Briarwood Ranch Safari Park
Bybee • Zoo
Visitors consistently rave about this drive-through safari experience, with many calling it a "hidden gem" that rivals even Cades Cove for entertainment value. The hands-on animal feeding—especially with bison, zebras, and an infamous pushy ostrich—creates memorable moments that have guests returning multiple times. While the experience is messy (expect feed everywhere and muddy windows), reviewers agree it's absolutely worth the cleanup and consider it excellent value for money.
Reviews
1,004
Amenities & Features
| Feature | Rainforest Adventures Zoo | Briarwood Ranch Safari Park |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive live animal shows with 'Jungle Jim' that combine education, magic tricks, and hands-on encounters with reptiles and other species | ||
| Completely indoors (except goats and llamas), making it an ideal rainy-day activity with 3-4 hours of entertainment | ||
| Child-height viewing windows and exceptionally clean, odor-free facility with well-maintained enclosures | ||
| Friendly, knowledgeable staff who create welcoming experiences, especially for children with special needs | ||
| Hand-feeding large animals including bison, zebras, elk, ostrich, deer, and donkeys from your vehicle | ||
| Spacious habitat with mountains and ponds where animals roam freely across a large property | ||
| The notoriously interactive ostrich that will peck at your window if you don't feed it quickly enough | ||
| Exceptional value with veteran discounts and friendly, helpful staff |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rainforest Adventures Zoo or Briarwood Ranch Safari Park better?
Based on our TSM Score, Briarwood Ranch Safari Park ranks higher (9.4 vs 9.0). Both are excellent choices in the Smoky Mountains.
What are the main differences between Rainforest Adventures Zoo and Briarwood Ranch Safari Park?
Rainforest Adventures Zoo is located in Sevierville and categorized as Zoo. Briarwood Ranch Safari Park is in Bybee and categorized as Zoo. Check the amenities comparison above for a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown.
Where can I book Rainforest Adventures Zoo or Briarwood Ranch Safari Park?
You can view detailed information and booking options for both properties on TheSmokyMountains.com. Visit each listing page for the latest availability, photos, and guest reviews.