts in the U.S.” by TotsandTravel.com and being listed as a “Top Waterpark Resort” in Aquatics International’s “It List” from 2011.

“Building on this momentum, we will soon introduce our guests to a new attraction that will take their experience in our waterpark to a completely new level,” added Cruz.

The Wild Vortex, a 66-foot tall, AquaLoop™ slide will change the resort’s skyline and will be the southeast’s only near-vertical, translucent, looping waterslide.  This 7-second thrill ride features a trap door and a 39-foot vertical free fall drop, with riders reaching speeds of up to 40 mph before entering the looping element of the slide.  It is scheduled to open on June 1, 2012.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark featuring the southeast’s only Surf Rider, and a newly opened family entertainment park featuring a number of ‘dry’ activities like laser tag, a climbing wall and miniature bowling, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups. For more information about the resort, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Wilderness at the Smokies to add near-vertical looping waterslide

Posted by Erin Freeman – April 19, 2012

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – A trap door….a 39-foot vertical free fall drop….speeds of up to 40 mph…an adrenaline rush like no other – this is what guests at the Southeast’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark resort will have the opportunity to experience as Wilderness at the Smokies announces yet another exciting expansion project. Wilderness at the Smokies Resort will soon be home to the Wild Vortex, a 66-foot tall AquaLoopTM, the Southeast’s only near-vertical translucent looping waterslide.  The Wild Vortex is scheduled to open June 1, 2012.

Riders of the Wild Vortex will enter the capsule at the top of the ride, standing vertically over a trap door.  Once the

Rendering of Wild Vortex waterslide

An artist's rendering of the design of the Wild Vortex waterslide

trap door is released, the rider accelerates into a 39-foot vertical free fall drop generating maximum g-force (2.5 Gs in less than two seconds) before reaching the inclined loop element.  The entire ride is over within seven seconds.  The Wild Vortex at Wilderness at the Smokies will be the first AquaLoop located in the Southeast and one of only a handful in the U.S.

“Not only will this new attraction significantly change the skyline of our resort, but it will undoubtedly provide our guests with one of the most adrenaline-packed experiences of their lives,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “And thanks to the translucent tube, we expect both riders and spectators to be left breathless following the 7-second thrill ride.”

Since the grand opening in the summer of 2008, the resort has experienced a tremendous amount of growth.  The opening of the Wild Vortex will mark the sixth significant expansion project in the resort’s short history, including the most recent opening of the Adventure Forest family entertainment park in March 2012.  With this continued expansion, Wilderness at the Smokies Resort becomes the second largest tourism investor in Sevier County (second only to Dollywood).

“We have been fortunate to experience a great deal of success since our grand opening nearly four years ago and that is truly a testament to the strong tourism market here in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as the hard work of our dedicated staff,” said Cruz.  “We look forward to introducing new attractions to our guests in the future and continuing to be the only local attraction where families are able to get everything they are looking for in one place.”

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Rick Laney is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Digital images of Wilderness at the Smokies are available to all media.  Contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 for more information.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opens multi-million dollar “Adventure Forest” indoor fun-park

Posted by Erin Freeman – March 16, 2012

Adventure Forest

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Following an exceptionally strong 2011 season at Wilderness at the Smokies resort, the Southeast’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark announced last year that it was about to get bigger – considerably bigger – with the addition of the new Adventure Forest family entertainment park.  Adventure Forest opened Friday, March 16, 2012.

Last November, Wilderness at the Smokies resort started construction of its new “Adventure Forest” indoor park, doubling the number of indoor facilities the resort provides for its guests.  Currently, the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark provides acres of indoor water attractions for visitors, and the addition of the new Adventure Forest family entertainment center will completely expand the total amount of “under-roof” year-round fun at Wilderness at the Smokies.

“Unlike our other attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies, the new Adventure Forest is a ‘dry’ park,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “It features a three-story ropes course, a multi-level enclosed laser tag arena, mini-bowling, black-light mini-golf, more than 100 arcade games, a ‘Laser Maze,’ a 25-foot tall spring ride, a 23-foot climbing wall, special birthday party rooms, another restaurant and lounge, plus other attractions and activities that do not involve water – all of it indoors and open year-round.”

“There is absolutely nothing like Adventure Forest anywhere in this region.  If it were a stand-alone attraction, it would be an amazing addition to the local tourism market – but when combined with the already outrageous offerings of Wilderness at the Smokies resort, it is going to be a premier Smoky Mountains destination.”

Unlike the other attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies, Cruz said the new Adventure Forest would be open to the general public until it reaches capacity.  Currently, all of the amenities at Wilderness at the Smokies are only open to resort guests.

Since opening in 2008, the $100 million Wilderness at the Smokies resort has consistently added attractions, rooms and other amenities for its guests.  Just six months after opening the Wild WaterDome waterpark, the resort added the $1.5 million, five-story Runaway Canyon waterslide.

In 2009, the resort opened its second multi-million dollar outdoor waterpark, Lake Wilderness – featuring the Cataloochee Creek Adventure River, the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a poolside restaurant and plush cabanas.  In spite of its long list of major expansions and additions, the new Adventure Forest indoor park is by far the most significant investment the resort has made in the Sevierville area since its grand opening.  With its latest addition, Wilderness at the Smokies resort becomes the second largest tourism investor in Sevier County (second only to Dollywood).

Wilderness at the Smokies resort also sells one- and two-bedroom condominiums ranging from 850 to 1,200 square feet priced from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$500,000s.  When condominiums went on sale at Wilderness at the Smokies resort in 2007, buyers snatched up $41 million worth of the units in just one day – in only six hours, to be exact.

In the past, the City of Sevierville has estimated in press releases that Wilderness at the Smokies generates about $3 million in sales taxes and more than $500,000 in bedroom taxes every year for the local economy.

Wilderness at the Smokies employs approximately 350 year-round employees and adds around 200 additional workers during the busy summer tourism season.  The addition of the new Adventure Forest indoor park is expected to initially increase overall employment numbers at the resort by about 10 percent (approximately 50 new jobs).

Cruz said, “Wilderness at the Smokies resort is the only local attraction where you get everything a family is looking for in one place.  If you consider that when you book your room at Wilderness at the Smokies, you get access to all of our water attractions and offerings, we are by far the best value out there for families watching their vacation budgets.”

In June 2011, Southern Living Magazine listed Wilderness at number two on its list of the nation’s “Ten Best Pools” and just two months later, Wilderness at the Smokies resort was named one of the “Top Three Waterparks” in the nation by Aquatics International Magazine (the worldwide authority on waterparks).

Now that Adventure Forest is open, Wilderness at the Smokies already has plans for its next major expansion – expected to be announced sometime in coming weeks.  The next expansion is expected to completely change the “skyline” of the resort, with something taller (and more fun) than anything else currently on the property.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness at the Dells Waterpark resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Rick Laney is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com