Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s picturesque mountain town located near the Great Smoky Mountains offers visitors of all ages a host of activities and attractions suitable to satisfy nature enthusiasts, adventurers, foodies, or shoppers. This Gatlinburg travel planner will introduce you to some of the best attractions and activities this beautiful mountain town has to offer!
Must Do Activities in Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg Travel Planner
Gatlinburg offers an abundance of activities and attractions. Attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its 800 miles of hiking paths, stunning waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife make for great getaways.
Gatlinburg boasts an exciting arts and craft scene worth discovering. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community houses over 100 artists who exhibit original pottery and jewelry creations made by them; you may just discover your next great find there!
Discover unique Gatlinburg Travel Planner finds!
Gatlinburg is well known for its famous attractions. But Gatlinburg also holds hidden gems like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail that offer breathtaking scenic drives through historic buildings, lush forests, and along mountain streams – and keep an eye out for wild turkeys, black bears, and deer as you pass!
Ober Gatlinburg offers an unforgettable mountaintop ski and amusement area experience, accessible via Aerial Tramway to reach panoramic peaks where scenic vistas await ice skating enthusiasts or thrill-seekers on Alpine Slide rides – or simply relaxing while taking in nature’s splendor!
Are you a shopping addict? Gatlinburg offers shoppers who enjoy browsing boutiques and shops to discover handmade crafts and souvenirs an excellent shopping experience, including Mountain Mall which features everything from local art, handmade crafts, designer clothing, and souvenirs!
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery provides an authentic local experience. Take a tour through its historic distillery and taste its classic flavors like Apple Pie or White Lightning before purchasing one as a souvenir bottle!
Gatlinburg offers an abundance of entertainment choices.
Gatlinburg offers outdoor enthusiasts, shoppers, and all visitors plenty of attractions that cater to every interest imaginable – be they outdoor enthusiasts, shoppers, or everyone in between! One popular drawcard for visitors to Gatlinburg is the Gatlinburg SkyBridge; North America’s largest pedestrian suspension bridge! Take a walk across its glass panels for amazing views of the Smoky Mountain range below while taking pleasure from walking across it for an added thrill!
Of course, no list would be complete without adding a link to the outstanding dinner shows just up the road in Pigeon Forge! These two towns combined make a vacation in the Smoky Mountains a fun journey you won’t soon forget!
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers a unique experience for the whole family, as one of the largest aquariums in the region! Featuring 12-foot sharks, a three-story treehouse, and interactive exhibits featuring stingrays and jellyfish, this sone of a kind attraction should be on everyone’s to-do Gatlinburg travel planner!
Gatlinburg Space Needle will take you on an outdoor journey you won’t forget. Take in breathtaking mountain vistas from its 407-foot observation deck with views spanning 360 degrees!
The newest addition to Gatlinburg, and a new addition to our Gatlinburg travel planner, is Anakeesta. This park plays up the outdoor image of the Smoky Mountains, featuring a themed area of zip lines, gondola rides, and treetop play areas.
No Gatlinburg travel planner would be complete without the great outdoors!
Gatlinburg is an outdoor enthusiast’s haven, boasting activities suitable for people of all levels of experience and ability. Whitewater rafting is among the most beloved activities here; novice paddlers and experts alike will find trips that meet all levels. Experience adrenaline as you navigate rapids while admiring breathtaking vistas along your adventure route!
Take the Gatlinburg Trail for an easier adventure if walking or bicycling are among your hobbies. This two-mile path traces West Prong Little Pigeon River through scenic mountains; watch for deer along your travels as they are often seen along its course!
Gatlinburg offers many dining options.
The Peddler Steakhouse offers delicious steak, seafood, and more for an upscale dining experience, along with tableside preparation of salads and desserts. This restaurant heads up our list, as we focus on iconic Gatlinburg eateries. Other fantastic and long-standing choices include:
- Cliff Top Restaurant at Anakeesta– Fantastic spot is located in the new themed area in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta. Amazing views!
- Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg– Serving wonderful BBQ and other assorted favorites, this restaurant has become a staple of the Gatlinburg dining scene!
- Smith and Son Corner Kitchen– Great sports pub with fantastic mountain views! Not a bad place to watch a football game in the fall!
A few more tidbits: Gatlinburg Travel Planner
Planning a vacation with children is a breeze when selecting accommodations, as this region has plenty of fun things to do, making sure everyone stays entertained throughout your trip. Consider family-friendly hotels offering amenities such as game rooms or swimming pools as well as easy accessibility to attractions – Gatlinburg Falls Resort provides spacious cabins that boast breathtaking mountain views that provide optimal entertainment!
Here’s a concise list of Gatlinburg places to stay, to give you some variety. This list offers cabin rentals of all types, as well as hotels and other accommodations in all price ranges.
Here are a couple more great choices for the kids. Moonshine Mountain Coaster is ideal for younger children as it allows them to experience an exhilarating ride down a mountainside; for older kids, Guinness World Records Adventure offers them the opportunity to admire world records and try breaking them themselves!
Let’s wrap up our Gatlinburg Travel Planner
Gatlinburg is an idyllic mountain village packed with activities and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages to discover, cherish, and remember long after visiting this charming mountain town. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains or shop unique souvenirs – Gatlinburg has something special in store! Uncover its hidden gems to create lasting memories! Come uncover its breathtaking sights while creating lifelong experiences!
My Carolinas Notebook: While we usually stay in Pigeon Forge, and I have a lot of content situated on that area, Gatlinburg is more quaint, more connected, and (sometimes) more crowded.
The downtown area, with shops and restaurants, is a great example of a buzzing little mountain town. The best part about this area is that both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are snuggly close together, expanding your vacation choices! You can always read more about the choices in Pigeon Forge if you like.