51 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg!

Dec 10, 2023

51 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg!
By N. Huggins

51 Things to Do in Gatlinburg!

Somewhere among the green peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, there lies a city ripe for exploration: Gatlinburg, Tennessee. And while nature is definitely one of its biggest draws, trust us, there’s plenty more to see and do. From its rich Cherokee history to its thriving art scene, Gatlinburg has something for every traveler.

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Your Gatlinburg, Tennessee bucket list

Take a deep dive into the “Gateway of the Smoky Mountains” and you’ll quickly discover what makes Gatlinburg one of the top tourist destinations in Tennessee. From the mountain base to the downtown strip and all the places in between, here are our top 51 things to do in Gatlinburg:


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1 | Stroll through Dollywood | Connect with the one and only Dolly Parton as you explore her personal homage to her Tennessee roots. With three Golden Ticket awards to its name and three million visitors every year, it’s easy to see why Dollywood, just like Dolly herself, is a Tennessee icon.

LOCAL TIP: Did you know Dollywood is home to the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster? Be sure to add the 50s-inspired Lightening Rod for its twists, turns, 165-foot drops, and zooms at 73 mph. If you’re looking for adrenalin-pumping high-flying thrills, the Lightning Rod is your go-to both day and night! Another fascinating not-to-be-missed experience is Eagle Mountain Sanctuary which houses dozens of non-releasable bald eagles that you can see up close. You’ll also see other famous predators like hawks, vultures, and owls. And then there are Dollywood's celebrations! While you’re there, you may run into the Festival of Nations showcasing international cultures, Dollywood’s Barbecue & Bluegrass marking the unofficial start of summer, an all-American Fourth of July celebration, or Harvest Festival which starts in fall and leads into the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration – so there’s something year-round to celebrate!

WHERE: 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 800-365-5996

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2 | Explore Clingmans Dome | At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The trek may not be for the faint of heart (or weak of legs) but the payoff—a 360-degree, 100-mile view of the Smokies—is well worth the workout.

WHERE: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-1200

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3 | Spend the day at Ober Gatlinburg | See the Smoky Mountains from a different point of view—downhill—as you explore Tennessee’s most popular amusement park and ski area. Hop on Ober Gatlinburg’s famous aerial tram and let it whisk you away to the park. From there, check out the mountainside coaster, and animal habitat, or get a little skiing in before heading back.

LOCAL TIP: Ober Gatlinburg is one of those places that justifies a vacation to the Smokies all by itself. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, it’s an attraction that guarantees one-of-a-kind fun. Wintertime Fun: Hit the slopes for a memorable dose of skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or just playing in the snow. For a slower pace, try ice skating, and if you prefer to stay upright with your feet planted firmly on the ground, opt for ice bumper cars for tons of fun. Also amazing is the aerial view as you ride the Aerial Tramway and absorb stunning sights of snow-covered mountain tops and blankets of snow below. Summertime Fun: An equally thrilling time to visit, there are plenty of activities to choose from during the warm season. From rock climbing, summer tubing, ice skating, mountain coaster, alpine slide, rock wall, scenic chairlift, carousel, and so much more, the fun never ends at Ober Gatlinburg.

WHERE: 1001 Parkway Suite 2, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738 | WHO: 865-436-5423

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4 | Sing your heart out at Soul of Motown Dinner Theater | It’s hard to beat dinner and a show, something that the Grand Majestic Dinner Theater knows all too well. And travelers agree—the theater’s biggest hit, Soul of Motown, has earned a five-star rating on TripAdvisor and serves up a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet to boot. Just make sure to practice your rendition of “My Girl” before you visit.

WHERE: 2330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-774-7777

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5 | Walk and shop along “The Strip” | Also known as the Village Shops, Gatlinburg’s downtown strip has 27 boutiques, galleries, and eateries. So, if you’re looking to take a slice of Gatlinburg home, opt for this quaint shopping center where you can find local and unique crafts, like moonshine-scented candles or handmade wind chimes.

WHERE: 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-3995

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6 | Commune with nature at Cades Cove | Take a trip into the Great Smoky Mountains and find the picturesque valley of Cades Cove, the single most popular destination within the national park. As you gaze upon the valley and its thriving wildlife, consider Cade Cove’s long history: first as a Cherokee settlement known as "Tsiya'hi," or "Otter Place," then as a European settlement, and later as a center for Tennessee’s abolitionist movement.

LOCAL TIP: Walking or biking are the best ways to experience the picturesque Cades Cove. From early May through late September when the Cove is closed to vehicles creating a cyclist's paradise, bring your own or rent a bike from any of Cades Cove Campground stores. Guided tours, horseback riding, hayrides, and picnicking areas are also available for families, couples, and folks who want to get away and enjoy the outdoors. Other amazing experiences; splash around in the cool Little River after a relaxing 2.6-mile hike to Walker Sisters Cabin, or take a stroller-friendly hike along the paved trail to Laurel Falls for your own shots of the most photographed spots in the Smokies - including the 80-foot cascade which promises an experience like no other!

WHERE: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-1200

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7 | Catch a show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede | A four-course meal. Horse-riding stunts. Kitschy yet entertaining musical productions. Consider it just another way to honor Dolly, the patron saint of all things Tennessee.

WHERE: 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-453-4400

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8 | Be a part of pancake history at the Pancake Pantry | As Tennessee’s very first pancake house, the Pancake Pantry has been making Tennessean history since 1960. No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without digging into a stack of their famous buttermilk pancakes.

WHERE: 628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4724

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9 | Take a trip up the Gatlinburg Space Needle | There’s more than one way to see the Smokies. Cue the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The experience starts with a glass elevator that climbs over 400 feet and then reveals an observation deck with panoramic views of the city and national park.

LOCAL TIP: Nothing beats the incredible 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountain and downtown Gatlinburg by way of a glass elevator that climbs over 400 feet high to the observation deck at the top of Gatlinburg Space Needle. Here you can savor the view and take breathtaking shots of the panoramic mountain vistas to share with loved ones back home.

WHERE: 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4629

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10 | Check out the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community | Established in 1937, the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is tightly intertwined with its history. With over 100 artisans and 8 miles of handicraft shops, the community has quickly become one of the largest groups of independent artisans in North America. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Wild Plum Tea Room, an old-world teahouse and one of Gatlinburg’s most-prized restaurants.

WHERE: 668 Glades Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-6921

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11 | Become a baked bean at the BUSH’S Baked Beans Factory Tour | Walk like a human bean through a giant BUSH’S Baked Beans can and see how the humble bean makes its journey from the factory to your stomach. Then, travel through time as you learn about the Bush family and their legacy. Be sure to pick up a Duke holiday ornament before heading home, so that everyone knows just how much you like beans.

WHERE: 3901 US-411, Dandridge, TN 37725 | WHO: 865-509-3077

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12 | Trek up Mount LeConte | Despite being the third tallest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Mount LeConte is arguably the most famous. It’s got it all: panoramic views, unique geological features, and a rich history. The summit can be reached by five trails, but the Alum Cave Trail is easily the most popular due to its proximity to notable landmarks along the way.

LOCAL TIP: This hike is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that is worth the workout and sense of accomplishment it brings. At over 5000 feet high, the challenging trek offers amazing viewpoints as you trek uphill the entire way. In case you’re wondering, there are places to stop and rest. For an even bolder adventure, hike to Alum Cave and cross through water, and into the moist, green, and wet terrain with magnificent rocks and so much moss and flora that create a stunning spectacle and photo-worthy shots.

WHERE: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-1200

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13 | Pig out at Bennett’s Pit BBQ | If you’re not eating barbecue during your visit to Tennessee, you’re doing it wrong. And if you’re not sampling Bennett’s Pit BBQ menu during your Gatlinburg visit, then you’re just plain missing out. With multiple awards under its belt and a serious commitment to the art of barbeque, Bennett’s Pit BBQ is a Gatlinburg gem. But don’t worry: Meat lovers and vegetarians are equally welcome.

WHERE: 714 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-2400

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14 | Pick a side at Lumberjack Feud | Maybe it’s never occurred to you to watch two lumberjacks duke it out through log rolls, axe throwing, and speed climbing competitions—or maybe it’s been your life-long dream, no judgment. Either way, it’s what you want. It’s what you need. It’s what you deserve.

WHERE: 2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-366-3330

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15 | Race Over to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum | Car lovers, rejoice! The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is right up your alley. Browse through a collection of over 40 Hollywood-famous vehicles, like The Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1 or the Duke of Hazard’s General Lee Dodge Charger. For most cars on display, you’ll be able to get into the driver’s seat and see 50 years of Hollywood history up close.

WHERE: 914 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-2200

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16 | Take a leisurely hike up to Grotto Falls | The Great Smoky Mountains aren’t all steep and strenuous. In fact, the hike up to Grotto Falls is a kid-friendly alternative that delivers just as many wildlife spotting and scenic views as the best of them. And it’s the only waterfall in the Smokies you can walk behind, too.

LOCAL TIP: Grotto Falls’ claim to fame is that you can literally walk behind the cascading waterfalls for the perfect picture. The roundtrip hike to Grotto Falls is typically 2.6 miles or 2-3 hours for the average hiker strolling leisurely and taking in the scenery. You’ll also cross over four small streams and see vibrant foliage, but nothing beats the powerful thunder of the waterfalls you’ll experience.

WHERE: Trillium Gap Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-1291

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17 | Take home a Tennessee tradition with Sugarlands Distilling Co. | Moonshine. In Tennessee, it’s more than liquor—it’s history. So, it’s natural that a trip to Gatlinburg includes a trip to a moonshine distillery. There you can sample award-winning spirits, get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, and even take some drinks home with you.

WHERE: 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325-1355

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18 | Learn to “zorb” at Outdoor Gravity Park | First things first, to “zorb” is to run downhill or through an obstacle course inside a giant inflatable ball. Outdoor Gravity Park is the only zorbing park in the U.S., so if rolling down a 1,000-foot hill in an 11-foot inflatable ball sounds like your idea of a good time, here’s your chance.

WHERE: 203 Sugar Hollow Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-366-2687

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19 | Get a taste of Gatlinburg at the Donut Friar | Yet another Gatlinburg gem, the Donut Friar is a small donut shop that’s been around since the 1960s. Made fresh every day, the donuts found here have made the shop a classic in town. But beware: the Donut Friar is cash only.

WHERE: 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-7306

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20 | Go Underground with the Forbidden Caverns | Beneath the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountain range you can find a series of underground caves and caverns. That’s cool enough on its own, but add in some funky lights and psychedelic sound effects and you’ve got something special: The Forbidden Caverns.

WHERE: 455 Blowing Cave Road, Sevierville, TN 37876 | WHO: 865-453-5972

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21 | Get creative at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair | Every fall and summer, something beautiful happens in downtown Gatlinburg. Hundreds of artisans and musicians flock to the city and set up their wares at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. It’s easily the best way to pick up homemade crafts and take in the local music scene.

WHERE: 234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-7479

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22 | Visit the only museum that matters: The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum | View over 20,000 pairs of shakers, some dating back to the 1500s, and learn everything there is to know about the seasoning tool you’ve probably never thought twice about. To no one’s surprise, it’s the only Shaker museum in the U.S. and one of only two in the world, so be sure to check it out while in town.

WHERE: 461 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-5515

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23 | Hike the Gregory Bald Hike | Say hello to bulging calf muscles, cracking knees, and an unrivaled sense of superiority over “lesser” Great Smoky Mountain hikers. Get all this—plus pretty amazing mountain views and glimpses of beautiful wildlife, like Flame Azaleas in bloom—when you undertake the notoriously strenuous Gregory Bald hike.

WHERE: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-1200

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24 | Spice it up at Mama’s Chicken Kitchen | You can’t come to Tennessee and not try hot chicken. Sorry, we don’t make the rules. If you’re in Gatlinburg, check out Mama’s Chicken Kitchen to cross this Tennessee classic off your bucket list.

LOCAL TIP: If you’re looking for downhome fairly priced southern cooking with generous servings on your plate or to go, this is the spot for you! Food choices include chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, strawberry, and peach sauce – and DELICIOUS BISCUITS. The biscuits are huge and the jams are homemade from scratch!

WHERE: 1244 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-412-1333

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25 | Spend a Summer day at the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta | Floating, racing, and unmanned—the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta is sure to float the boat of any competitive boat enthusiast. The race takes place on the Fourth of July, so plan your Independence Day celebrations accordingly.

LOCAL TIP: The race is open to all ages and typically starts at noon with contestants sending unmanned floating crafts down the river for a shot at the third, second, or first place trophy. There’s even a trophy given out for the most creative float.

WHERE: Downtown Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 800-588-1817

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26 | See history come to life at the Glenn Cardwell Heritage Museum | From its Cherokee roots to its role in the Civil War, the Smoky Mountain region has a rich history ready to be shared. That’s where the Glenn Cardwell Heritage Museum comes in.

WHERE: 2455 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-5499

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27 | Find your thrills at Anakeesta theme park | It’s a special combination: thrill rides with a mountain backdrop. From “dueling” ziplines to mountain coasters, Anakeesta makes the most of its environment while delivering scenic and exhilarating experiences perfect for any theme park lover.

LOCAL TIP: The 12-minute ride up the mountain is one of the highlights to experience even before the adventure starts. The ride is free of charge and you can go up and down as many times as you please. If you want to visit when it is less crowded, try the weekdays. Also, the lines can be long, so buy your ticket online to avoid the wait and go straight to the lift.

WHERE: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325-2400

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28 | Relive your childhood at the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum | This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill museum. The Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is wholly interactive and features over 100 limited-edition pinball machines and arcade games—and playing them is covered with just one flat entrance fee. Jackpot.

WHERE: 205 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-9947

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29 | Relax at the Smoky Mountain Brewery | What looks like a ski lodge but operates like a Bavarian beer hall? That’s right, the Smoky Mountain Brewery. Come for the micro-brewed beers, stay for the burgers and mountain views.

WHERE: 1004 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-4200

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30 | Pick up some pieces at Pigeon Forge Pottery | Arts and crafts are a crucial element of Gatlinburg’s culture and Pigeon Forge Pottery is another piece to that puzzle. For over 50 years, Pigeon Forge Pottery has produced impressive yet practical pottery, each handmade and individually fired. It’s a special place in the heart of Gatlinburg and well worth a visit.

WHERE: 175 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-453-1104

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31 | Take a trip to Rainbow Falls | Your journey to Rainbow Falls starts just outside Gatlinburg with the Rainbow Falls trailhead. It’s a relatively new trail that delivers an 80-foot-tall waterfall. See it on a sunshiny day and you may even catch a glimmer of the mist-induced rainbows that give the waterfall its name.

WHERE: Rainbow Falls Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-1200

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32 | Spend the day at Ripley’s Believe it or Not | When it comes to Ripley institutions in Gatlinburg, you have a lot of choices, including haunted adventures, mirror mazes, and aquariums. But trust us, you can’t go wrong with a classic: Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

WHERE: 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-5096

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33 | Connect with history in Elkmont Ghost Town | Eerie? Check. Historical? Check. Yours to explore to your heart’s content? Triple check. The defunct Elkmont Campground was once a logging town turned vacation village. In the years since, the area has been claimed by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the town itself has landed on the National Historic Register, which means while it’s uninhabited, it is maintained and open to the public.

LOCAL TIP: So, here's the back story! Elkmont was first settled in the 1840s. In 1934, residents had to decide if they would sell their homes for the full value and relocate immediately or sell to the National Park Service for a discounted price and remain in their homes for the duration of their lifetime or until 1992 when the leases expired. Fast forward to 1992, the leases expired and the National Park Service was left with 70 homes and no resources to maintain them. This led to an entire community of abandoned buildings - which became known as Elkmont Ghost Town.

WHERE: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-1200

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34 | Get fudgy with it at Fudge Shoppe of the Smokies | Between all the exploring and sightseeing, you’re bound to build up an appetite. That’s where the Fudge Shoppe of the Smokies comes in. A Gatlinburg favorite, this fudge shop makes all of its sweets in-house.

WHERE: 716 Parkway #114, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-5052

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35 | Raft through the Smokies | Experience the Smokies by water as you raft down the Upper and Lower Pigeon River, a 70-mile river that flows through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

WHERE: 813 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 800-776-7238

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36 | Check out A Mountain Quiltfest | For 26 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated the art of the quilt with its very own quilting festival. So, if you’re in town during the annual event, be sure to stop by to see what expert-level quilting can look like.

WHERE: 2986 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-453-8574

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37 | Pay a visit to the Walker Sisters | Visit the cabin of the Walker Sisters—five sisters, each unmarried in their lifetimes and staunch believers in the “old ways” of living—who helped promote the Great Smoky Mountain National Park during its infancy. It’s an educational experience that lets you experience life in Gatlinburg during the 1840s.

WHERE: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville, TN 37862 | WHO: 865-436-1200

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38 | Have a family-friendly day at Davy Crockett’s Mini Golf | Want to take a break from all the history and wilderness? Davy Crockett Mini Golf has you covered. It’s a relaxing way to spend the day and is great for all ages.

WHERE: 188 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-8851

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39 | Grab a bite at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen | Get a taste of Southern-style cooking with *the* Southern-style chef. Sure, it may be slathered in butter, but we all know that just makes everything taste better. There are only a handful of Paula Deen restaurants around the U.S., so if you’re a fan, you butter check it out.

WHERE: 131 The Island Drive #8101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-366-1510

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40 | Dig in at the Alamo Steakhouse | Do you “Remember the Alamo”? Well, the Alamo Steakhouse will have you saying “Remember the steak” instead. In addition to being an excellent steakhouse, it’s also something of an homage to Davy Crockett and the nearly 2,000 Tennessean volunteers who fought in the Mexican-American War.

WHERE: 3050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-908-9998

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41 | Zoom through Gatlinburg with CLIMB Works | Whether you’re interested in a thrill, in a learning moment, or some scenic views, CLIMB Works has you covered. Experience a guided ziplining adventure that takes you through some of Gatlinburg’s most breathtaking panoramas.

WHERE: 155 Branam Hollow Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-325-8116

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42 | Ride the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster | It’s exactly what it sounds like – a rollercoaster nudged against a Gatlinburg mountain. What you don’t know: it’s the fastest mountain coaster in Tennessee!

WHERE: 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-5577

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43 | Pick up some souvenirs at Alewine Pottery | Have you noticed that Gatlinburg loves arts and crafts? Well, grabbing some pieces is one of the best ways to bring some of this city home with you. If you want to make that happen, visit Alewine Pottery.

WHERE: 623 Glades Road # 10, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-430-7828

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44 | Play a round at Hillbilly Golf | Nope, it’s not a scene out of Deliverance—it’s Hillbilly Golf. Sure, it’s a little kitschy but it’s a nice reprieve from a strenuous day hiking in the Smokies. So, kick back, enjoy the view (Hillbilly Golf sits atop a mountain), and practice your putting.

WHERE: 340 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-7470

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45 | Bring Japan to the Smokies with Little Tokyo | You may not have thought you’d find authentic sushi in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, but contemporary Japanese steakhouse Little Tokyo is ready to change your mind. But beware, this spot is popular so there may be a line.

WHERE: 2430 Teaster Lane # 212, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-908-0555

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46 | Travel through time to the Old Mill | Make sure to stop by the Old Mill, one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the U.S. (and one of the most photographed, too). Today, you can grab a bite to eat at the Old Mill Restaurant or grab some last-minute gifts in the general store.

WHERE: 164 Old Mill Avenue, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-429-3463

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47 | Take a scenic drive through the Roaring Fork Motor Trail | Prefer to see your nature and history within the comfort (and air conditioning) of your car? The Roaring Fork Motor Trail delivers exactly that. Drive the six-mile long road and you’ll spot 100-year-old cabins, bucolic vistas, and eventually, Ely’s Mill, where you can find locally made antiques.

WHERE: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-1200

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48 | Rehydrate at Dollywood’s Splash Country | After hiking the Great Smoky Mountains, you may want a slower day. And if you can get it by soaking in a lazy river, then that’s even better. But don’t worry, Dollywood’s Splash Country has thrilling water rides too, if you want to keep the energy going.

WHERE: 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 800-365-5996

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49 | Sample the wares at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler | “The Holler” is the perfect place to sample flavored moonshine as well as Tennessee whiskey. If you like what you see/taste, you can always take some home with you.

WHERE: 903 Parkway Suite 128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 865-436-6995

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50 | Browse through the Smoky Mountain Art Gallery | Just in case you haven’t gotten enough arts and crafts on your Gatlinburg trip. With over 35 resident artists, the gallery features one-of-a-kind artwork and sculptures that truly capture the soul of local artists.

WHERE: 968 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | WHO: 844-686-2787

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51 | Explore every inch of The Island | Ranked a top 10 amusement park in the U.S. (for the second year in a row in fact) the Island boasts over 80 shops, restaurants, and attractions. In other words, something for every type of traveler.

WHERE: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | WHO: 865-286-0119

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Gatlinburg

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both incredible spots to visit. If you're looking to experience the true tourist experience of the Smoky Mountains, you'll want to visit Gatlinburg. If you're looking for an equally thrilling experience, but a little away from the crowds, Pigeon Forge is your answer.

Space Needle

Gatlinburg's Skylift Park

Ripley's Aquarium

Ober Mountain

Anakeesta

Gatlinburg is the gateway community for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America. With three park entrances right in town, Gatlinburg serves as a basecamp for many of the 14 million park visitors each year.

Take a family hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Rent a UTV from Mtn Trax

Rent a cabin for a relaxing weekend

Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge

Take an off-road UTV or ATV tour

Experience Ober Gatlinburg

Ride in a biplane with Sky High Air Tours

The best time to visit Gatlinburg is between September and October. The two peak seasons in Gatlinburg are summer (June, July and August) and the month of October, when the fall foliage is at its zenith.

If you're going to Gatlinburg, plan for at least three days. You can do it in two, but you'll feel a little rushed. Anything past three days and you're going to want to reach out to Pigeon Forge and explore what's happening over there.

Locals love Greenbrier swimming hole, Townsend Wye and Metcalf Bottoms. Metcalf Bottoms features plenty of picnic tables, making it a great spot for a day by the river. Live like a local while you're visiting Gatlinburg. Instead of a hotel, choose a cabin rental for all the space and conveniences of home.

Pigeon Forge is generally the cheaper option when comparing lodging, activities, and restaurants. However, there are exceptions to every rule. Be sure to compare prices for each city before making your final decision.

The abundance of fun things to do and the lack of state income tax are attractive perks that come with living in Gatlinburg. However, the expensive housing, high crime rate, and scorching summers are major drawbacks. Regardless, your decision to move would be based on your choices and preferences

U.S. Highway 441, also called the Parkway, cuts through central downtown Gatlinburg. The walkable street is lined with all the attractions, shops, and food needed for a perfect vacation.

If you want to visit Gatlinburg on a budget, then your best bet is to go during the off-season. January and February are considered the off-season. March and May are also among the more affordable times to go.

Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather.

The distance from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg is just a short five miles. 2. For a different, but equally scenic route, drivers can take the Gatlinburg Bypass and, when it ends, take a left on 321/441.

Is Gatlinburg worth visiting? Yes! With all the shopping, food and activities you will have a great visit and maybe even try something new like taffy logs, mountain coasters, ziplining or rafting.

From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. To enjoy them, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway. The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November.

Most nights have lows at or below freezing, but lows of -20°F are possible at high elevations. In the low elevations, snows of 1" or more occur 1-5 times a year. Snow falls more frequently in the higher mountains and up to two feet can fall during a storm.

While a hotel might be great for a trip to New York City, if you're vacationing in Gatlinburg, TN, a cabin rental is far and away the best place to stay. A cabin provides an authentic Smoky Mountain experience that you simply can't find with any other type of lodging.

For the most part, Pigeon Forge is not pedestrian friendly. Attractions are spread along a 5-mile section of Parkway that is heavy with traffic most of the day and usually into the evening. There are sidewalks, but crossing can be difficult – the road is six lanes wide, and stoplights are far apart.

The city of Gatlinburg is easily walkable and the inexpensive trolley that operates 365 days a year offers service to nearby attractions. However, you'll need a car to take advantage of the scenic driving loops or to access areas of the national park that aren't within walking distance.

Fresh rainbow trout

Stone ground cornmeal and grits

Local wildflower and sourwood honey

Homemade candies like taffy and fudge

Homemade maple syrup

Locally grown preserves and jellies

Homemade biscuits and sawmill gravy

Apple butter and apple dumplings

You don't want to get too dressed up to walk around the main streets. You will want to wear loose, casual clothing in this mountain town, especially in layers. The mornings start out cool, warm up in the afternoons, and slowly taper off in the evenings.

Downtown Gatlinburg is compact and walkable – just be aware that its sidewalks can get uncomfortably crowded. The main thoroughfare is Parkway/US 441, which rolls south through Gatlinburg right into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Walking at a “normal” pace, it only takes about three minutes to get from one end to the other. Naturally, you'll want to stop along the way to enjoy the views, snap photos, and check out the glass bottom halfway through.

The only way to access the top of the mountain (where the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is located) is to buy an admission ticket at the SkyLift Park ticket window and then ride the yellow SkyLift chair to the top of the mountain.

The cheapest time to visit Pigeon Forge is during the winter. The cold weather and demands of the holiday season keep tourists away, so hotels lower their prices in order to book rooms. Many attractions also offer discounts during the off-season, so you can save money while still seeing the sights.

The least busy time to visit Pigeon Forge is during the winter, as long as you avoid the major holidays. Many attractions have special displays and events for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so you might encounter crowds at restaurants and tourist locations.

Late winter and early spring is definitely the least crowded time to visit Gatlinburg. If you're in town this time of year, you'll get to enjoy shorter waits at attractions and restaurants like the popular Pancake Pantry.

The average price of a seven-day trip to Gatlinburg is $1,641 for a solo traveler, $2,947 for a couple, and $5,525 for a family of four. Gatlinburg hotels range from $45 to $274 per night with an average of $83, while most vacation rentals will cost $260 to $540 per night for the entire home.

If you pull up a crime map on City Data, statically, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge crime rates are a bit higher than the national average. Notably, Gatlinburg is safer than Pigeon Forge. Most incidents are either a burglary, robbery, theft or auto theft.

Newfound Gap Road. Also known as US-441, The Newfound Gap Road is arguably the most iconic scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. Beginning at an elevation of 1,289 Ft in Gatlinburg TN, this mountain road climbs to 5,046 Ft at Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass in the national park.

The National Park Service reports snowstorms in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains happen mostly in February and January. This is because, on average, precipitation levels tend to be higher during these two months. So how much does it snow, you might ask? Gatlinburg sees about 9 inches of snow each year, on average.

Elkmont Ghost Town. After the park service purchased the land and the leases expired, over 70 buildings stood in the park with nobody to maintain them. They began to deteriorate and turned into what is known as the "Elkmont Ghost Town" in the Smoky Mountains.

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Last thoughts on your Gatlinburg, Tennessee bucket list

With over fifty activities on our list, you can imagine how tricky hitting each one on a vacation itinerary would be. So, as you plan your Gatlinburg trip, be sure to choose carefully and do your research. But trust us, no matter what you choose, you’ll have a unique experience you can only have in the heart of the Smokies. Looking for more Tennessee travel inspo? Check out the Westgate Travel blog for more tips and tricks!

For even more Gatlinburg ideas, be sure to check out the 10 top attractions for families in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and the 10 ways you can conquer your fears at the Skybridge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your Gatlinburg vacation awaits! Explore our Gatlinburg hotels today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.


RELATED ARTICLE:

10 top attractions for families in gatlinburg and pigeon forge

* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

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