20 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a charming town that serves as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Known for its stunning vistas, rich heritage, and family-friendly attractions, Gatlinburg offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made attractions that keep visitors entertained year-round. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a family looking for engaging activities, Gatlinburg has something to offer.
In this article, we will explore the 21 best things to do in Gatlinburg, providing you with an in-depth look at everything from outdoor adventures to unique attractions, ensuring your trip to this beautiful mountain town is an unforgettable experience.
1. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smoky Mountains offer over 800 miles of trails, catering to every level of hiker, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. A trek along Alum Cave Trail leads to stunning views as hikers ascend toward Mount LeConte, while Laurel Falls Trail offers a more moderate hike with a breathtaking waterfall as a reward. The park is also home to some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the country, where visitors might spot black bears, elk, or white-tailed deer.
One of the most popular activities here is the scenic drive along Cades Cove Loop Road, which winds through a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. This 11-mile, one-way loop offers visitors the chance to see preserved cabins, churches, and even wildlife along the way. You can stop at various points to stretch your legs and wander through the historical buildings.
Best of all, the park is free to enter, making it an accessible and affordable option for travelers looking to enjoy nature. Don’t forget your camera because the sweeping mountain views and misty ridgelines are picture-perfect year-round.
2. Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge
Suspended high above Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge offers thrill-seekers and sightseers alike an unparalleled experience. Spanning 680 feet, it is North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The real excitement comes when you reach the center of the bridge, where glass panels allow you to look straight down—perfect for those who enjoy an adrenaline rush.
At either end, the SkyDeck provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Bonus: the sunsets and fall foliage views from the SkyDeck can be nothing short of spectacular. For those looking to stretch their adventure, the SkyTrail offers scenic walks around the mountain, providing even more amazing vistas and educational signage about the region.
Be sure to plan your visit around peak hours to avoid crowds and take advantage of quieter moments to appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
3. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Rated as one of the top aquariums in the United States, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a family-friendly staple in Gatlinburg. With over 350 species of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays, the aquarium offers interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
One of the main attractions is the Shark Lagoon Tunnel, a 340-foot-long moving walkway that takes you through an underwater tunnel teeming with sharks, enormous sea turtles, and schools of fish swimming overhead. It feels like you’re walking right through the ocean!
For the younger guests, the aquarium features the Penguin Playhouse and interactive experiences, where they can get up close to penguins. Other highlights include live dive shows, behind-the-scenes tours, and the opportunity to touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs—a marine life learning opportunity not to be missed!
4. Experience Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park
Soar into adventure at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg’s premier mountaintop park. Start your trip with a scenic ride up the mountain on the Chondola (a combination of gondola and chairlift ride) or opt for the more rugged Ridge Rambler truck ride if you’re feeling adventurous. Once at the top, a world of excitement awaits at this mountaintop adventure park.
For thrill-seekers, the park offers multiple ziplines and the Dueling Zipline Adventure, where you can race against your friends while taking in stunning views of the Smoky Mountains below. The Rail Runner Mountain Coaster creates a fast-paced experience as you zip around the mountain using a hand brake to control your speed. If heights are your preference, the Treetop Skywalk—one of the longest tree-based bridge experiences in North America—provides a serene walk high among the trees.
Anakeesta also offers indoor and outdoor dining options, such as the Clifftop Restaurant, where guests can enjoy delicious meals while marveling at panoramic views. Seasonal events, like the enchanting Enchanted Night Walk or Lumina Nights, offer visitors something magical.
Whether you’re looking for high-energy fun or a peaceful retreat to enjoy the views, Anakeesta covers every base.
5. Ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
A ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is the perfect introduction to everything Gatlinburg and Ober Mountain have to offer. The tramway transports visitors almost 2.1 miles up to Ober Gatlinburg, providing sweeping views of both the town below and the Smoky Mountain range.
Once at the top, the year-round resort boasts activities for every season. During the colder months, visitors can ski or snowboard on one of Ober’s many slopes or enjoy family fun at the snow tubing park. Don’t worry if you visit in warmer months; Ober Gatlinburg remains lively with attractions like the alpine slide, indoor ice-skating, and a mountain coaster throughout the year.
There’s also the Wildlife Encounter, which offers visitors the chance to safely see native animals like black bears, bobcats, and river otters in a state-of-the-art facility. The Scenic Chairlift takes you even higher up for more epic views if the tramway ride wasn’t enough!
6. Enjoy the Views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle
At 407 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is the perfect spot for 360-degree panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. After a quick ride up in the glass elevators, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views that stretch for miles, especially on a clear day.
The observation deck is open year-round, and visitors will find long-range views perfect for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the landscape. A plus for families: The Space Needle also features an arcade with over 100 games and family-friendly attractions on the ground level.
7. Take a Scenic Drive Through Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a picturesque, lush valley nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and one of the park’s most popular destinations. The main draw is the self-guided, one-way 11-mile loop road, which offers opportunities to pull over and explore historic buildings, marvel at the mountain vistas, and possibly catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, including black bears or white-tailed deer.
The area is also home to preserved log cabins, churches, and barns, each telling the story of the European settlers who inhabited the land during the 19th century. It’s a great way to step back in time and appreciate the simpler way of life in Appalachia.
Cyclists will love Cades Cove Bicycle Rentals, where they can rent bikes and ride the loop early in the morning when the road is closed to vehicles. Horseback riding is another popular activity in the cove, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
8. Explore Downtown Gatlinburg’s Village Shops
The Village Shops in downtown Gatlinburg offer a European-style shopping experience with over 27 unique boutiques nestled in a charming, Old-World-style setting. Strolling through the quaint cobblestone alleys, guests can explore specialty stores that sell everything from handmade candles and pottery to clothing, accessories, and local art.
Shops that stand out include Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, known for its delicious homemade treats, and the Celtic heritage store, The Day Hiker, which sells outdoor gear and Smoky Mountain memorabilia. Not to mention, there are plenty of coffee and pastry shops, perfect for recharging during your shopping adventure.
These specialty shops allow visitors to discover one-of-a-kind items, perfect for getting souvenirs that truly capture the essence of Gatlinburg. Many of the goods are crafted by local artisans, making your shopping experience both enriching and rewarding.
9. Visit the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
Take a step into the history of Appalachian craftsmanship with a stop at the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community—the largest independent artisans’ group in the United States. This 8-mile loop is home to over 100 artists and craftsmen who specialize in everything from pottery and weaving to woodworking and painting.
Founded in 1937, the community has maintained its commitment to showcasing the talent of local artisans and making hand-crafted goods accessible to all. Visitors can spend an entire day browsing the shops, galleries, and studios, many of which offer live demonstrations of glassblowing, painting, or woodcarving.
The Glades Road area is where you’ll find the largest concentration of galleries and craft-producing shops, and many artists are happy to chat about their techniques and inspiration as they create. Keep an eye out for one-of-a-kind home decor, jewelry, and keepsakes that make the perfect memento from your Gatlinburg adventure.
10. Ride a Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg
For a heart-pounding experience with scenic mountain views, a mountain coaster is a must-do activity during your trip to Gatlinburg. These unique rides allow guests to sit in personal sled-like cars that glide along a winding track through both forests and open spaces, giving riders control of their speed for a customized experience.
Popular options include the Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster and the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, both offering thrilling descents amidst the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster, in particular, operates day and night, and nighttime rides offer a whole new level of excitement with the course lit up in twinkling neon lights.
The coasters typically operate year-round, and since riders control their speed, even younger adventurers can enjoy them. Be sure to follow the safety instructions, and get ready to experience a memorable mountain twist!
11. Discover Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Step into a world of bizarre and curious artifacts at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. With over 600 unique exhibits centered around strange, rare, and even downright freaky items, the Odditorium is a staple of bizarre entertainment. You’ll find oddities here like shrunken heads, a life-sized Transformer made entirely out of car parts, and sculptures created from unusual mediums like bubble gum or jelly beans.
There’s interactive fun too! The Odditorium offers games and hands-on exhibits that will keep the whole family entertained and amazed. Whether you’re into history, science, or just all things weird, you’re bound to leave feeling more than a bit intrigued.
12. Visit Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg
For those who enjoy a little fright, the Mysterious Mansion is one of the town’s eeriest attractions. This haunted house is filled with dark corridors, twists and turns, narrow walkways, and endless jump scares. Visitors wandering through the mansion will encounter everything from dimly lit rooms to secret passages—keeping you on edge from start to finish.
Built like a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion, the mansion’s unnerving atmosphere and its immersive approach to scaring make it a must-visit for thrill-seekers. Just remember, it’s not for the faint of heart!
13. Take a Ride on the Gatlinburg Trolley
For an easy and cost-effective way to see the town, hop on the Gatlinburg Trolley—one of the largest mass transit systems in the state of Tennessee. Covering over 50 miles of routes, the trolley system can take you to some of Gatlinburg’s major attractions without the need of a car.
Whether you’re heading to Ripley’s Aquarium, the Gatlinburg Convention Center, Ober mountain, or various restaurants and shops, the trolley offers a convenient way to navigate the town while enjoying some scenic views. Plus, the cost of a ride is just a dollar or two, making it budget-friendly.
14. Hike to Clingmans Dome
For panoramic views that will leave you breathless, a hike to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee, is a must. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome offers incredible vistas as far as 100 miles on a clear day. The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, accessible via a short but steep paved trail, takes you to the very top, where visitors can enjoy 360-degree views.
The area surrounding Clingmans Dome is also a great spot for hiking, offering access to the Appalachian Trail and a number of other trails that wind through spruce-fir forests. The hike to the observation tower itself is just half a mile, but once you’re at the summit, the reward is well worth the effort.
15. Enjoy a Day at Dollywood Theme Park
While technically located in nearby Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is one of the region’s most iconic attractions and well worth the short drive. Founded by country music legend Dolly Parton, Dollywood is a celebration of Appalachian culture, offering a wide variety of rides, shows, and events suitable for visitors of all ages.
The park features over 40 rides, including award-winning roller coasters like the Lightning Rod—the world’s fastest wooden coaster—and Wild Eagle, the country’s first winged roller coaster. There are also plenty of tamer options for young children, as well as a range of exciting water rides and splash areas in the summer months.
Dollywood is also known for its live shows, highlighting bluegrass music, country performances, and traditional Appalachian storytelling. If you visit during the holidays, you’re in for a treat, as Dollywood transforms into a winter wonderland during the Smoky Mountain Christmas event, featuring millions of lights, holiday shows, and parades.
Family-friendly dining options are scattered throughout the park, offering everything from barbecue to Southern comfort food, making a day at Dollywood memorable for the whole family.
16. Take a Tour at Sugarlands Distilling Company
Fans of moonshine won’t want to miss a tour of Sugarlands Distilling Company, where you can learn about the traditional process of crafting this famous Appalachian spirit. The guided tours take visitors through the distillation process, where you can appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind moonshine production in Tennessee. While moonshine tasting sessions are available (for those of legal age), the tours themselves focus on the historical and educational aspects, making them suitable for all ages.
17. Visit Parrot Mountain & Gardens
Family-friendly and close to Gatlinburg, Parrot Mountain & Gardens offers a lush tropical getaway without leaving Tennessee. The garden is beautifully designed with meandering paths of vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and themed waterfalls.
The star attractions are the colorful parrots and tropical birds here, with opportunities to interact up close and personal. You can hand-feed birds in the bird garden, take photos with them perched on your shoulder, or even learn about the conservation efforts that keep these endangered species flourishing.
18. Explore Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Car enthusiasts and movie buffs will love a trip to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, where famous vehicles from iconic films and TV shows are on display. Whether it’s the 1989 Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, or the car from The Fast and The Furious, these vehicles are a cool blast to the past. For families looking for a fun afternoon indoors, this museum offers unforgettable photo ops.
19. Go Horseback Riding at Sugarlands Riding Stables
For a serene and immersive experience in the Great Smoky Mountains, consider a guided tour on horseback. Sugarlands Riding Stables offers peaceful trail rides that meander through rolling hills, flowering meadows, and wooded forests, providing visitors a quiet way to soak in the natural beauty. These guided rides are suitable for all ages and experience levels, making them a perfect family-friendly adventure.
20. Take a Day Trip to Pigeon Forge Attractions
A short drive from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge is well worth visiting for even more family-friendly attractions. A noted highlight is the Titanic Museum Attraction, an immersive experience that showcases more than 400 artifacts from the ill-fated Titanic voyage. Exhibits reveal stories from passengers and crew members, bringing history to life in novel ways.
For adventure seekers, Outdoor Gravity Park offers an exciting twist on classic downhill fun. Visitors climb inside giant transparent OGO balls and roll down grassy hills at exhilarating speeds—perfect for laughs and thrills.
For water-based adventure, Rafting in the Smokies offers exhilarating whitewater rafting in Pigeon River, with experienced guides leading groups through roaring rapids.
FAQs About Visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee
What is there to do in Gatlinburg for free?
Gatlinburg has several budget-friendly or free activities. You can explore over 800 miles of hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without any entrance fee, or stroll along the scenic Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway for a unique window-shopping experience. Additionally, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail provides a scenic loop drive through the woods.
What is the best time to visit Gatlinburg?
The best time for scenic beauty is during the fall foliage display (October–November), where the forests turn brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold. The winter months offer holiday lights and snow sports at Ober Gatlinburg. Summer is popular for hiking, ziplining, and whitewater rafting.
How many days should I spend in Gatlinburg?
A three-day stay typically offers enough time to savor major attractions like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Ripley’s Aquarium, and some mountain coasters. If you’re planning to dive deeper, like taking art classes in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community or visiting nearby Dollywood, consider extending your trip to five days.
Is it better to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg is ideal for those who want to be close to nature and wildlife, with easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pigeon Forge, on the other hand, offers a more theme-park-centric experience with attractions like Dollywood. Gatlinburg has a quaint, walkable downtown, while Pigeon Forge is more sprawling but offers a wider variety of family-friendly fun parks.
What are some family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg has a host of family-friendly activities, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the mountaintop excitement at Anakeesta, mountain coaster rides, and interactive experiences at Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
Conclusion
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers an extraordinary mix of nature, adventure, and family-friendly fun, making it one of the most beloved vacation spots in the U.S. Whether your heart is set on hiking the ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains, zooming down a mountain coaster, or exploring artisan communities and shopping, Gatlinburg has activities for all types of travelers.
With stunning scenery year-round, this mountain town beckons visitors to return time and time again—a quintessential destination that delivers every season and every reason to escape to nature.
Now it’s time to start planning your perfect trip. Whether you stay for a weekend or a week, the best things to do in Gatlinburg will leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.
This comprehensive guide offers in-depth options to explore the wonders of Gatlinburg and provides practical tips for families, couples, and adventure-lovers alike, ensuring your trip is nothing short of unforgettable!
