Eight Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a small town in Tennessee with a population of only 4000 people. Yet, this mountain town welcomes 12 million visitors each year. So, it is safe to say that Gatlinburg is quite a popular tourist spot.
And, if you are planning your next vacation, Gatlinburg would be the perfect choice for you.
There are many reasons why Gatlinburg is the perfect destination for a fun-filled vacation, whether it’s with family or friends. For one, it is the most popular entrance to the breathtaking Smoky Mountains National Park.
On the other hand, it offers its visitors numerous other activities as well. This includes amusement parks, museums, fine dining, and much more.
Things to do in Gatlinburg
So, if you’re planning the perfect itinerary for your trip to Gatlinburg, we are here to help you. Here are all the places you can visit and things you can do in Gatlinburg for a memorable vacation.
Stay in amazing hotels.
The accommodation you select affects your vacation’s overall experience. You want to stay at a clean hotel with all the necessary amenities, good food, and proximity to all the main attractions.
Luckily, Gatlinburg has some great accommodation options as it welcomes many visitors yearly. So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Gatlinburg, we suggest booking a hotel.
You can pick a hotel in downtown Gatlinburg, as it is closer to many popular tourist spots. You can easily reach many places by walking or taking the famous Gatlinburg trolley.
In addition, hotels also offer some amazing amenities like river-view rooms, heated pools, free WIFI, and much more. All these amenities and the option of different rooms can help you stay relaxed and stress-free throughout your vacation.
Explore the Smoky Mountains National Park
Although this goes without saying, no trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a trip to the Smoky Mountains National Park, as it is the greatest attraction there. So, your vacation is the perfect chance to connect with nature, relax, and breathe fresh air.
The most popular way to visit the park is by car, allowing you to cover more areas easily. You can also plan a nice picnic and enjoy your lunch here. However, if you’re up for it, you can always hike on the trail of your choice.
Visit Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a mountaintop park filled with amazing activities for you to enjoy. So, if you want an authentic and fun outdoor experience, you can check it out. It is located about 600 feet above Gatlinburg, and you can get there by chairlift.
Once you get to the top, you can enjoy many things apart from the stunning views. For instance, you can eat, shop or participate in thrilling activities like ziplining. You can also visit the AnaVista Tower’s highest point or stroll along bridges 60 feet above the ground.
And don’t forget to experience the most mesmerizing sunset you will ever see up in the mountains.
Go gem mining
Another fun yet unique thing you can do in Gatlinburg is gem mining. This activity is especially great for you if you are going on a family vacation. You can mine gems in several places and get transported back in time. And gem mining is available at Anakeesta as well.
Some exquisite gems like sapphires and rubies are buried under the dirt. And the best part is that you can keep any gems you find, turn them into jewelry, or take them home as souvenirs.
Explore hidden caves
Tennessee is known for its cave systems; some caves have not yet been explored. So, if you’re looking for an adventure, you can visit some of the caves close to Gatlinburg. One of these famous hidden caves is the Lost Sea, a 1 hour and 41-minute drive from Gatlinburg.
It got its name due to a lake in the cave. The Guinness Book of World Records named it the biggest underground lake in America. You can book a trip if you want to visit this cave; however, you must go with a guide to learn about the cave’s wonders and stay safe.
The cave is well-lit and has a proper walkway for added safety so you can explore the cave. It is so big that you can even ride a boat.
Get to know life under the sea at Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is another fun yet informative place you can visit on your trip to Gatlinburg. This is an excellent spot, especially if you are traveling with children. The Aquarium is located on the main strip of downtown Gatlinburg. So, it will probably be close to your hotel.
At Ripley’s Aquarium, you can see all the amazing sea animals you have only heard of. For instance, you can see stingrays, sharks, and many more. You can even see penguins and interact with them face-to-face.
Visit the Gatlinburg SkyPark
If you want some thrill in your vacation, you can visit the Gatlinburg SkyPark. You can reach the park via a chairlift, which will take you to the top of Crockett Mountain. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the view or walk on the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, the SkyBridge.
This bridge is 680 feet long and suspended around 140 feet above Gatlinburg. So, it is safe to say that this walk is only fit for the brave.
Enjoy a game of mini-golf
Now that you know about all the adventurous things to do in Gatlinburg, let’s discuss something different. If you want to have a relaxing day and are looking for a fun yet easy activity, you can always go for a game of mini-golf.
Gatlinburg has many indoor mini-golf courses you can enjoy with friends and family. Some of these also have a specific theme which doubles the fun.
Concluding Thoughts
Everyone needs a vacation occasionally to help them relax and leave their busy lives behind – Gatlinburg is the perfect destination for a fun-filled and memorable experience.
Whether you’re an adventure lover who wants to explore the mountains or someone who wants to relax in nature and engage in light activities, it has something for everyone.
We only highlighted a few of this amazing town’s many activities. So, if you’re planning your next vacation, we recommend you pick a suitable hotel and list all the places you want to visit beforehand.
