Cheap Family Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tn
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is home to a bustling downtown expanse filled with interesting attractions and succulent restaurants; and information technology'south also dwelling house to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park – a natural oasis hosting thousands of miles of fun for outdoor lovers.
If you're heading to a place packed with so much gamble, you lot demand to know the best ways to spend your time and the essential things to exercise in Gatlinburg TN. Follow our huge list to select the right items for your itinerary, regardless of your travel style!
Bask Mother Nature equally You Explore
Gatlinburg is absolutely filled with outdoor activities your family and friends volition love!
Escape the City Hustle and Bustle at Anakeesta
Anakeesta Theme Park, Gatlinburg's newest, state-of-the-art family attraction, offers unique outdoor adventures for all ages. Begin with a ride from Downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of Anakeesta mountain on the Chondola's quad chairlift or enclosed six-person gondola motel.
At the summit you'll discover Firefly Village, a whimsical, treehouse-themed village of shops, food, drinks, and more.
You can stroll through the breathtaking treetop canopy walk — which includes xvi hanging bridges — or soar through the trees on Gatlinburg's fastest dual-racing ziplines. Fly through the forest on their state-of-the-art single rail mountain coaster, or climb through the Anakeesta treehouse playground. Or yous can simply sit dorsum and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. LeConte and the sparkling lights of downtown Gatlinburg.
Insider Tip: Brand certain at least one evening is spent at Cliff Elevation restaurant, taking in a view of the sunset.
More:Anakeesta: Gatlinburg's Newest Attraction Is What Dreams Are Fabricated Of
Adventure at Gatlinburg Skylift Park
Located in the centre of the downtown area, you'll be whisked 500 vertical feet loftier via the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, for spectacular views from an area surrounded on 3 sides by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
One time in that location, your get-go stop should be Sky Span, where yous tin can walk 680 anxiety across the valley. Information technology besides includes a 30-foot span of glass then y'all can peer 150 anxiety to the bottom. Information technology's the longest pedestrian suspension span in North America, and the most spectacular experience in the Smokies!
After that, caput to SkyCenter on the SkyDeck for a selfie in the iconic 1950s yellow SkyLift chair, then grab a pizza and a soda or beer and sit back and soak up the view.
Finally, hang tight for stage i of the SkyTrail, which is scheduled to open up in the jump of 2021. A quarter-mile roundtrip boardwalk will showcase unmatched views of the record-breaking Gatlinburg SkyBridge, and panoramic Smoky Mountain vistas.
Soar to New Heights at Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg offers so much to do in every season — making it a great place to visit!
The Ober Gatlinburg Aeriform Tram departs from Downtown Gatlinburg to the Ober Amusement Park and Ski Resort. The tram takes yous on a 2-mile, 20-minute ride upwards the side of the mountain in the counter-counterbalanced tram car. The views from the tramway are glorious, and it's a quick fashion to get to the activity area without having to drive at that place. That'southward specially helpful for those who have already paid to park in the downtown expanse.
In the winter, the Ski Area offers admission to the ski slopes for a single session of skiing or snowboarding during 24-hour interval or nighttime sessions. For families hitting the slopes for the outset time, there are ski classes for children (starting at historic period four) and adults, every bit well as snowboarding classes. A limited number of jackets, pants and helmets are bachelor for rental.
We visited in summer and loved the Ski Mountain Coaster, which climbs 1000 feet uphill before racing downhill to virtually 3000 feet of turns, dips, zip-zags and corkscrews. The ride is perfect for whatever age, and each 2-person pair chooses how they want to feel it. You can zoom at upwardly to speeds of 25 MPH or utilize the handbrakes for a more relaxed pace.
We besides enjoyed the children's maze, mini golf, ice bumper cars, indoor-ice skating (yep, even in summer!) and more than.
FLEX Laissez passer: Breathe in the rich splendor of the purple Appalachians with the Smoky Mountains Sightseeing Flex Pass. Salvage up to 30% of admission costs at over 30 attractions and tours throughout the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokies.
Glide Through The Trees on a Zip Line
As we mentioned earlier, Anakeesta offers a dueling zipline excursion, and then you can race and experience flying through the air with your family and friends. Participants must be 7 years one-time and at to the lowest degree lxx pounds to naught.
CLIMBWorks is also a great place to get your zip on! The tours hither accept you into the tree awning for more than 2 hours, with 9 ziplines and 3 sky bridges over trees, ravines, streams and perhaps even wildlife. They offer ii unlike tours — the Mountaintop Zipline and their top-rated Treetop Zipline. The tours start with an escorted ATV ride to the tiptop of the mount. Must be at least 7 years old to participate.
Become For a Ride With Smoky Mountain Stables
With no feel necessary to ride, Smoky Mountain Riding Stables has over 40 mountain trail horses from 13 to 17 hands tall to see the needs of all riders. All horseback rides are great for beginners through advanced riders, with beautiful wooded scenery and mount streams.
The trail rides are at a walking pace through the terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Hook a Fish With Smoky Mountain Anglers
As the oldest fly shop in Gatlinburg, The Smoky Mountain Angler is the beginning place to head for trout fishing gear, guided trips, and information. They are a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Bureau license agent and can become you licensed for line-fishing.
Insider Tip: When you end past, ask about the "kids only" designated areas in the city of Gatlinburg stocked weekly. They also provide guides for experienced wing fishermen to have a trip to call back.
Cruise Effectually in Fashion
Gatlinburg is a great boondocks filled with bang-up adventures — all you need is an awesome ride to prowl around in. Enter: Jeep rentals!
A Jeep rental allows you to go where you want, when you desire, and then yous can explore all Gatlinburg and the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park have to offering. Rent a jeep for a day, a week, or even a calendar month! Convertible tops are bachelor. Cars and passenger vans are also available for rent.
Walk One of America'due south Longest Swinging Bridges
One of the wonderful things about Foxfire Mountain are the beautiful trails and bridges that meander throughout the 150 acres of pristine forests, bubbles creeks, delightful Lost Mine Falls, cute vistas, and lazy creek-side treks.
Throughout these piece of cake to moderate trails you lot volition cross multiple unique bridges — from log bridges to covered bridges to cable bridges — including America'due south second-longest swinging span, 70 feet higher up the east prong of the Little Pigeon River.
This Foxfire family unit fun gamble is great for all ages and fifty-fifty includes an on-the-ground obstacle grade for both children and adults.
Accept on the White H2o With NOC
Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting trips for nearly every age! Guests as young every bit 3 years quondam tin raft on the Lower Pigeon section of the Big Pigeon River. It's a curt family unit-friendly float trip with gentle rapids, swimming holes, and beautiful scenery.
For more than advanced adventurers, have on the Course Three rapids with a white h2o rafting trip down the Upper Pigeon with full-on excitement, and the Smoky Mountain scenery in the background.
Things to Exercise in Gatlinburg TN: Area Attractions
Gatlinburg has and then many activities to choose from — the hard office will be deciding which ones to visit on your trip!
Drive and Explore The Dandy Smoky Arts & Crafts Customs
The Arts & Crafts Community is an 8-mile driving loop of independent artisans who create original collectibles and showcase the cultural history of the state. With over 100 globe grade artisans, they are the largest organized group in North America, and offer a wide diverseness of art pieces to add to your collection. This is where to pick up a memorable and meaningful souvenir of your trip.
Besides infrequent artisans and shops, you lot'll notice great eateries, quaint accommodations, and more. We adored getting a rootbeer float from Glades Soda Fountain, an old fashioned soda jerk with an antiquarian cash register that the kids will dearest. And Split Rail Eats makes a hateful salad for luncheon!
The trail is nearly 3 miles exterior of the downtown area. Everywhere nosotros saw and visited included free parking (dissimilar the downtown surface area). But, if you prefer to exit your car at the cabin, apply the Yellow Line on the trolley to become here.
Insider Tip:Expect for "Create Your Ain" banners at certain shops. Some artisans offer hands-on workshops or make-your-own crafting opportunities. Ask for information as you lot visit all the shops around the loop.
More: 29 Delicious Gatlinburg Restaurants & Foodie Treats Our Family unit Devoured
Say "Cheers!" At E Tennessee'southward Offset Moonshine Maker
At that place are a number of Moonshine establishments in Gatlinburg, merely you're going to want to head to Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. It was Gatlinburg's first legal moonshine maker; they worked to change the law, update the stereotype, and make it easy for us all to indulge. "The Holler" also claims the title of America's nigh visited distillery.
Your visit gives yous the true moonshine feel from the scent of fermenting grains, through the work of the authentic-working moonshine stills.
In addition, the distillers are proud to reply your questions well-nigh the history of E Tennessee while you sample their moonshine during the affordable tastings for adults 21+. Be sure to check out their resident musicians for a special testify too.
More:Ole Smoky: Gatlinburg'south First Moonshine Maker Does Information technology Correct
Sentinel the Sharks at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
As the home of a 340-pes underwater tunnel – i of the longest underwater tunnels in world – a visit to the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies will bring you face-to-face with sharks, sea turtles, swordfish and other sea animals.
While yous're in that location, you have to experience their new, indoor Glass Bottom Gunkhole Chance! Just iii inches of glass will separate you from the 12-foot sharks that call the aquarium home. (You tin can brand reservations for this at Guest Services or the Glass Bottom Gunkhole area.)
It's not just underwater animals here — the Penguin Playhouse introduces visitors to endangered African black-footed penguins through the combination of crawl tunnels, pop-up domes, and a swim-through passage.
Kids (and adults!) are guaranteed to love this place!
More: Believe Information technology Or Non – We Were Exceptionally Impressed With Ripley'southward Believe It or Not!
More than Ripley's Awesomeness
Perfect for families, friends, or anyone, Ripley's Odditorium showcases more 500 exhibits and oddities from around the world in 16 themed galleries.
The Oddities are a mix of artifacts and just truly…odd collections! Some of the oddities are authentic shrunken heads, a sculpture fabricated from machine parts, and a life-sized skeleton of an ostrich. This was my personal favorite among the Ripley'southward museums.
In the labyrinth of lights and mirrors at Ripley'south Astonishing Mirror Maze, you'll see yourself over and over and over and over again equally you're trying to find your style to the leave.
Families are welcome to bring together in the fun, and don't worry nigh getting too lost. It's kid-friendly, and declared the favorite attraction by my half-dozen-year-former!
If your kids are too young for the mirrors, then consider swapping this option out for the Ripley's 5D Moving Theater. It's a state of the art theater with digital effects and motility seats will have y'all feeling like you lot're in the movie!
Finally, if y'all adopt to tee information technology upwards, and so head to the Davy Crockett Mini Golf Course. Information technology replicates the "old days" when Tennessee hero Davy Crockett roamed the area. 30-six holes cover 2 themed courses.
Ripley's sells combo passes or unmarried attraction tickets — so y'all can go to ane, or all!
Shake Things Up at This Museum
With more than twenty,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers, Gatlinburg is abode to the globe'south simply Common salt and Pepper Shaker Museum!
The collection includes salt and pepper shakers from all over the world, and also has a huge pepper mill collection.
Children ages 12 and under are FREE. The $3 admission charge for adults goes toward whatever salt and pepper shaker in the shop.
Pose for a Photo With a Star's Car
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum offers the best cars from movies and Telly in recreated settings complete with sound, lights and action.
The nearly famous car of the collection is the Batmobile from the 1966 TV prove, merely other cars include The Ghostbusters Ecto-1 (original moving-picture show version), and General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard.
Cars from every generation are represented — from the Beach Boys 1955 Thunderbird to The Fast and the Furious — and even the time to come, with the Dorsum to the Future DeLorean. FREE entry for children nether age 6.
Ride an Incline to Mini Golf
Set for the about unusual mini golf ever?! Then head on over to Hillbilly Golf game in Gatlinburg. Here, you'll ride an incline 300 feet above the metropolis before arriving at two eighteen-hole putt-putt golf game courses.
Each course is filled with mountaineer hazards — like outhouses and stills — and y'all and your crew are sure to have a memorable mini golf feel here. Part putt-putt, role adventure, a visit here is a must-do.
Encounter Gatlinburg From Every Angle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle provides a 360-degree view of the Groovy Smoky Mountains from the observation deck after taking a ride upward their glass elevator over 400 anxiety!
You'll able to take in a full view of the tallest mount in the park, Mount LeConte, or use the FREE SeeCoast view finders and focus on the smallest details of the Smokies.
The newest feature, College Learning, offers an educational experience based on the local history and geography of the region. Children ages 3 and under are Free with a paid developed ticket.
Grab a Course Act
Impossibilities Magic Show boasts xl years of performing! The duo of Magical Comedian Chris Collins and Master Mentalist Erik Dobell showcase family-friendly magic, mind reading, special furnishings, and generally make clean fun with a little mayhem for good measure.
Ride a Mountain Coaster
As mountain coaster newbies, we got our anxiety wet on the one at Ober Gatlinburg, simply the Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster is a little more intense and was a perfect "follow up" ride for the kids.
The Rowdy Conduct coaster goes most 35 mph and includes some intense turns. Sometimes they run "all yous tin can ride for an 60 minutes" passes that make for affordable fun, especially in the off season. If you lot are only riding information technology once, I recommend going at dusk and benumbed through the lights.
Another option is the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. Reaching speeds upwards of 30 MPH, y'all tin choose between single rider, double rider, or an developed/kid combo. They too offering an unlimited 1-hour laissez passer ticket, or an all-day laissez passer for those who just tin't get enough!
A special note: The Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre was another great Gatlinburg archetype, but it permanently closed at the cease of 2020 after 44 years.
Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
From auto touring and bicycling to horseback riding or exploring burial landscapes, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers activities beyond just "exploring nature."
In that location are also areas for fishing, hiking, picnicking, and experiencing waterfalls. Bank check out 1 of their historic buildings, or stop past a ranger-led plan if you're looking for guided explorations.
There are some great campgrounds within the GSMNP, but also in Gatlinburg! Greenbriar Campground, Camp LeConte , and Twin Creek RV Resort are all amazing choices.
Looking for more than? Find more great glamping options most the National Parks hither.
Walk to the Meridian of Clingman'due south Dome
Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the GSMNP, and it is a must-practice! In fact, at 6,643 feet, it represents the highest point in Tennessee, and the 3rd highest mountain east of the Mississippi. On clear days you can see for almost 100 miles!
Don't forget that you lot're in the Smoky Mountains though, so many times yous'll experience the fog and mist with limited site view (that's what we got on our last hike to the height). It'south still worth it!
The climb to the pinnacle is a mere i/2 mile from the parking lot. Information technology is paved, only is an intense slope. Of class, my kids ran the whole way, but I would have preferred a walking stick, and so bring one if y'all have one. You might too desire to bring a jacket; the temps at the top can exist up to 20 degrees colder than in the parking lot.
Finally, during peak seasons (like vacation weekends, etc), y'all can wait a await to get into the parking lot. It tin be discouraging if this is your first visit, but it does move speedily. Bring snacks and water. Port-o-potties are available in the parking lot.
End at a Scenic Overlook
If you're looking for an ideal roadside spot to capture a stunning view of the Smoky Mountains, brand a stop at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook located on the Gatlinburg By-Pass.
The views are incredible, and you are guaranteed a perfect picture.
Ask a Guide for Some Help
Smoky Mountain Guides offers a variety of guided hikes, auto tours, and backpacking trips.
Their daily tours include hikes to hidden gems in the Slap-up Smoky Mountains National Park, local history walks to farms from the early settlers, wildflower hikes, and auto tours to Clingman'south Dome – all guided by local guides with a history of backcountry ethics and safety.
Hike With Fido
The Gatlinburg Trail is 1 of just 2 trails in the Nifty Smoky Mountains National Park that allows dogs and bicycles.
The trail is almost two miles and offers views of the river, foundations and chimneys from several old homesites.
It's accessed from the Sugarlands Visitor Center most Gatlinburg.
FYI: The other pet-friendly hiking trail is the Oconaluftee River Trail, located at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center about Cherokee, NC.
Revisit an Historical Homestead
You'll footstep back in time with a visit to the homestead of Noah "Bud" Ogle. The homestead includes a cabin, barn, and tub mill typical of a xixth-century Southern Appalachian mountain farm.
The Ogle cabin — "a saddlebag" — is a rare design for the region with two cabins joined by a mutual chimney. The tub mill is the final surviving operational tub factory in the park, and one of the few in the region.
Explore the Valley past Machine
In add-on to the mountain tops, some of the best opportunities for viewing wild animals come up within the valley during a driving tour of Cades Cove.
White-tailed deer, black comport, coyote, groundhog, turkey, raccoon, and skunk are just a few of the animals you lot may come across. The Cove tin can be viewed on a leisurely drive on the 11-mile, one-way loop road, or via a hike through the area's trails.
Annotation: In the summer months, Cades Cove is vehicle-free on Wednesdays.
SELF DRIVING TRIP PLANS: Desire to swoop deep into the Dandy Smoky Mountains National Park's rich past and present? Download the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Trip!
Head to the Mountains past Motorcar
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5-mile loop driving trail that takes its name from the stream adjacent to the trail — Roaring Fork. You lot can choose your ain pace, and have in the wooded views and a fractional history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this popular drive.
There several spots to pull off the trail and bask the mountains while you capture a pic, or you can drive straight through – the option is yours.
Hike I of These Awesome Trails
Alum Cave Bluffs is a 5-mile round trip hike through a hardwood woods and the narrow tunnel of Curvation Rock. The Alum Cave Bluffs are a dry spot, even when the air and footing exterior are very wet. If yous go along on the trail, the summit of Mount Le Conte provides amazing views.
Charlies Bunion is a stone outcrop overlook along the world famous Appalachian Trail. The hike to Charlies Bunion is 4 miles each mode. The trailhead is 13.ii miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center or xvi miles from the Oconaluftee Company Center.
Rainbow Falls Trail is just over a 5-mile circular-trip path to the summit of Mountain Le Conte, accessed from the Roaring Fork Bulldoze Trail. It takes its proper name from the rainbow produced past mist from an eighty-foot high waterfall, visible on sunny afternoons just a mile into the hike.
Chimney Tops Trail is a 2-mile path one-way, that gains 1,400 feet to its pinnacle for a steep climb. This hike is one of the nigh popular because of its length and views. It follows along the side of Sugarland Mount with a view of Mount Le Conte. The trailhead is six.7 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Where to Stay
Gatlinburg Hotels
Best Near Downtown: Located near downtown Gatlinburg, The Appy Order has it all! With an outdoor pool with a waterslide, an indoor pool, hot tub, costless WiFi, and a fitness eye — it has everything you lot'll demand. And its location cannot exist beat.
All-time Almost Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located right exterior Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Park Vista is located in Gatlinburg and features a multi-level indoor pool.
All-time Near Ripley's Aquarium: Bearskin Lodge on the River features free WiFi and views of the river in Gatlinburg. The property is located within walking distance of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
Campgrounds Most Gatlinburg
Best Pool: As ane of the all-time resorts near Pigeon Forge, Sun Outdoors offers an outstanding location virtually heady local attractions, plus wonderful accommodations and civilities to complete your getaway to the bang-up outdoors. Their pool as well includes a lazy river and a splash pad!
Best Activities: Enjoy trout fishing, themed activities, a craft center, arcade, and more at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in nearby Cherokee, NC.
Best on the River: Smack dab in the middle of all that is skillful, Grumpy Bear Campground in Bryson Metropolis, NC is a identify for relaxation, angling, hiking then much more. Campers volition enjoy the sound of the river flowing nearby.
Accommodation Partners
Stay Somewhere Special in Gatlinburg
There are plenty of places to stay in Gatlinburg, merely we've got a favorite!
Looking for something different? This mail has 30 more motel rental options we love, too!
Celebrate the Heroes at DJ's Station
There is no shortage of hotels in Gatlinburg, but we ever prefer a cabin because of the space, the kitchen, the washer and dryer, and the "at home" feel it offers.
DJ's Station from Parkside Cabin Rentals is very, VERY special in that information technology honors the heroes who fought the 2016 fires.
The possessor collected helmets, photos, and memorabilia to decorate the cabin and laurels the firefighters. It's gorgeous, spacious, and makes a visit to Gatlinburg something you lot'll non soon forget.
More than: This Mannerly Gatlinburg Cabin Honors The Firefighter And Heroes Of 2016
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Lesli Peterson, owner of 365 Atlanta Traveler, moved from Japan to Georgia for academy, then continued exploring the Southeast from Atlanta for 25 years.She's has been sharing those journey'due south here since 2013.
Lesli spent 2021 RVing the West Coast with her family only to fall madly in dear with Colorado. She and her crew dropped roots in Denver in 2022, hoping to share more of the country'southward gems with the audience she loves.
She relishes the discovery of obscure, offbeat and unwonted places, and she will chat up any willing stranger to uncover a new undercover locale. If she'south not exploring in the RV, she's either hiking the trails or checking out the whiskey scene at their current location.
Lesli lives and travels with her 2 kiddos -Cooper and Elliot- and her soul mate, married man and business partner, Dan.
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