Gatlinburg, Tennessee: The Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains

at the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a charming mountain town known for stunning scenery, fun attractions, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking in the Smokies, taking in the views from the SkyLift, or sipping moonshine downtown, Gatlinburg offers a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement.

From family-friendly attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium to adrenaline-pumping mountain coasters, Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and families.

Top Attractions in Gatlinburg

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – The Ultimate Outdoor Escape 🏞️🐻

• One of the most visited national parks in the U.S.
• Best things to do:
  • Hike to Laurel Falls or Alum Cave Bluffs.
  • Drive through Cades Cove to see wildlife.
  • Climb Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park.

2. Gatlinburg SkyPark & SkyBridge – Walk Among the Clouds 🌉☁️

• Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain.
• Walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America (680 feet long, 140 feet high!).
• Best time to visit: Sunset for incredible mountain views.

3. Anakeesta – A Mountain Adventure Park 🚠🌲

• Ride a scenic chairlift or gondola to the summit.
• Explore treetop canopy walks, zip lines, and an observation tower.
• Enjoy live music, fire pits, and cocktails at the Cliff Top restaurant.

4. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – A World-Class Aquarium 🦈🐠

• One of the best aquariums in the U.S., featuring:
  • A shark tunnel where fish swim overhead.
  • Interactive stingray touch tanks.
  • A penguin play area.

5. Ober Mountain – Skiing, Snowboarding & Alpine Coasters 🎿⛰️

• Gatlinburg’s top spot for winter sports, offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
• Year-round activities include:
  • Mountain coasters and wildlife encounters.
  • An aerial tramway with scenic mountain views.

6. The Gatlinburg Space Needle – A 360-Degree Observation Tower 🏙️🔭

• 407 feet tall, providing breathtaking views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
• Features an arcade, theater, and live entertainment.

7. Sugarlands Distilling Co. – Moonshine & Whiskey Tastings 🥃🎶

• A must-visit for moonshine lovers, offering free tastings and live music.
• Try unique flavors like Butter Pecan, Apple Pie, and Peanut Butter & Jelly Moonshine.

8. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – A Scenic Drive with Waterfalls 🚗🌲

• A 5.5-mile one-way loop road featuring:
  • Grotto Falls – The only waterfall in the Smokies where you can walk behind the falls!
  • Historic log cabins and gristmills.
  • Incredible wildlife spotting opportunities (bears, deer, and wild turkeys!).

9. Hollywood Star Cars Museum – Classic Movie & TV Cars 🚗🎬

• See famous vehicles from movies and TV shows, including:
  • The Batmobile from “Batman”.
  • Ecto-1 from “Ghostbusters”.
  • The General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard”.

10. Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster – A Thrilling Ride Through the Forest 🎢🌲

• A gravity-driven mountain coaster where you control the speed.
• Great for families and thrill-seekers alike!

Outdoor Adventures Near Gatlinburg 🚴‍♂️🏕️

1. Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River 🚣‍♂️🌊

• Class III–IV rapids for thrill-seekers, or gentler sections for beginners.
• Top outfitters:
  • Smoky Mountain Outdoors
  • Rafting in the Smokies

2. Horseback Riding in the Smokies 🐎🌄

• Great for exploring hidden trails and mountain meadows.
• Best stables:
  • Sugarlands Riding Stables
  • Smoky Mountain Riding Stables

3. Ziplining & Treetop Adventures 🌲🦅

• Soar above the trees on thrilling zip lines!
• Best places for ziplining:
  • Anakeesta
  • CLIMB Works Zipline Canopy Tour

4. Camping Under the Stars ⛺✨

• Best campgrounds near Gatlinburg:
  • Elkmont Campground
  • Greenbrier Campground

Nearby Towns & Day Trips from Gatlinburg 🚗🏡

1. Pigeon Forge (15 min drive) – Home of Dollywood 🎢🎶

• Top attractions:
  • Dollywood – A world-famous amusement park with roller coasters, live music, and Southern food.
  • The Island – A shopping and entertainment complex with a giant Ferris wheel.
  • Titanic Museum – A full-scale replica of the Titanic with real artifacts.

2. Cherokee, NC (45 min drive) – Native American Heritage 🏹🌿

• Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
• Watch “Unto These Hills”, an outdoor drama about Cherokee history.

3. Cades Cove (1-hour drive) – A Wildlife Hotspot 🦌🐻

• The best place in the Smokies to see black bears, wild turkeys, and deer.

Gatlinburg’s Food & Drink Scene 🍽️🌽

1. Must-Try Local Specialties

• Tennessee BBQ – Smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket.
• Cornbread & Fried Green Tomatoes – Classic Appalachian comfort food.
• Moonshine – Try flavored moonshine at local distilleries.

2. Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg 🍽️

• The Peddler Steakhouse – Famous for hand-cut steaks and a cozy, riverside setting.
• The Pancake Pantry – A legendary breakfast spot serving over 20 types of pancakes.
• Chesapeake’s – The best place for fresh seafood in the mountains.

3. Best Bars & Distilleries 🍺🥃

• Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery – Free tastings & live bluegrass music.
• Smoky Mountain Brewery – Great craft beers and casual mountain vibes.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg 🏨

Luxury & Boutique Stays ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• The Lodge at Buckberry Creek – A secluded luxury mountain retreat.
• Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg – A fun, island-themed mountain escape.

Mid-Range & Family-Friendly Lodging ⭐⭐⭐

• Gatlinburg Inn – A historic hotel with great views.
• Bearskin Lodge on the River – Cozy lodge-style accommodations.

Cabins & Camping Options 💰🏕️

• Airbnb mountain cabins – Rent a private cabin with a hot tub and Smoky Mountain views.
• Elkmont Campground – A great spot for backcountry camping.

Best Time to Visit Gatlinburg 🍂❄️🌸

• Spring (March–May): Best for wildflowers and hiking.
• Summer (June–August): Perfect for rafting, ziplining, and family fun.
• Fall (September–November): Peak fall foliage and scenic drives.
• Winter (December–February): Great for skiing, holiday lights, and cozy cabin stays.

🏔️🎡🐻 Plan your Gatlinburg adventure today and experience the beauty of the Smokies!