Living just a few hours from the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve visited Gatlinburg, Tennessee at least twenty times. Thinking back on all these ventures, here are my top Gatlinburg top things to do!

These may all fit into one Gatlinburg trip, or you can spread them out! There’s a little something for everyone and every occasion! 🐻⛰️🥾

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1.) Cabin Time– In my opinion, if you aren’t going to rent one of the thousands of beautiful, rustic cabins when you visit Gatlinburg, then you’re crazy! Save a hotel for another trip. This is part of the experience!

Read on: My favorite things to do in nearby Pigeon Forge

Staying in a cabin is half the reason we go to this area so much. I love the wooden interiors, sweeping mountain views, and time in a hot tub looking at the stars. See my cabin recommendations at the end of this post! 

2.) Hiking– If you’re going to be in the area and not visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you are crazy!

One of the most visited national parks in the country, there is a huge abundance of trails, beautiful views, and chances for wildlife sightings.🐻

Read more: What I think are the best hikes in the Smokies

3.) The Strip in Gatlinburg– Gatlinburg is maybe known just as much for its cheesy main strip as it is for the national park.

A bit like a country version of Las Vegas, the strip is about as cheesy as it gets. Despite this, I somehow still love it. It’s something you need to experience!

Simply walking down the street and taking in all the shops, mini golf, wacky museums, old time photos, and moonshine tastings can easily fill an entire day or two.

Over the years I’ve discovered my favorite things to do on this famous Gatlinburg street:

1.) Smoky Mountain Brewery– The ideal spot for lunch or dinner! Original craft beers brewed on site, tasty food, a great ambiance, and…free parking! 🍺

2.) Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler– This little corner of the strip not only teaches the history of moon-shining, but it most often has live bluegrass music playing. 🎻

The atmosphere is great, and you can sample tiny shooters of moonshine from the enthusiastic staff. This is always one of my favorite things!

3.) Aquarium of the Smokies– A bit pricey, but an amazing place. Ideal to beat the heat too! 🐟

4.) Mountain Candy– Get some taffy logs from Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, and some rock candy too! 🍬

5.) Putt-Putt & Go-Kart– If you never do these activities anywhere else, this is the place to do it! There are an abundance of spots to make this happen. ⛳

4.) Country Drives & Nature Appreciation– Another activity I love to do is just to drive around aimlessly on what I like to call a “country drive”.

You’ll end up finding hidden gems and classic “backwoods Americana”.

More of my favorite finds:

1.) Arts and Crafts– On one of these drives, we discovered the “Arts and Crafts Community”. Here you can buy anything from a wooden bear sculpture to custom Christmas ornaments (highly recommend Santa’s Claus-et). 🎨

You also need to visit the Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge! 🎅

2.) The Alpine Slide– The only other place I’ve seen the chance to slide down a mountainside on a toboggan was in Switzerland, and I honestly think the slide here was better! 🛝

3.) Anakeesta- This popular spot is worth a visit! This is a “mountaintop adventure park” above the Gatlinburg strip.

It has great views along with a splash pad, playgrounds, canopy walks, zip-lining, and more. |See a video of our Anakeesta experience!) 🌲

4.) Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail– This 5.5 mile self guided drive allows you to enjoy the nature of the Smokies without having to hike or go too far from your car. 🚙

The trail offers a pamphlet explaining the history of the stops, with several scenic places of interest along the way. Plus, it’s right off the main strip. |See a video of our Roaring Fork experience!)

5.) Sky Lifts and Bridges– There are several places you can ride chair lifts up to scenic mountain views, but the best is Gatlinburg Sky Bridge. 🌉

While the chairlift ride up is a little scary, it’s a great time once safely at the top. Walking across the longest suspension bridge in the area is definitely memorable!

6.) The Abandoned Town of Elkmont– This ghost town is a fascinating visit. Simply drive to the entrance, and walk around and explore! 👻

Lodging: In the past, we have stayed at a variety of beautiful cabins (Most recently, Beaver’s Mountaintop Retreat which has an indoor pool!).

Typically, we find these cabins using local agency, CabinsForYou. 🏡

However, you can also try VRBO for dozens of others in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Read about hotels in Gatlinburg with indoor pools too! 

More Helpful Links:

♥ See things to do in nearby Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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♥ Find a fun local tour or activity to book

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