It's a new year, so why not introduce a new word to your vocabulary. I mean, I'm ASSUMING "zorbing" is a new term to you, but it might not be. It's certainly not new quite a FEW folks. Otherwise, we wouldn't know about it, would we?

I have spent more than just a few words over the years detailing my delight at how eastern Tennessee never slows down in terms of attracting visitors to its beautiful, mountainous little corner of the world. But despite all that the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Smokies region has to offer, I've never seen anything quite like this.

The Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge TN

Don't worry. If you're one of the "guinea pigs" laying on the ground, I'm sure you'll get your turn in the ball. Yes, friends, THIS is "zorbing." (I guess I can take the quotes off since we've established this unusual verb.)

Located in Pigeon Forge TN, the Outdoor Gravity Park is the only zorbing park in the country. And you know what, we need to get one particular matter out of the way before we continue...what exactly IS zorbing and where did it come from?

Zorbing was invented in New Zealand and is the act of rolling down a hill in a giant 11 foot inflatable ball with up to 3 people.

And when you visit the Outdoor Gravity Park, you'll have three zorbing experiences to choose from on four different tracks--the extreme zig zag (one person only), the dual fast tracks (for up to three people), and the funnel (also for up to three people).

Multiple Tracks for Massive Fun at the Outdoor Gravity Park

If you're filling in road trip gaps for 2024, you could do a LOT worse than experiencing something truly unique in Pigeon Forge TN. Plus, you don't have to wait until it's WARM if you don't want to.

Enjoy your vacation in the Smokies in 2024. Or maybe vacations--with an "S". There's just so much to do in east Tennessee, and the list gets longer and longer every year.

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LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Tennessee

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Tennessee using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

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