Home Cades Cove What To Do In Gatlinburg | Top 9 Activities For Every Season

What To Do In Gatlinburg | Top 9 Activities For Every Season

by Corey Piccirillo
Looking for what to do in Gatlinburg? You can always check out Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg

Looking for what to do in Gatlinburg? Gatlinburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. This small town is teeming with things to do, regardless of the time of year. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or something a little more low-key, here are ten great ideas to get you started!

Gatlinburg Parkway With An Array Of Shops And Attractions

Explore Parkway In Gatlinburg

Parkway in Gatlinburg is open year-round, and it is the heart of Gatlinburg, with most of its top attractions being along this stretch of road! The short stripe of Gatlinburg Parkway has over 25+ different restaurants, over 30+ attractions, and 37+ parking lots where the average parking is $10-$20… there is a free Gatlinburg Trolley that can take you to different points on Parkway without spending money! Some of my favorite attractions along Parkway are also on this list! 

Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 400-foot-tall observation tower that offers panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the top of the tower, enjoying the views from an outdoor observation deck. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the tallest structures in Gatlinburg, and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Gatlinburg.

Moonshine samples of course are always a must

Moonshine Samples

Gatlinburg is known for its moonshine, and there are many places to find samples of this delicious drink. Gatlinburg Moonshine Distillery offers a free tour and tasting, as well as the opportunity to buy a souvenir jar of moonshine. Old Smoky Moonshine Distillery also offers free tours and tastings, in addition to live music and a gift shop. Sugarlands Distilling Company offers free tours and tastings, as well as the chance to buy moonshine by the bottle. All of these Gatlinburg moonshine distilleries are great places to try a sample of this uniquely American drink!

Ober Gatlinburg

One of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions is Ober Gatlinburg, an alpine resort that offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. In addition to its winter sports facilities, Ober Gatlinburg also features an amusement park, water park, and a variety of other amusements. Visitors can ride the aerial tramway to the top of the resort for stunning views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. There is also a mountain coaster, animal encounter sanctuary, and chairlift at Ober Gatlinburg.

Anakeesta Live Performance

Anakeesta

Experience this 70 acres mountain-top theme park in Gatlinburg! Anakeesta is a one-of-a-kind theme park that offers something for everyone. From thrilling rides to relaxing hikes, there’s something for everyone at Anakeesta. There are over 8 dining options and 11 different attractions. With stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, it’s no wonder why Anakeesta is one of the most popular Gatlinburg attractions. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Gatlinburg experience, be sure to add Anakeesta to your list!

Skylift Park is a great attraction

Gatlinburg Skylift Park

Gatlinburg Skylift Park is a Gatlinburg, Tennessee-based amusement park that features a variety of family-friendly attractions. The park is home to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, as well as the Gatlinburg SkyTrail, a series of zip lines and aerial bridges. Visitors can also take a scenic ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, a chairlift that offers sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains. In addition to its many rides and attractions, Gatlinburg Skylift Park also offers a variety of dining and shopping options, making it the perfect place to spend a day with the family.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

 The aquarium is home to over 10,000 different aquatic animals, including sharks, stingrays, and loggerhead sea turtles. Visitors can explore the various habitats of the aquarium, including the Coral Reef and Penguin Playhouse. The aquarium also offers educational programs and interactive exhibits. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions, and it is sure to provide a fun and educational experience for everyone in the family.

Go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This is one of my favorite things that Gatlinburg has to offer – since it’s literally at the park’s foothills! The best part? It’s always free to explore, and it’s open year-round! The Great Smoky Mountains is over 522,000 acres. Clingman’s Dome is one of my absolute favorite spots in the Smokies. It is the park’s highest point at 6,643 feet in elevation – and the views are unforgettable! The crazy part is that Clingmans Dome is just a tiny fraction of everything you can do and see in the National Park!

Scenic Drives

If you want something cheap, I mean free to do, that will take your breath away and be memorable, look no further than the scenic drives throughout Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best part is that these scenic drives mentioned below are open year-round – unless the snow is terrible. Some of my all-time favorite scenic drives that I always recommend to a friend are Cades Cove Loop, New Found Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Foothills Parkway! Definitely check these out if you’re looking to vibe out on a beautiful drive through the mountains.

Gatlinburg Things To Do Overview

Share These Gatlinburg Activities With Friends!

So, if you’re looking for a great getaway that offers plenty of things to do, Gatlinburg should definitely be at the top of your list. Don’t forget to call us for discounts on your lodging and attractions!

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