Wilderness at the Smokies continues to receive national accolades

May 4, 2012 - PRLog -- 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.