10 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg

In the center of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city of Gatlinburg is a well-liked vacation spot known for its beautiful mountain beauty and outdoor pursuits. It might be challenging to choose where to begin in Gatlinburg because there are so many things to do.

Outdoor enthusiasts should visit Gatlinburg. Visitors can go hiking, camping, fishing, and biking in the adjacent National Park of the Smoky Mountains. Deer and black bears represent just a couple of the animals that live in the park.

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg to Make Sure You Enjoy Your Trip

1. Visiting Downtown Gatlinburg

In the heart of Gatlinburg, you can start experiencing the Smoky Mountains. Visitors of all ages will appreciate the variety of attractions in this lovely town, which also serves as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg Scenery Overlook and the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum are just two of the many family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg.

Visits to the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from its observation deck, are among the most well-liked activities in the city. Outdoor pursuits including whitewater rafting, snow sliding, and the mountain coaster are available for those who want a more difficult trip.

The town is also home to some unusual attractions, including the Secret Mansion, the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. There are several hiking paths available for individuals who want to experience the region’s natural beauty, including the Alum Cave Trail as well as the Rocky Fork Motor Trail.

There are many activities available in Gatlinburg and the surrounding region, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, want to learn more about the local crafts sector, or just want to take in the gorgeous landscape. Gatlinburg is undoubtedly a tourist destination worth visiting due to its variety of attractions.

2. Consider Taking the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

A Must-Do Activity in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Is Riding the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. Make sure to include a trip on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway on your list of things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This tramway, which is a well-liked attraction for both visitors and residents, offers stunning vistas of the Smoky Mountains.

There are several family-friendly activities available at Ober Gatlinburg, including snow tubing, ice skating, mini golf, and classic arcade games. During the winter months, the ski resort also provides skiing and snowboarding.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Ober Gatlinburg ski resort and amusement park are accessible via tramway from downtown Gatlinburg. You’ll get to take in the breathtaking mountain vistas and the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook along the route.

Overall it is a must to do activity when visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee riding the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. There is plenty for everyone to enjoy in this lovely mountain town, whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or family fun.

3. Explore The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg is one of the closest gateway cities to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is a stunning national park situated in the southern Appalachian Mountains. With countless chances for hiking, camping, fishing, and animal viewing, the park is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to hiking, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a great place to go camping. Numerous campsites are available in the park, both across the front countryside and the rear country. Frontcountry camping is more convenient and appropriate for families and groups whereas backcountry camping necessitates a permit and offers a more secluded experience.

There are more than 2,100 miles of streams and rivers to explore in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making fishing another well-liked pastime there. Trout of many sorts, including rainbow, brook, and brown varieties, may be found in the park. With a current fishing license, you are able to go fishing all year round.

Wildlife watching constitutes the final should indeed activity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before heading home. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, such as black bears, elk, deer, and others. Visitors who come across wildlife should always use care and never touch or give food to animals.

Lastly but not least, anyone traveling Gatlinburg or the surrounding areas need to schedule some time for a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Due to its breathtaking scenery and wide variety of outdoor activities, the park is bound to please visitors of all ages and interests.

4. Going to The Amusement Park of Gatlinburg

There are various theme parks in Gatlinburg, including Dollywood Theme Park, where you can ride roller coasters and take in live performances and delectable cuisine. Try the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster or the Alpine Slide for a more relaxed experience.

There are several possibilities around Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Among the most popular is Dollywood, a theme park close to Pigeon Forge that is owned by the well country music singer Dolly Parton. There are more than 50 rides at this park, including roller coasters, water rides, and activities for kids.

The Island in Pigeon Forge, which contains a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and other carnival-style rides, is one of many minor amusement parks in the region. NASCAR SpeedPark and Wild Bear Falls Water Park in Sevierville are further choices. Gatlinburg is a fantastic place for families seeking an exciting day at an amusement park because there are so many alternatives nearby.

5. Visit The Gatlinburg Space Needle

In the center of Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s downtown, there is a well-known observation tower called the Gatlinburg Space Needle. At a height of 407 feet, it provides stunning 360-degree views over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the town of Gatlinburg below.

To access the observation deck and take in the 360-degree views, visitors may ride a glass elevator to the tower’s summit. No matter the weather outside, being inside and air-conditioned on the observation deck makes it a nice experience.

The Gatlinburg Space Needle has a number of additional attractions in addition to the observation deck, such as an arcade, a restaurant, and a gift store. The arcade offers a mix of vintage and contemporary games, making it a great pastime for groups of friends and family.

A variety of American and Southern meals, as well as beverages and beers, are available at the restaurant, which is on the third level. A famous tourist destination in Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is a must-see for anybody seeking a birds-eye perspective over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding area.

6. Enjoying The Outdoor Adventures

Due to its position in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is the ideal spot for those who appreciate outdoor pursuits. Whatever your hobbies, there are lots of things to do to keep you and your family occupied.

A well-liked outdoor activity is whitewater rafting. A short drive from Gatlinburg, the Pigeon River is a terrific site to enjoy the excitement of rafting. With mild to wild rapids, there are a number of outfitters in the region who provide guided trips down the river.

Ziplining and the longest pedestrian suspension bridge is yet another exhilarating activity. There are a number of zipline courses nearby that let you soar through the treetops while providing breathtaking views of the mountains. Even more, the thrill may be added by choosing to zipline at night on some routes.

There are several hiking and bike paths in and around Gatlinburg for those who would rather stay on dry land. About 800 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide everything from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. For anyone interested in renting a mountain bike to explore the local trails, there are several places in the city to do so.

Go fishing in one of the several streams in the region if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, or take a leisurely drive down the Roaring Fork Motor Route. This 5.5-mile beautiful road features breathtaking mountain vistas, various old homesteads, and waterfalls. Gatlinburg features activities for people of all outdoor adventure preferences.

7. Going to The Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Among car lovers and admirers of lasting motion pictures and television series, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg is a must-see destination. The museum has an outstanding collection of cars from some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, including General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard,” the DeLorean time machine from “Back to the Future,” and the Batmobile from “Batman Returns.”

Guests may take a self-guided tour of the museum and get up-close views of the vehicles while learning about their background and importance in movies and television shows. The museum also has interactive displays and exhibits, such as a KITT automobile model from “Knight Rider” and a homage to “The Beverly Hillbillies,” a classic TV series.

The museum has a gift store with memorabilia and gifts relating to the vehicles and movies displayed in the museum in addition to the iconic automobiles on show. A must-see sight for auto aficionados, movie buffs, and families traveling to Gatlinburg is the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.

8. Visiting The Tennessee Cider Company

Everyone who likes tasty, homegrown artisan beverages must visit the Tennessee Cider Company. The Tennessee Cider Company, a family-run enterprise near Gatlinburg, makes hard cider from apples grown locally.

The Tennessee Cider Company offers a taste of their many ciders, which include both traditional kinds and seasonal flavors. The tasting room is a warm, inviting area that’s ideal for unwinding with loved ones. The Tennessee Cider Company provides tours of their manufacturing plant in addition to tastings.

These tours provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at how their ciders are manufactured and give them an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the business. They also give them an overview of the process of manufacturing cider. Check out the Tennessee Cider Company in Gatlinburg if you’re searching for a distinctive and delectable experience.

9. Going to The Gatlinburg Pinball Museum

Visitors at the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, get the option to play a selection of classic pinball machines from various decades. More than 100 pinball machines, from vintage electromechanical ones to contemporary digital ones, may be seen at the museum.

With the museum’s unlimited play price concept, visitors can play these machines for as long as they choose. Along with providing information on the history of pinball and the various machines on display, the museum also provides guided tours.

A fun and engaging way to spend a day or evening with family and friends is at the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum. For older generations, it provides a nostalgic walk down memory lane, while for younger ones, it provides a novel and thrilling experience.

The museum also features a modest collection of antique arcade games, in addition to the pinball machines, as well as a gift store with pinball-related items. The Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is a must-see attraction for pinball fans and anybody searching for a memorable pastime in Gatlinburg, in general.

10. Ice Skating and Mini Golf

At Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and amusement park situated in the slopes above Gatlinburg, ice skating is a well-liked pastime.

The resort’s indoor ice skating rink is open all year round, so guests may take use of it whenever they like.

The rink is a fun and interesting way to take in the splendour of the Smoky Mountain mall since it provides amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Playing mini golf is another popular pastime in Gatlinburg, and there are numerous courses nearby.

The bulk of the mini golf courses in Gatlinburg are situated right in the heart of the city, making it easy for visitors to access them. Because they usually have themed courses and fascinating challenges and obstacles, these activities are ideal choices for families and groups looking for a fun and lighthearted activity.

Conclusion

Visitors may enjoy a broad range of attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, including family-friendly activities like theme parks and museums as well as outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. The town’s stunning views and possibilities to explore nature, including mountain streams and paved pathways, are made possible by its picturesque position in the Appalachian Mountains.

Tourists may also enjoy distinctive experiences at Gatlinburg’s historic and cultural landmarks, such as the Crafts Community and the Sweet Fanny Adams Playhouse. Together with participatory experiences like the dueling zipline adventure and real ghost hunting gear, visitors may take part in exhilarating activities like the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.

Gatlinburg offers opportunities for craft beer lovers, golfers, and those seeking a little intrigued with the Mystery Mansion. Overall, taking a trip to Gatlinburg is a memorable and thrilling adventure that the whole family can take part in.

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