Smoky Night Lights at Zoo Knoxville

Smoky Night Lights turns Zoo Knoxville's Boyd Foundation Boardwalk at Clayton Timber Loop into an immersive multimedia light show celebrating the spirit of the Smoky Mountains. The four-part walk takes about 45 minutes and draws on Appalachian lore, pairing color and light with music that echoes the mountains, from night winds to the roar of the river and a chorus of wildlife, with musicians performing along the way. Firepits, rocking chairs and crisp night air add the feel of a Smokies evening, and the show runs on a continuous loop, so arriving late doesn't mean missing the start.

Our take: Zoo gates open an hour before the show, so come early and claim a rocking chair by a firepit before you walk the boardwalk.