10 of the Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg

Things to Do During Your Time in Gatlinburg

Planning a getaway to the ‘Gateway of the Smokies’? Gatlinburg is a great destination for a weekend of fun or a week of relation in the mountains. Located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg really is a gem with a wide array of fun for the whole family nestled in a backdrop of splendid natural beauty. As a local, I’ve been to Gatlinburg more times than I can count, and it never really gets old. Keep reading to see what made our list of the best things to do during your time in Gatlinburg (in no particular order).

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1. Take a Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Really, if you’re going to Gatlinburg, you definitely shouldn’t skip getting a first-hand look at the beauty of the Smokies. There are plenty of hiking trails in a variety of lengths depending on how long you have in town. Some of our favorites include:

• Laurel Falls Trail (2.4 miles – rated easy)
• Charlie’s Bunion Trail (8 miles – rated moderate)
• Chimney Tops Trail (3.6 miles – rated hard)

2. Enjoy a Scenic Drive (an unmissable thing to do while in Gatlinburg)

Maybe hiking isn’t your speed, but you’ll definitely want to take some time for a nice drive through the curvy mountain roads. The views are stunning anytime of year.

Some of our favorites include:

• Take Newfound Gap Road towards Clingman’s Dome
• Take Fighting Creek Gap Road towards Cade’s Cove Loop Road
• The Gatlinburg Bypass

Even if you don’t have time to go all the way to Clingman’s Dome or Cade’s Cove, there are some lovely pull offs for quite nature walkways and viewpoints along these roads.

3. Take in the Views from the Gatlinburg SkyPark

Located in downtown Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg SkyPark has really expanded its attractions in the last few years. A ride on the Sky Lift takes you up to the main portion of the park where you’ll find the SkyBridge, walking trails, a viewing platform, and refreshment area. Expansion is ongoing so you’ll want to check their website for current expansion updates that may impact ticket prices.

4. Anakeesta

There are a wide variety of attractions available at Anakeesta. From the Treetop Skywalk, ziplining, observation deck, restaurants, to mountain coasters, and so much more, there is no shortage of fun to be had here. Take it from us, the Treetop Skywalk really is stunning at night. Keep in mind some activities are available as add-ons to the general admission ticket which you can find more information about what is included here.

5. Ober Mountain Adventure Park

While some activities are seasonal, the Aerial Tramway, ice skating, and more are available year-round. Ice skating in the summer is a real treat when you’re looking to beat the heat or if bad weather spoils your outdoor plans. They are currently adding new attraction so you’ll want to check their website to see what new activities may be available for your visit.

6. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

A trip to the aquarium makes for a classic day of family fun. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a great one. It is conveniently located in downtown Gatlinburg, and we’ve always had a blast when we’ve gone. We’d suggest checking out their combo ticket options if you’re planning on visiting multiple attractions during your visit.

7. Play a Round of Mini-golf

Ever the fans of mini-golf, we’ve played at nearly every one of them in Gatlinburg. It is a great activity for the whole family, but can also make a fun activity for a date night. Among our favorites are Treasure Quest Miniature Golf, Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf, and Gatlin’s Fun Center.

8. Shopping

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in downtown Gatlinburg, and honestly, just walking around can be great fun. We’ve always really enjoyed visiting The Village Shops where you can watch taffy being pulled from the windows. There are lots of restaurants (some with live music) and ample moonshine/wine tasting locations to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite restaurants.

9. Haunted Attractions, Museums, Arcades & More!

There are plenty of options for additional attractions to check out during your visit to Gatlinburg. If haunted attractions are your thing, we’d suggest visiting the Mysterious Mansion or Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. There are lots of arcades, escape rooms, laser tag, and unique museums (like Ripley’s Believe It or Not) to choose from as well. If you’re looking to visit multiple Ripley’s attractions, it is worth checking out their available combo tickets.

10. Take Time to Relax

While Gatlinburg offers endless options for fun and excitement, there is little we enjoy more than spending time in a mountain cabin. In our opinion, one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg is not much of anything (at least for a little while). Many cabins offer great views and a peaceful escape from the busy crowds downtown. Keep in mind, you’ll need to book ahead if visiting during peak season. There are many to choose from, but the Bear Hearts cabin and The Redwood Retreat are a couple of our favorites. If you’re looking to stay closer to Pigeon Forge, we’ve had pleasant stays at the Country Pines Resort properties.

Recap of the Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg

We hope this list has given you some ideas for your upcoming trip. If you’re planning a longer trip, you may want to check out our posts for nearby Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.