Nine Things to Do in Gatlinburg

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In the state of Tennessee is the beautiful mountain city of Gatlinburg. It is a popular tourist destination and is always bustling with tourists. Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, the town is an excellent spot for a romantic trip, a holiday, or a solo getaway. It’s no surprise that so many people visit this picturesque place, given its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and abundance of activities to indulge in.

From outdoor adventures in the national park to indoor fun at the aquarium, there is plenty to do and experience to make your trip truly memorable. 

With that said, let’s go through some of the fun things you can do during your stay in Gatlinburg: 

Plan Your Trip Before You Go

Plan your trip to save you time and trouble down the road. Some things you should plan out in advance include travel arrangements, booking accommodations, and planning your activities. Next to get around, you can rent a car, commute via Gatlingburg Trolley, or hail a taxi to reach your destination within Gatlinburg. If you plan to get around using a private rental car, make sure to book in advance. 

The next important thing to consider is: where will you stay? You can pick from one of the cozy cabins or book your accommodation in a nice, luxurious Gatlinburg hotel. As Gatlinburg gets busy during the holiday season, you may take time to find accommodations. So be wise and make a booking in advance.

Now let us move on to all the fantastic things you can explore on your trip to Gatlinburg.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

UNESCO named the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a world heritage site. Over 11 million people visit this park annually.

The park is well-known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Over 1,500 species of flora and numerous mammalian, avian, reptilian, and amphibian species call this area home.

The park’s extensive network of trails includes over 800 miles of hiking trails, followed by short strolls along flat paths to strenuous climbs up steep mountains. You can enjoy several scenic drives, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Cades Cove Loop, in the park.

To explore the Great Smoky Mountains you need to dedicate three to four days from your overall trip. 

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park

If you are a skiing fan, you must visit the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park. In winter, this resort offers a variety of slopes for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Thanks to their indoor ice-skating ring, you can have this experience all year long.

Activities at Ober Gatlinburg range from scenic chairlift ride to alpine slides and wildlife encounters. 

The Gatlinburg Skybridge

The Gatlinburg Skybridge is one of North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges, stretching 680 feet across a valley in the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors can walk across the bridge and take in the views from the observation decks at either end. The Skybridge is a popular attraction and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

There are also several other things you can enjoy near Skybridge, such as a zipline course and an alpine coaster.

Ripley’s Aquarium 

Ripley’s Aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The aquarium has many interactive displays and exhibits to give visitors a first-hand experience of the marine environment.

The aquarium management also organizes animal encounters and behind-the-scene tours, in addition to the regular displays. You can also pick up trinkets or a present for a loved one at the gift shop.

Gatlinburg Space Needle

Another famous city attraction is the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding areas. The observation deck atop the Space Needle is 407 feet in the air, and visitors get there in a glass. Visitors can see up to 50 miles in every direction on a clear day.

The Ole Smoky Moonshine

The Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery offers tours and tastings of their famous moonshine, as well as live music and other entertainment. It’s a fun and unique activity for adults visiting Gatlinburg.

You can taste moonshine in various flavors and learn about the distillation process at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. There is a gift shop at the distillery where you can pick up some souvenirs.

Haunting at the Mysterious Mansions

You must visit the mysterious multi-story mansion filled with creepy and interactive exhibits, if you are a fan of horror series. 

The Harrison family, who once lived in the mysterious mansion, vanished one day without a trace. In their quest to learn the truth about what happened to the Harrison family, visitors can explore the estate and meet a cast of creepy characters.

The main attraction at the Mysterious Mansion is a haunted house. There is also a laser maze and an escape room.

Hollywood Star Car Museum

What if we tell you that you can witness a real Batmobile on your trip to Gatlinburg? Yes, that’s right! At the Hollywood Star Car Museum, you can see that spectacular model and an entire collection of famous Hollywood cars featured in movies and shows.

The museum’s collection spans decades, from vintage cars to cutting-edge concepts. The Batmobile, the DeLorean from “Back to the Future,” and the Mystery Machine from “Scooby-Doo” are just a few of the iconic vehicles featured.

The Gatlinburg SkyLift

The Gatlinburg SkyLift is a chairlift that takes visitors from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain. It’s a great place to take in the stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond.

The SkyLift is a double-sided chairlift allowing riders to travel up and down the mountain. The chairlift ride, which takes about 20 minutes one way, is a fantastic opportunity to take in the enchanting scenery.

The Gatlinburg SkyLift is a favorite among tourists and locals because it offers an exciting way to enjoy the scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Conclusion

Gatlinburg has something to offer everyone, whether they’re looking for adventure or peace. The city has many great places to eat, shop, and visit, making it an excellent choice for a short trip or extended vacation.

Gatlinburg is a must-see for anyone looking to get away from the hassles of a busting city. What’s holding you back? Plan your trip to Gatlinburg and explore the lovely mountain, visit the downtown, hike the trails and indulge in various fun activities. 

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