Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a small town in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a place of endless adventure and natural beauty. With a population under 4,000, it welcomes millions of visitors each year. They come for the attractions, outdoor fun, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

So, what makes Gatlinburg a top spot? Let’s explore the best things to do in this mountain town.

Anakeesta is a two-tiered theme park with thrilling rides and stunning views. It’s home to North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, the SkyBridge. Gatlinburg also has Ober Gatlinburg, a park for amusement and skiing all year round.

The city’s downtown, known as “The Strip” or Village Shops, is lively. It’s filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Each place has its own special charm and local touch.

• Gatlinburg is a small town with a big draw, attracting millions of visitors annually.
• Anakeesta, Ober Gatlinburg, and the SkyBridge are must-visit attractions in Gatlinburg.
• The downtown area, known as “The Strip” or Village Shops, offers a diverse array of shops, galleries, and dining options.
• Gatlinburg’s natural beauty and outdoor activities make it a premier destination in the Smoky Mountains.
• The town’s unique blend of attractions, entertainment, and natural wonders make it a perfect getaway for adventure-seekers and families alike.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a beautiful place at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers many activities all year round. Whether you love outdoor adventures, family fun, or a cozy mountain retreat, Gatlinburg is the perfect spot to explore the Smoky Mountains.

The best time to visit Gatlinburg depends on what you like to do. Late March might be rainy, with some park roads closed. Summer is busy but warm, with long days. Fall is beautiful with leaves changing colors, and winter is magical with snow.

The Gatlinburg Free Trolley makes it easy to get around, running all year. But, parking in downtown can be tough, with lots charging $15-$20 a day. Some places to stay offer free parking, which is a good thing to think about.

• Gatlinburg Free Trolley: A free public transport system that links attractions and neighborhoods.
• Paid Parking Lots: Many public lots are available, with prices from $15-$20 a day.
• Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft make it easy to get around Gatlinburg.
• Walkable Areas: Downtown Gatlinburg is easy to walk around, perfect for exploring.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a true gem. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in stunning natural beauty. With over twelve million visitors in 2020, it’s America’s most popular national park.

Travelers from all over the world come to explore its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

One of the best ways to experience the park is through its vast network of hiking trails. The Laurel Falls trail is a 2.4-mile round trip hike to an 80-foot waterfall. The Alum Cave Trail is a challenging 10.6-mile out-and-back journey to Mount Leconte’s summit.

The Trillium Gap Trail offers a gentler ascent to the Leconte Lodge. Llamas transport supplies along the way.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is teeming with diverse wildlife. Cades Cove is a popular destination for spotting animals like black bears and white-tailed deer. Wild turkeys and various bird species, including the peregrine falcon, can also be seen.

The park offers scenic drives and stunning vistas. The Roaring Fork Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile loop drive with stops for exploration and photography. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, offers a 360-degree observation deck with panoramic views.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a landscape photographer, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone. It’s a true haven for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a top spot for outdoor lovers. It has many exciting mountain adventures and activities. At the center of it all is Ober Gatlinburg, a place for fun all year.

In winter, Ober Gatlinburg turns into a snowy paradise. You can ski, snowboard, snow tube, and ice skate here. But there’s more – rock climbing, a mountain coaster, an alpine slide, and chairlift rides for summer fun too.

The aerial tramway at Ober Gatlinburg takes you high above the valleys. You’ll see amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Nature lovers can also see local animals in their habitat.

Anakeesta mountain adventure park is another place for thrill-seekers. You can walk through the canopy, zip line, ride the mountain coaster, and see 360-degree views from the Anavista tower.

Gatlinburg has adventures for everyone, from fast-paced thrills to calm outdoor moments. Whether you love skiing, hiking, or wildlife watching, there’s something for you here.

Gatlinburg has adventures for all, from thrill-seekers to nature lovers. Whether you’re skiing, climbing, or zip lining, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a top spot for family fun. It has aquariums, theme parks, and more for all ages. Let’s explore some highlights that will make your visit unforgettable.

The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-see in Gatlinburg. It’s home to amazing marine life like sharks and stingrays. You can also see playful penguins and watch jellyfish dance in their tank.

Ober Mountain Adventure Park is great for family fun all year. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding. In summer, try the Wildlife Encounter to see animals like black bears and raccoons. There’s also an indoor ice skating rink for all seasons.

Anakeesta Theme Park sits atop the Smokies. It offers stunning views, adventure activities, and more. Try the Dueling Zipline Adventure, the TreeVenture ropes course, or the Treetop Skywalk for amazing views.

Gatlinburg and its area have even more family fun. Visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and Dolly Parton’s Stampede for dinner shows. With so many options, your Gatlinburg trip will be filled with memories.

Experience the beauty of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, from above. The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park offers stunning views. The SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, stretches 680 feet across a valley.

Walking on the SkyBridge gives you a unique view of the Great Smoky Mountains. The path is 5 feet wide, perfect for families or friends. The bridge’s highest point is 140 feet up, making it an exciting experience.

Tickets for adults 12 and up are available. Children aged 3 to 11 get a discount. You can also buy unlimited ride tickets for more SkyBridge adventures.

The SkyLift Park is open every day. But, bad weather like rain, snow, or strong winds might close it. On clear days, you can enjoy the SkyCenter’s gift shop, snack bar, and bar with mountain views.

Stay longer with cabin rentals at Chalet Village. They fit all group sizes and have kitchens, hot tubs, and game rooms. Share your SkyLift Park photos on Facebook and Twitter to inspire others.

Explore the lively Gatlinburg arts and crafts scene. Here, the city’s deep cultural roots are on full display. Visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, a huge group of independent artists. They showcase the work of over 100 skilled craftspeople along an 8-mile loop.

Get creative at local artisan workshops. Here, you can join in and learn from the artists themselves. See pottery being made at Fowler’s Clay Works and even make your own mug. Don’t miss the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, with over 20,000 pairs of shakers, the only one in the U.S.

Learn about the Smoky Mountains’ history and heritage at the area’s heritage museums and galleries. You’ll discover the stories and traditions that have shaped this place. Whether you love art or just want a unique experience, Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts will amaze and inspire you.

Gatlinburg, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is a food lover’s dream. It offers a wide range of dining options. From famous pancake houses to new eateries, there’s something for everyone.

Begin your day at Pancake Pantry, Tennessee’s first pancake house since 1960. Try their Parisienne Crepes, The Marvelous Blintz, and Wild Blueberry Pancakes.

For a taste of the mountains, visit Smoky Mountain Trout House. Enjoy fresh rainbow trout dishes like The Eisenhower and Ole Smoky Trout. Or, go to Crockett’s Breakfast Camp for mountain classics like White Oaks Flat Eggs Benedict and Cathead Biscuits.

Don’t miss out on Gatlinburg’s moonshine distilleries, like Sugarlands Distilling Co. or Ole Smoky Moonshine. Try different moonshine flavors and learn about the area’s distilling history.

Gatlinburg’s food scene is a mix of local flavors, new dishes, and classics. Whether you want pancakes, fresh trout, or moonshine tasting, there’s something for everyone.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a treasure trove for shoppers and entertainment lovers. The downtown area, known as “The Strip,” buzzes with life. It’s filled with boutiques, specialty shops, and entertainment venues.

The Village Shops is a top spot for shopping in Gatlinburg. It’s a charming European-themed complex with 27 stores and eateries. Here, you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and unique items, all made by talented artisans.

• The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is an 8-mile loop. It’s home to galleries, shops, and art studios, all selling local creations. It’s been around since 1937.
• The Gatlinburg Mountain Mall has six floors of shops. It showcases the city’s diverse shopping scene and long-standing stores.

The city’s entertainment district is just as vibrant. You can enjoy live music, street performers, and activities for all ages. The Grand Majestic Dinner Theater is a favorite, with shows like “Soul of Motown” that draw in crowds.

Gatlinburg offers a wide range of shopping and entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, local crafts, or fun experiences, you’ll find it all in the downtown area and The Village.

“Gatlinburg is a shopping and entertainment mecca, with an endless array of boutiques, specialty stores, and live performances that capture the essence of the Smoky Mountains.”

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has many places to stay. You can choose from cozy mountain cabins to hotels in the city center. Each option makes your Smoky Mountains trip better.

Stay in a Gatlinburg cabin for a real mountain feel. These cabins have game rooms, hot tubs, and kitchens. They let you enjoy nature and comfort. Gatlinburg Falls Resort has over 100 cabins for big groups.

For hotel stays, Gatlinburg has many along the Parkway. They’re close to attractions, food, and shops. The Crossroads Inn and Suites is family-owned. It offers affordable rooms and Southern hospitality.

The Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg offers luxury with spa treatments and waterslides. The Bearskin Lodge on the River combines comfort with value. It has an outdoor fire pit and scenic patio.

Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Whether you want a cozy cabin, a city hotel, or a vacation rental, you’ll find the right place. It’s the perfect spot to explore the Smoky Mountains’ natural beauty and attractions.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. It’s a place full of seasonal events and festivals. Visitors come from everywhere to enjoy these lively celebrations.

The Bear-varian Beer Festival is a big event. It happens from September 13th to October 31st. Beer lovers gather for craft brews and Bavarian food, with live music too.

When the holidays come, Gatlinburg turns into a winter wonderland. The Enchanted Christmas celebration lights up the city from November 15th to January 5th. It’s a magical time for everyone.

The United Tastes of America festival runs from May 24th to August 11th. It’s all about the food and drinks of the Smoky Mountains. Visitors get to try many new flavors.

These events bring fun and help the local economy a lot. They’ve seen a 15% increase in visitors each year. Over 500,000 people now visit Gatlinburg. The festivals also increase local business by 25% and bring in $2 million on average per event.

Whether you love beer, food, or just want to see the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg has something for you. Don’t miss out on the fun. Plan your trip to Gatlinburg and join in the celebrations.

When planning your trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, think about the best time to go. Late March might be rainy, while summer is the busiest time. The free trolley system is a great way to see the sights and different areas of the city.

Outdoor lovers should check park websites for any trail or road closures before heading out. It’s smart to book popular spots and restaurants early, especially when it’s busy.

For a quieter stay, consider lodging outside downtown, especially during the peak seasons. Airbnb offers many options in Gatlinburg. Plus, Gatlinburg is easy to reach from the Southeast, perfect for group trips.