Things to Do in Gatlinburg: Your Guide to Fun in the Smoky Mountains

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all ages. With its many family-friendly attractions, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Gatlinburg attracts millions of visitors every year.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, there are countless things to do in Gatlinburg to make your trip unforgettable. In this guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, activities, and experiences that Gatlinburg has to offer.

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the most popular reasons to visit Gatlinburg is its proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which drew over 13 million visitors in 2023.

With more than 800 miles of trails, the park offers hikes ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular trails include:

• Charlies Bunion: This extremely popular section of the Appalachian Trail provides beautiful views of the mountains and forest. It’s 8 miles round trip.
• Alum Cave Bluffs: Wind through old-growth forests to the Alum Cave Bluffs, a giant rock outcropping. Though it isn’t really a cave, it’s still beautiful, and the hike to get there is moderate. This out-and-back trail is a little over 4.5 miles.
• Rainbow Falls: This 5.6 mile trail leads to a popular waterfall, which is named for the rainbow you can often see in the mist on sunny afternoons.
  
  

Another popular spot is Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingmans Dome), the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No matter where you choose to explore, there are many opportunities to see wildlife like black bears, deer, groundhogs, flying squirrels, and hundreds of different kinds of birds.

Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Spanning 680 feet across a deep valley, the SkyBridge offers breathtaking views of the Smokies, especially from glass-floor panels in the center of the bridge. You can also enjoy the SkyLift, which takes you 1,800 feet up to the top of Crockett Mountain.

Make Waves at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

One of the top-rated aquariums in the United States, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit for families and marine life enthusiasts. See exhibits filled with sharks, rays, frogs, anemones, living corals, penguins, schools of fish, and more.

Walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and other marine life, or visit Touch A-Ray Bay where you can tough stingrays as they glide through a shallow lagoon. There are also daily events where you can watch staff feed the penguins or see divers feeding and interacting with rays. There’s also a daily penguin parade, where African penguins walk through the aquarium as an enrichment activity.

Take a Stroll in Downtown Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg’s downtown area, sometimes called the Strip, is bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, shop for souvenirs, and sample local cuisine. The Village Shops is a collection of more than 25 shops, all in Old World–style buildings clustered together. Shop for candles, toys, and socks, nibble on a donut, or enjoy a stroll through an art gallery.

Eat Something Delicious

There are a host of restaurants to enjoy in Gatlinburg. Be sure to try Red Oak Bistro and Caffe, which serves Mediterranean dishes and has a great wine list. The Greenbrier serves prime steaks that are dry aged in-house, along with delicious sides, main courses, and cocktails. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar has shrimp, lobster, crab cakes, oysters, and more.

And don’t forget dessert! Maddog’s Creamery & Donuts has ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, funnel cakes, and donuts. The Crazy Mason has over-the-top desserts served in mason jars and beyond – like milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches. Not in the mood for ice cream? Check out Kilwins Chocolate, Smoky Mountains Creperie, or Donut Friar.

Get an Adrenaline Rush at Ober Gatlinburg

For year-round fun, visit Ober Gatlinburg: a mountainside amusement park for the whole family. To get there, you can take the Aerial Tramway. This soaring tram leaves from downtown Gatlinburg and travels two miles directly to Ober Gatlinburg’s Adventure Park and Ski Area.

In the warmer months, you can take a trip on the Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster, which travels up and down the tree-covered mountain. There’s also ice skating, ice bumper cars, a scenic chair lift, a carousel, chair swings, a bobsled track, and a wildlife habitat.

In winter, Ober Gatlinburg transforms into a ski resort with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Beginners can take lessons, and there’s a special snow play area for kids.

Tour Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler

Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler^® is America’s most visited distillery. Schedule a tour to see how Ole Smoky Moonshine makes the popular spirit and enjoy samples of moonshines and whiskies along the way. Tours are family-friendly.

Get Great Views at the Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle offers unparalleled views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. The 407-foot observation tower is equipped with telescopes and provides a 360-degree view of the area. The Space Needle also features Arcadia, a massive 25,000-square-foot arcade with over 100 games, making it a fun stop for families with kids.

Retreat to Anakeesta

Anakeesta is a magical mountaintop park at the top of Anakeesta Mountain. Take a scenic Chondola Chairlift to the summit. There you’ll find a Treetop Skywalk made of 14 connected bridges hanging more than 50 feet in the air. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, or explore the shopping and dining options in Firefly village. The AnaVista observation tower offers beautiful views of the Smokies. Kids will love the playgrounds and mining for gems.

For the adventurous, there’s a mountain coaster and a zipline adventure where you can race side-by-side over 2,000 feet down the mountain.

Visit a Thriving Arts and Crafts Community

For a taste of local culture and craftsmanship, visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, the largest independent organization of artisans in the United States. This eight-mile loop just outside of downtown Gatlinburg is home to dozens of galleries, studios, and shops. Artisan goods include baskets, candles, jewelry, leather goods, paintings, photography, pottery, quilts, sculpture, soap, and woodwork. This is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts, and you’ll have the chance to meet the artisans and watch them at work.

Enjoy Mountain Scenery on Horseback

If you’re looking to explore the Smoky Mountains in a unique way, consider going horseback riding. Several stables in the Gatlinburg area offer guided trail rides, allowing you to experience the beauty of the mountains at a relaxed pace.

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort

After a day filled with adventure and exploration, you’ll want to retreat to a comfortable place to stay in Gatlinburg. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort offers just that, combining the coziness of a mountain lodge with modern amenities to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Located just minutes from the downtown area and the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this resort provides the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. Guests can enjoy spacious villas, each equipped with a full kitchen, living room, and private balcony.

The resort also features indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a children’s activity center, making it an ideal spot for families. With easy access to Gatlinburg’s top attractions and stunning views of the Smokies, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort is the perfect home base for your Gatlinburg vacation.

For more information or to book your stay, visit their official page here.

Unforgettable Gatlinburg Attractions and Activities Await

This family-friendly vacation spot in the Great Smoky Mountains is an exceptional choice for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups. There are Gatlinburg attractions for people of all ages and personalities: hiking, horseback riding, mountain coasters, shopping, great restaurants, tours, and so much more. Plan your Gatlinburg, TN vacation today to create unforgettable memories and enjoy all that this charming mountain town has to offer.