Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a vibrant destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and family fun for visitors of all ages.
As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting attractions, making it the perfect place to experience the wonders of the Smokies.
Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, challenging your friends to a round of mini golf, or discovering the charm of local shops in Downtown Gatlinburg, there’s something here for everyone. The city is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, stunning mountain views, and a calendar packed with fun events and activities.
From kids to adults, families to solo travelers, Gatlinburg is a place where unforgettable memories are made all year round.
1. Stay in a Treehouse
Gatlinburg and the Smokies have so much to offer, but what if where you stay could be an epic experience in and of itself? Staying in a treehouses gives you a unique vantage point to all that the area has to offer… literally!
As the premier treehouse accommodation in the area, Treehouse Grove provides a variety of options to suit different types of travelers, with our largest treehouse fitting up to 10 guests. Our guests enjoy modern amenities, such as hot tubs, fire pits, and more, while immersing themselves in a serene mountain environment.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway as a couple, a fun adventure with kids, or a group retreat, our beautifully crafted treehouses offer cozy, spacious, and well-appointed living spaces surrounded by nature.
Our treehouses are also pet-friendly, so be sure to bring your furry friends along!
2. Go Hiking in the Smokies
Photo Credit: Billy McDonald
Gatlinburg is the perfect entry point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with thousands of acres of parkland to discover. One of the most popular ways to see the vast terrain of the Smokies is on a hike.
1. Alum Cave Trail
The Alum Cave Trail is a moderately strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike that offers a rewarding adventure through the heart of the Smokies. Along the way, hikers pass unique geological features such as Arch Rock and the impressive Alum Cave Bluffs.
This trail also serves as a gateway to the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the park, appealing to more experienced hikers seeking a challenging yet scenic trek.
2. Clingmans Dome Trail
For an easier but equally breathtaking experience, the Clingmans Dome Trail is a paved, steep 1-mile round-trip hike leading to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the summit, visitors can climb the observation tower to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
This trail is ideal for visitors of all ages and fitness levels who want to witness some of the best vistas the Smokies have to offer in a short amount of time.
3. Laurel Falls Trail
Perfect for families and casual hikers, the Laurel Falls Trail is an easy, 2.6-mile round-trip hike that features a paved and relatively flat path.
This accessible waterfall trail culminates at Laurel Falls, an 80-foot waterfall known for its beauty and photogenic qualities. It’s one of many spectacular falls in the Smoky Mountains.
3. Spot Wildlife on Cades Cove Loop
Cades Cove Loop is an 11-mile one-way loop road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Along the loop, you can explore historic buildings, hike several trails, picnic in scenic spots, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.
Wildlife viewing is a highlight here, with frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, raccoons, and coyotes. In spring and summer, deer and turkey are more abundant, while black bears are often spotted in late summer and fall.
From early May through late September, the loop road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the peaceful surroundings safely.
4. Visit Anakeesta Gatlinburg
Photo Credit: Isaiah N Lilly
Anakeesta Gatlinburg is a premier mountaintop adventure park that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, thrilling activities, and family-friendly fun.
Visitors begin their journey with a scenic gondola ride that transports them from downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, providing breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains along the way.
Once at the top, guests can explore the Treetop Skywalk, a series of hanging bridges that span 880 feet and hover more than 50 feet above the forest floor for an exhilarating perspective of the lush canopy below.
Adventure seekers can enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including the Dueling Zipline tour, which lets you soar through the treetops at high speeds. Two mountain coasters—the Hellbender and Rail Runner—provide thrilling rides winding through the forested landscape.
For those looking to relax, Anakeesta features beautifully landscaped gardens, scenic walking paths, and the AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape.
Anakeesta is open year-round, with seasonal hours that vary slightly depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
5. Go Shopping and Eat in Downtown Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant array of popular restaurants and shops that cater to every taste and interest.
Food lovers can savor Southern comfort food and Smoky Mountain specialties at iconic spots like The Peddler Steakhouse and the Pancake Pantry, both beloved for their hearty meals and welcoming atmospheres.
The shopping scene is equally enticing, with unique local shops such as the Mountain Mall and Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen offering artisan crafts, souvenirs, and homemade confections.
6. Enjoy Local Water Activities
Gatlinburg offers a variety of nearby water activities that cater to all ages and interests. Visitors can enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting adventures on the Pigeon River, perfect for adrenaline seekers and families alike.
For a more relaxed experience, there are opportunities for fishing in the numerous streams and rivers within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Local outfitters provide kayak and canoe rentals, allowing guests to explore serene waterways surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. These water activities provide a refreshing way to experience the natural beauty near Gatlinburg.
Finally, Wild Bear Falls Water Park is an indoor water park with a retractable roof and various slides, making it a great option for water fun regardless of the weather.
7. Visit Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park is a year-round destination offering a wide variety of family-friendly activities and adventures suited to every season.
Located conveniently at the top of Mount Harrison, Ober Gatlinburg is accessible via a scenic aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg, providing stunning views along the way. The park operates year-round, with seasonal hours that vary, so visitors are encouraged to check the official website for current schedules.
In the winter months, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing on well-maintained slopes suitable for all skill levels, with equipment rentals and lessons available for beginners.
During the warmer seasons, Ober transforms into a fun-filled amusement park featuring attractions like summer tubing, a ski mountain coaster, an alpine slide, mountain biking, bumper cars, ziplining and a wildlife encounter, ensuring entertainment for the whole family.
8. Go Moonshine Tasting
Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani
Gatlinburg is renowned for its vibrant moonshine tasting scene, making it a perfect activity for adults looking to experience a unique local tradition.
Visitors can explore several popular spots such as Ole Smoky Tennessee Distillery and Sugarlands Distilling Company, each offering a variety of handcrafted moonshine flavors to sample. These distilleries provide welcoming atmospheres where guests can learn about the history and craft of moonshine production while enjoying tastings of smooth, flavorful spirits.
Whether you’re seeking a fun date idea or a lively outing with friends, moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg offers a memorable blend of culture, flavor, and social enjoyment that perfectly complements the charm of this mountain town.
9. Visit Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a scenic 5.5-mile one-way loop road located just outside downtown Gatlinburg, offering visitors a peaceful and immersive experience in the Great Smoky Mountains.
This picturesque trail winds through lush forests, cascading streams, and historic cabins, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Along the trail, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Some of the best hiking spots accessible from the trail include the Grotto Falls Trail, where you can walk behind a stunning waterfall, and the Trillium Gap Trail, which leads to the breathtaking Rainbow Falls. The area also features opportunities for birdwatching and picnicking in serene natural settings.
10. Attend Seasonal Events in Gatlinburg
No matter when you visit, Gatlinburg is alive with seasonal events and festivals that showcase the spirit of the Smoky Mountains.
The Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from craft fairs and car shows to sports tournaments, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.
In the summer, the city buzzes with outdoor concerts, lively fireworks displays, and patriotic celebrations that bring the community together. In the fall, the landscape is painted with vibrant foliage, and the city celebrates with pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, and scenic drives through the mountains.
When winter arrives, Gatlinburg transforms into a magical wonderland, with festive lights illuminating the downtown area and endless Christmas events and markets for the whole family to enjoy.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities, or unique cultural experiences. It’s the perfect destination to create unforgettable memories amid the natural beauty and lively spirit of the Smoky Mountains.
And don’t forget: one of the most thrilling adventures in Gatlinburg is staying in the canopies at Treehouse Grove. We can’t wait to host you for your next Gatlinburg getaway.
