Sip & Savor: Your Guide to the Smoky Mountain Spirits Trail
Explore the best of East Tennessee’s craft‐distilling scene with the Smoky Mountain Spirits Trail—a curated journey through moonshines, whiskeys, vodkas and hard ciders tucked into the heart of the Smokies. Whether you’re a spirits connoisseur or simply looking for a fun tasting outing, this trail offers a taste of local flavor and craft heritage.
1. Smith Creek Moonshine – Located at Tanger Outlets in Pigeon Forge, this lively moonshine destination serves up 12 + unique flavors—from Straight and Apple Pie to Salted Caramel and Chocolate Silk—via a tasting bar and full retail shop.
Get Smith Creek Moonshine Coupon
2. Ole Smoky Distillery – One of Tennessee’s most visited distilleries, Ole Smoky opened in 2010 and showcases working copper stills, historic moonshine practices, and plenty of flavored jars from traditional White Lightnin’ to peanut‐butter whiskey. Get Ole Smoky Distillery Coupon
3. Sugarlands Distilling Company – Founded in 2014, this craft distillery in downtown Gatlinburg boasts one of the largest pot stills in the U.S. and offers over 30 flavored products plus award-winning whiskeys. Get Sugarlands Distilling Co. Coupon
4. King’s Family Distillery – A husband‐and‐wife team in Sevierville launched this premium distillery in 2018. Known for small-batch bourbons, rye and flavored spirits, they blend tradition with innovation in the heart of the Smokies. Get Kings Family Distillery. Coupon
5. Currahee Vineyard & Winery Sip and savor award-winning local wines at Currahee Winery in Pigeon Forge, where Southern charm meets exceptional craftsmanship. Get Currahee Winery Coupon
6. Old Tennessee Distilling Co. – Hidden away in Kodak, this distillery offers rugged mountain views and a relaxed tasting room to enjoy Tennessee whiskey and small-batch spirits. Get Old Tennessee Distilling Co – Coupon
7. Tennessee Shine Co. – A moonshine house embracing local heritage, shine flavors and a friendly atmosphere to sample smooth options and find your favorite. Get Tennessee Shine Co Coupon
8. Old Forge Distillery – Conveniently located in Pigeon Forge, Old Forge offers a tasting experience that blends traditional distilling with Smoky Mountain flair. Get Old Forge Distillery Coupon
9. Company Distilling – Located in peaceful Townsend, Company Distilling crafts Tennessee whiskey, maple‐aged bourbon and rye—ideal for a quieter stop on your trail. Get Company Distilling Coupon
10. Mountain Valley Winery – While classed as wine rather than spirits, Mountain Valley Winery complements the trail with French and German‐style wines suited for those seeking a mellow sip. Get Mountain Valley Winery Coupon
11. Rocky Top Wine Trail – A multi-stop wine experience in the Smokies, letting visitors sample at a collection of wineries offering apples, ciders and full-bodied varietals. Get Rocky Top Wine Trail Coupon
12. Apple Barn Hard Cider Co. – This cidery specializes in crisp, locally-sourced apple ciders—that add a refreshing twist to your spirits trail. Get Apple Barn Hard Cider Co Coupon
13. The Fox & The Apple – A steampunk-themed cider house producing six unique hard apple ciders in an inventive and fun setting. Get The Fox & The Apple Coupon
14. Gatlinburg Wine Trail – While primarily focused on wines and ciders, the Gatlinburg Wine Trail complements the spirits scene—perfect for guests who want a mix of options. Get Gatlinburg Wine Trail Coupon
15. Tennessee Legend Distillery – Founded in Sevierville, Tennessee Legend crafts moonshine, whiskeys and cream liqueurs with mountain heritage in mind, including their popular Kingsnake Bourbon. Get Tennessee Legend Distillery Coupon
Why Explore the Trail?
Each stop on the Spirits Trail offers a unique experience—whether it’s handcrafted bourbon aged to perfection, flavored moonshine in a jar, or a crisp local cider. Many offer free tastings (21+ only), retail shopping, gift selections and rich stories about the region’s heritage. Plan your visits with ride-share or a designated driver in mind and savor each pour responsibly.
Pro tip: Grab a printed or digital Spirits Trail guide, and slot in two or three tastings per day. You’ll wind your way through the beautiful Smoky Mountains, discover local craftsmanship and make memories—one sample at a time.
Here’s to a spirited exploration of the Smokies! 🍸
