Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a charming town nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. From outdoor adventures to shopping, dining, and entertainment, Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Here are some top things to do in Gatlinburg:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Explore the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and stunning views of the mountains. The park is home to over 1,500 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and elk.
Ober Gatlinburg:
Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round amusement park and ski area located on top of Mount Harrison, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The park features a variety of attractions, including skiing and snowboarding, an alpine slide, a mountain coaster, a wildlife encounter, and an ice skating rink.
Gatlinburg SkyBridge:
Take a stroll across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The bridge spans 680 feet across a deep valley, and visitors can also enjoy a glass-bottomed section of the bridge for a thrilling experience.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies:
Experience the wonders of the ocean at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, which features over 10,000 exotic sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel, watch penguin feedings, and even swim with stingrays.
Gatlinburg Space Needle:
Take a ride to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, a 407-foot observation tower offering 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The tower also features an arcade, a laser tag arena, and a theater.
Anakeesta:
Anakeesta is an outdoor adventure park located on top of Anakeesta Mountain, offering zip-lining, tree canopy walks, a mountain coaster, and scenic chairlift rides. The park also features shops, restaurants, and a garden with over 5,000 flowers.
Sugarlands Distilling Company:
Learn about the art of distilling and taste some delicious moonshine at the Sugarlands Distilling Company, which offers tours and tastings of their award-winning spirits. The distillery also features live music and a gift shop.
Ole Smoky Moonshine:
Ole Smoky Moonshine is another popular distillery in Gatlinburg, offering tours and tastings of their moonshine, whiskey, and vodka. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food, and shopping at their downtown location.
Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community:
Explore the largest group of independent artisans in the country at the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, which features over 100 shops and studios showcasing pottery, woodworking, painting, and more. Visitors can watch the artists at work and purchase unique handmade items.
Smoky Mountain Brewery:
Sample some local beer and enjoy some delicious pub fare at the Smoky Mountain Brewery, which features a variety of craft beers brewed on-site. The brewery also offers live music and outdoor seating with mountain views.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum:
See some famous cars from movies and TV shows at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, which features over 40 vehicles, including the Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. Visitors can take pictures with the cars and learn about their history.
Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster:
Ride the Gat