Soaky Mountain Waterpark, Sevierville's newest and most colorful attraction, set to open

Soaky Mountain Waterpark is making a splash in Sevierville, Tennessee, this summer.

Seiverville, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is about 14 miles north of Gatlinburg, a popular vacation spot for those in Greater Cincinnati.

The 50-acre waterpark will open to season pass holders on Thursday and Friday less than a year after breaking ground in August 2019. Starting on Saturday, the general public can enjoy the one-of-a-kind slides at the waterpark. 

Knox News went behind the scenes with general manager Dave Andrews ahead of opening day to check out the water attractions and safety regulations designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

What's inside

The park includes rides for every member of the family.

For thrill-seekers, Soaky Mountain has built the world's first water coaster of its kind — Avalaunch, a ride that launches guests through a winding tube and into a 60-foot "TornadoWAVE" wall that makes it feel like riders are freefalling.

Families can cool off in Soaky Surge, a 35,000 square foot wave pool, or any of the slides designed with special, colorful effects.

Children have their own section of the park to play in called Boomer's Bay, a kid-friendly themed area with sprinklers and a water jungle gym.

Cabanas, shaded areas and custom-designed lounge chairs are spread throughout the park to ensure visitors have a spot to relax no matter where they are in Soaky Mountain. Visitors can also capture a rare unobstructed shot of the Great Smoky Mountains from nearly anywhere in the park because it's built on top of a hill across from its sister location, Wilderness at the Smokies.

Food options range from food truck tacos to mega milkshakes from the Soaky Shake Shoppe. Adults can enjoy craft cocktails from one of Soaky's outdoor bars while children snack on favorites like mac and cheese and chicken tenders.

Andrews told Knox News that families should be able to comfortably explore the park in a day without being overwhelmed or bored at any time during their visit.

Soaky's plan to prevent COVID-19

Officials at Soaky Mountain are encouraging every visitor to stay safe in the park by wearing masks when they are unable to keep six feet of distance from other guests and to avoid gathering in groups larger than 10 people. Social distancing markers will be placed throughout the park to remind visitors to space out. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the spread of the virus is unlikely in properly operated, maintained and disinfected water. Soaky Mountain employees will sanitize common areas frequently and follow the guidelines for food service and retail outlined in the Tennessee Pledge. 

Employees will have their temperatures taken before the start of their shift and be sent home if they have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees. Health screenings are not required of guests before entering the park.

The grand opening of the park is postponed until next year when officials hope everyone can celebrate safely.

"Preventing the virus is a partnership," Andrews said. "We're doing our part and hoping guests do theirs by following the rules that we all have to follow to see this through."  

More information about the park's safety program is available on Soaky Mountain's website.

Ticket information

Soaky Mountain will open on Thursday and Friday to season pass holders. General admission begins Saturday. Hours had not been determined by press time. The park is at 175 Gists Creek Road in Sevierville. 

Ages 3 and up require admission. Day admission for guests under 42 inches tall is $39.99. Admission is $49.99 for everyone else. Military members get a 15% discount and Wilderness at the Smokies guests can get $20 off daily admission tickets. 

Season passes are $99.99 and valid for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Visitors can buy a season pass until Friday. 

Andrews recommends that people without season passes make a reservation online before visiting the park because of the required limited capacity. Tickets are available at soakymountainwaterpark.com and at the park.

Daily parking is $15, and season parking is $39.99. 

How Soaky Mountain will impact Sevier County economy

Heidi Fendos, Soaky Mountain spokesperson, told Knox News that many people were apprehensive about the company's ambitious plan to open the massive park in less than a year. Although the original date was pushed back because of the coronavirus, Soaky Mountain is opening in time for the busiest part of the summer season.

The project cost about $90 million and will employ nearly 500 full and part-time workers. Andrews expects the park to be a major contributor to the Sevier County economy, estimating 100,000 new visitors and an increase of overnight stays. 

According to a release from Soaky Mountain, officials believe that the park will generate about $400,000 annually in Tourism Development Zone Tax.

Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks owns and operates Soaky Mountain and six other properties across the country.