This is a must-visit for nature lovers, as the Cataloochee Valley is one of the only places that you can spot wild elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. Begin at the bottom of the mountain, and first be pulled up to the top of the hill at an altitude of 76 meters, and then zoom along the one-kilometer track. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. Bring that camera or fully charged phone, as youll want to capture endless selfies of you and your new best friend. For those keen to go behind the scenes and learn about the drinks distillery process and historical significance, sign up for a walking tour. If youre looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. From snow tubing through the mountains, to dizzying escape mazes to themed mini-golf courses kids love it here! It also features Glow in the Dark mini golf where you can play in an underwater theme with brightly colored creatures, including a mermaid, giant octopus and dolphins. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. 1. Explore Gatlinburg and its surrounding Great Smoky Mountains in a unique, adventurous way behind the wheel of an off-road specialty vehicle. One of the Ripleys-branded attractions throughout the city, Ripleys Haunted Adventure is ready to scare the socks off anyone brave enough to enter its doors. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. With secret passageways, winding staircases and creepy dark corridors, this is the place to go, especially if youre planning to release any bottled-up screams. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. The Hillbilly Golf mini-golf course straddles the side of a mountain, requiring a tram ride up the slopes to the top. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. If you're looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. The highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect. With a serious passion for brewing, taste the selection of locally-crafted beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. The ride down the mountain is five minutes in total. Ripleys Aquarium is another must-visit attraction. Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. Take the entire crew to axe throwing right and hit some targets at the Axe House, located at the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountain National Parks highest point, Clingmans Dome has a peak of almost 7,000 feet above sea level and is the third tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. Bringing joy to millions of visitors since its inception in 2001, the zoo located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is about a 40-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. The 120-passenger cable car operates year-round, presenting spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter the season. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. The live actors, spooky makeup and frightening special effects combine to make this one of the scariest attractions in Tennessee. Theres no better way to appreciate the spruce-fir forest and mountain views than from atop its observation deck. Paddle through the gorge, tackle the challenging rapids and swim in the river if you dare. After gawking at the pros in action, try log rolling or speed climbs yourself (safely harnessed, of course). Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. Rent out a UTV from Rocky Top Adventure for two hours, or more, and zoom around their recommended routes like Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome. Rustic, industrial-chic moonshine maker offering indoor & outdoor tours, tastings & live music. If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. - for over 40 years, this outdoor outfit has been introducing adults and kids alike to the wonder of Pigeon River. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Website: Trish's Mountain Diner Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun) Price: under 10 USD 5. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. Officially Gatlinburgs oldest and spookiest haunted house, this three-story Victorian mansion on River Road has been welcoming brave visitors for over 35 years. Riding in these utvs gives you the opportunity to view the National park in a fun new way. 22 December 2022. They are the only species in America that can synchronize their flashing light patterns and this only happens one time a year usually a two-week window so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Luckily, there are many non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Located off of the East Parkway, this 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. Home to over 600 critters originating from rainforests all over the world, this family-friendly Smoky Mountains attraction should be high atop any animal lovers bucket list. This is a 3-mile streetcar line ride in Astoria using an old freight railroad track along the Columbia River. Dollywood features over 50 enthralling rides spread across 150 acres, a number of award-winning eateries and regular live entertainment. The trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. Find accommodation, read accommodation reviews, and check flight prices.Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. The South is renowned for dishes enhanced by flavors created by smoking techniques; Bennetts Pit Bar-B-Que is one of the top places in town to experience all the smoky goodness. For one of the best outdoor activities in Gatlinburg, soar over the city and the endless greenery of Tennessees Smoky Mountains on board a hot air balloon. Sevierville is famous for high-end outlet shopping, cool places to stay in the Smoky Mountains and hometown girl, Dolly Parton. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. This Pigeon Forge-based venue brings a whole lot of fun to the entire family with timeless songs and outstanding performances. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This chestnut box will not be opened until the country music legend's 100th birthday in 2046. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most basic spices. The majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, settled by the Scots-Irish and steeped in history, intrigue, and tales of witchcraft. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. At 6,593 ft it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot. Thats Ober Gatlinburgs Ice Bumper attraction in nutshell, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg for kids and teenagers. One hike you have to try is Charlies Bunion. Its time to travel like a local! The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. Follow along to discover 16 unique things to do in Gatlinburg. Following the trailhead with the same name as its 24-meter-high waterfall, Rainbow Falls gains its nickname because when the sun is shining, a rainbow glimmers in the air around it. While perhaps not the most unknown drive, the views afforded by the Gatlinburg Bypass and the Gatlinburg Overlook make it worth a stop on any Smoky Mountain journey. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Tennessee Jeds may be nothing fancy, but this locally owned and sourced sandwich shop is a go-to stop for hungry hikers in the know. For dinner, youll have plenty of delicious spots to choose from! Just over half an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, this quiet area of the Smokies is a great place to view the fall foliage, after enjoying lunch at the iconic Elviras Cafe. Sporting 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, with downtown Gatlinburg beneath your feet, the 407-foot tall Space Needle is the premier inner-city observation deck. Ready for a refreshing day of White Water fun? Head up the hillside and travel back in time around the two mini-golf courses at Gatlins Mini Golf. If you use the entrance near Gatlinburg, you'll be in line with a bunch of other visitors/cars. For days when the sun just refuses to shine, the indoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park is the answer with waters kept warm year-round. NOC Gatlinburg is an exciting summer destination for many tourists. Then, indulge your inner carnivore with a Rib Eye or Porterhouse, but be sure to save room for the decadently rich Appalachian Chocolate Cake. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. Well, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well. Home to the largest outdoor snow tubing hill in Tennessee, during the wintery months, grab an inflatable tube and hit the slopes laden with real snow thanks to the parks special snow-making machines. The library also hosts special events and free things to do like movie nights, afterschool clubs, holiday parties, and more! including a lazy river and heated pools. For the younger crowd, head on over to Rowdy Ridge Playground with interactive features from slides to climbing nets for children (the minimum age requirement is two years old and kids must be chaperoned at all times). This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! Youre saddled onto a slow-moving, well-trained horse the way nature was meant to be explored. 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. Whet the appetite with an order of pimento cheese and bacon jam crostini before tearing into a Smoked BBQ platter or plate of Cajun chicken pasta. A quick, entertaining activity during any day of exploring the main Gatlinburg strip, the 7D Dark Ride Adventure is an immersive, exciting activity for kids and adults alike. Take the classic cinematic spectacle to the next level by strapping yourself into one of the motion seats and letting the state-of-the-art digital effects work their magic. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. Address: 561 Brookside Village Way Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Website: Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum Opening hours: 10am - 2pm (daily) Price: 3 USD You might be interested in these Airbnbs! Gatlinburg and the neighboring Pigeon Gorge arent bustling metropolises or tourist-trodden concrete jungles. 5 Must Visit U.S. Cities For A Weekend Trip 2 Must-Visit Places, 7 Adventures on Yas Island Abu Dhabi 7 Most Thrilling Tourist Attractions in California A Tourist Guide To The Sin City (Ultimate . This resort is located off Highway 441 and the suites are large and comfortably decorated. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. Score some National Geographic-worthy photos when you seek out this less visited path. Bike Ride at Downtown Tucson. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. After perhaps spending a couple of hours across the road at the Ripleys Aquarium, the Tennessee Cider Company is the perfect spot to sit back and unwind. Spread across the two 18-hole courses are plenty of clich hillbilly and redneck decor: outhouses, moonshine stills and farm equipment, to name a few. The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the drive from the airport to the city is roughly one hour. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. Decked with immersive features and water elements, children especially love these themed courses. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. For something extra special, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride! 7. This mountaintop wonderland also provides a fun and refreshing atmosphere for eating, shopping and relaxing with the lush forest and botanical gardens home to more than 3,000 plants. Sporting modern finishes and less than 100 meters away from the start of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, enjoy excellent service, views and facilities at the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. You can even bring your pets along to Four Sisters Old Time Photos. Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but kids aged 10 years and older can ride solo if theyre over 1.3 meters tall. As you set foot in Pittman Center, you will immediately understand when we say that the town is a charm in itself as it offers an excellent combination of natural beauty, culture and history. Do Not Forget to Pack Water When You Hike. A local favorite hiking spot is the Wears Valley. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! Nantahala Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for everything outdoors kind of like a locals REI. 6. Many tourists say its an unforgettable experience, but that depends on how much you drink. Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. Immersed within the beautiful greenery of the Smoky Mountains, CLIMB Works provides adventurous visitors the chance to explore the stunning natural landscape in two equally exciting ways the breathtaking Mountaintop Zipline and the top-rated Treetop Zipline. They have amazing vegan options. Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Children 12 and under FREE with paying adult. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. Moving away from the Smokies, visit Charlotte in North Carolina. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. If youre lucky and not screaming, or taking photographs you might even spot a grizzly. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a backdrop, The Park Grill is a great spot for couples and has a refined dining feel. The crowds favor the Gatlinburg brewery for its authentic feel, designed as an amalgamation between a ski lodge and a Bavarian beer hall, looking out onto the Great Smoky Mountains. See peaks as far away as Kentucky and enjoy a bird's eye view of the park and lush botanical Vista Gardens 60 feet below! 32. From Americas most visited distillery to crazy pastry-inspired flavor combinations, each establishment brings a unique spin to its tasting tours: Need a break from amusement park antics and big chain restaurants? Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg lies the Smokies most unique shopping destination, The Village district. If youre looking for something a bit fancier in Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot now has a vegan menu including vegan cheese and vegan chocolate. Get spoiled for choice at the Amazing Mirror Maze, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg. So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . 2. As well as the many Pigeon Forge things to do, guests will find an array of natural wonders like Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain National Park, scenic overlook, Anakeesta Mountain, Crockett Mountain, tourist attraction draws of the Gatlinburg area, the Pigeon River, Wears Valley, and other parks. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Affordable for families. After watching either Roadhoggers or Winter Wipeout, you would never think of movies the same way again. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Between the pick of ways to sightsee the Smokies and things to do in Gatlinburg, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is among the top unique attractions. for 20 years. Sample all the best fresh food Gatlinburg has to offer, while chatting to the friendly locals and the fan-favorite Farmers Market a city staple that operates most Saturday mornings. Sunrises are favored for witnessing a blanket of mist rise above the city, the afternoon has the clearest visuals, or stand under the stars at night and enjoy the crisp-clear air and views of sparkling lights. Visiting the Arts & Crafts Community is another one of our favorite non touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. You can have any trip that youd like, from a relaxing, week-long getaway to a jam-packed weekend with your best friends. Its the one-stop shop for interactive, family-friendly entertainment. Maybe theres a game that you just need to catch on the TV. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. The entire journey takes about 10 minutes, dropping visitors off at Ober Gatlinburg, home to must-do activities like ice skating and the Alpine Slide. A well-kept local secret, Blue Moose, is like your favorite pub but better. You can also hang out in the cocktail lounge at Old Forge Distillery, or at the bar at Junction 35 Spirits! What do you think of water rafting? The Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner's cats live at the shop. Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! Boasting attractions like the lazy river, a pair of water slides and kid-friendly pools and splash zones, its the perfect place to let the youngsters loose for an afternoon. Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. There are single and double coasters to choose from. You can often find locals relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of these spots! Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. Tender steaks, smoky cocktails, and unparalleled service make any dinner at the Burg a five-star event. As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. Strap into a gravity-propelled cart, designed to gleam and slide along a single track, and cruise through the mountains, with nature in abundance all around you. For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. Dont toss up between the clear day or sparkling night views, head to the top just before sunset for the best of both worlds. Quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras made from a range of materials. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Besides the 18-hole and nine-hole courses, the facility also boasts a fully-equipped pro shop to upgrade your kit. Seeking to challenge your quads? While some of the most popular trails, like Cache Creek, shouldnt be skipped due to their beauty, they can get busy. The Gatlinburg location boasts two unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression on you and your family: the Mountain Glider and the Alpine Coaster! Sports fans dont have to wait until they get back home to enjoy a game or two. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. We know we want to do some hiking in the. Buddys bar-b-q in Sevierville is the perfect stop in or out of the Smokies, offering hometown bar-b-q thats cooked low and slow. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. All Rights Reserved. Overseeing downtown Gatlinburg and with the Smokies as a surrounding backdrop, it is heaven on earth for fabulous photography angles. Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg. Some of the most beautiful roads to cruise along include Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Little River Road, Clingmans Dome Road and Cades Cove Loop. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. Centrally located at the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, this watering hole is heaven on Earth for cider lovers. Fishing and mountains might seem like an odd combination, however, the Smoky Mountains are teeming with wildlife-abundant streams. The mountain views are beyond compare. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The interactive puzzle-solving adventure game is jam-packed with exciting challenges that test your teamwork and creative thinking while taking you all over the city in search of your next clue. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. A little over two hours away, Bristol is best known for the legendary NASCAR short-track Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol has come into its own by embracing its rich vein of musical heritage [the actual birthplace of country music], beautiful natural elements, and a big revitalization scene. 11. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. So long as you dont get too motion sick, tumbling down that 1,000-foot tall hill in a giant bubble is undeniably one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. Your email address will not be published. We don't want to do Ripleys or any of the kitchy dinner shows.anyone know of any off-the-beaten-path things to do? The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a collective of artisans who offer many different pieces of arts and bespoke goods for you to collect and explore.