Dayquest Saturdays
A full day of fun for your family, group, or business!
Watch for 2024 dates June – August
Ride the 700-foot water-landing zipline … get blasted by the BLOB … Swim in the LAKE with a white-sand beach, water volleyball and basketball, water slides, the LILY PAD crossing and AQUA PARK. See it all from the giant CLIMBING TOWER overlooking the lake! Also, GEM MINING ($10 a bag). A favorite for all … SCENIC RAIL EXCURSIONS into the Doe River Gorge on the historic tracks of the former East TN & Western NC Railroad.
Creation Encounter
Come take a close up look at some of the most incredible creatures on the planet and explore the wonders of God’s creation with us!
Please Note
The terrain at Day Quest involves hills and gravel pathways. If you depend upon a mobility device, please take this into consideration.
Admission
$28 ages 7 and up (6 and under - free)10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Historic Train Rides
Lily Pads
Climbing Tower
Creation Encounter
The Blob
Aqua Park
Bouldering
Water Basketball
Water Ziplines
Sand Beach
Water Volleyball
Octaball
Outside food, drink, and large coolers are not permitted. A variety of foods is offered at a reasonable cost, including a la carte meal items at the Sidetrack Café.
All are encouraged to pre-purchase meals when paying for admission as a limited number of meal tickets are available for purchase the day of the event on a first come first served basis.
LUNCH (Dining Tent)
Adults (age 13 and over): Choice of: Black Angus hamburger, pulled-pork barbecue, or 2 hot dogs.
Includes: chips, baked beans, coleslaw, cookie, lemonade or tea. $13
Kids: ( 12 & under): Choice of: Hot dog or chicken strips.
Includes: chips, cookie, beverage. $9.5
[Parents of kids with larger appetites may purchase adult meal, or purchase items a la carte at Sidetrack Café]
Sidetrack Café (lakeside)
Nachos $3.00
Shaved Ice $3.00
Hot Dogs $3.00
Barbeque Sandwich $7.00
Fountain Drinks $2.00
Water $1.00
Powerade $2.00
Body Armor $2.75
Assorted Snacks $1-4.00
Assorted Ice Cream $1-4.00
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it necessary to pre-register?
Yes, you need to buy Day Quest tickets in advance. Day Quest is becoming more widely known. As popularity grows, so do Day Quest numbers. Ensure your space by pre-registering (select date above).
What are the hours?
10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
How much advance notice is required?
Due to increasing popularity of Day Quest, it is suggested to purchase your tickets as soon as possible to ensure you receive the date you would like to visit; especially if you are coming with a sizable group. Tickets are available to purchase until the Friday before each Day Quest unless a particular Day Quest date becomes full. If a date becomes full it will show as “FULL” on the Day Quest calendar on the website.
Is there a group discount?
Organized groups of 25 or more paying participants can receive a discounted price of $25 per person.
What is the weather policy?
In the event of lightning, the lake and activities will close for 30 minutes until the lightning and/or storm has passed. If the lake and activities remain closed for more than 2 hours in a given day, a refund of $1 per person per hour will be made. If the lake and activities are closed all day due to weather, a pass for a future Day Quest or a full refund will be given at the time at the request of the attendee.
What about minors under 18?
All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Be sure to have prior parental or legal guardian consent on our Hold Harmless Agreement Form before arrival. Minors must be accompanied by adult supervision while at Day Quest. Adults must also fill in and sign the Hold Harmless Agreement Form.
Are there extra costs?
- Snacks, DRG apparel, gifts, etc. at our Side Track Café and Outfitters Gift Shoppe.
- Gem Mining– $10 a bag
- Meals – You are encouraged to pre-purchase meals when paying for admission. A limited number of meal tickets are available for purchase the day of the event on a first come first served basis.
Are there storage lockers?
We do not have locker facilities. Bathroom facilities are available for changing.
What activities have age & weight restrictions?
- The Blob ~ age 7 & up. no weight restriction
- Lake inflatables ~ age 7 & up. no weight restriction
- Triple Zipline ~ age 7 & up. 275 lbs.
- Climbing Tower ~ age 7 & up. 325 lbs.
What is the program for the day?
Day Quest is simply a day for people in the community to come out and enjoy the beauty of the Gorge, the fun activities that Doe River Gorge provides, and spend time relaxing with family and friends. Although there is no set program, you are free to choose from the activities available throughout the day. Here are some things to note:
- The Day Quest activities begin at 10 a.m. and finish at 4:30 p.m.
- Train Rides are scheduled throughout the day, and the times are posted around the Depot area and at the train loading platform. Listen for announcements for the Train Rides.
- Lunch is served in the Depot and Dining Tent starting at 12 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m.
- The Climbing Wall is open at 1 p.m. until the end of Day Quest. You will need to wear a shirt, shorts, and closed-toe shoes for this activity.
May we bring a picnic awning and beach/lawn chairs?
Yes, there is a large lawn area adjacent to the beach and is suitable for awnings and beach/lawn chairs. Please ensure that all awnings are properly anchored.
Should we bring beach toys, floaties, and PFDs (life jackets)?
You are welcome to bring beach and water toys, floaties, and PFDs. (Bringing your own PFDs is advisable as our supply occasionally isn’t sufficient for high-attendance days).
What should I bring?
- Modest swimsuit for all. Please keep in mind that we are a Christian, family-oriented organization and dress accordingly.
- Beach Towel
- T-Shirt (required for Zipline)
- Modest Shorts (required for Zipline)
- Old Lace-Up Sneakers (closed-toed shoes are required for Zipline)
- Sweatshirt or Windbreaker
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes
- Dry Change of Clothes
- Beach Toys
- Floaties
- Life Jackets/PFDs
Can I bring my animal/pet?
Pets/animals are not permitted.
What about meals and snacks?
Outside food, drink, and large coolers are not permitted. A variety of foods is available at a reasonable cost, including a-la-carte snack items at the Sidetrack Café. Comfortable, shady seating for those purchasing these items will be available near the Sidetrack Café. It is advisable to pre-purchase meals when paying for admission as a limited number of meal tickets are available for purchase on a first come first served basis. Meals can be added to your reservation by emailing registrar@doerivergorge.com or calling 423.725.4010. Please take care of your order by Tuesday of the week of Day Quest.
The Sidetrack Café is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for assorted snacks and drinks for purchase. The a-la-carte meal items for lunch purchase are available after 11:30 a.m. until they are sold out.
Pre-purchased meals and meals purchased on the day of Day Quest are served at the Depot starting at 12 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m. The meals can be taken in the Dining Tent where condiments for your meal are located as well as drinks included with your purchase. Other areas for eating are the picnic tables scattered around the Depot area or by the Lake.
What is the cancellation policy?
It is understandable that plans are altered due to unforeseen circumstances. If your plans do change, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 100% of registration fees and payments are transferable to another Day Quest day, if another date is not already filled.
- Cancellations at least two weeks prior to arrival will receive a full refund.
- No-shows are not eligible for a refund.