best things to do in gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular vacation destination known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. Here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg:

Outdoor Activities:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the beautiful mountains, forests, and wildlife of this national park, which offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
2. Ober Gatlinburg: This ski resort and amusement park offers year-round activities, including skiing, ice skating, and an alpine slide.
3. Gatlinburg Riverwalk: Take a stroll along the Little Pigeon River and enjoy the scenic views, shops, and restaurants.
4. Whitewater Rafting: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River.
5. Zip Lining: Fly through the trees on one of Gatlinburg’s many zip line courses.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

1. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park: This amusement park offers a variety of rides, including a chairlift, alpine slide, and arcade games.
2. Gatlinburg Space Needle: Take a ride on this 400-foot-tall observation tower for panoramic views of the city.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Explore the underwater world of this aquarium, which features sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
4. Anakeesta: This outdoor attraction offers a treetop canopy walk, ziplining, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
5. Gatlinburg Strip: This lively strip is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions, including mini-golf courses and arcades.

Other Attractions:

1. The Island at Pigeon Forge: This entertainment complex offers a variety of attractions, including a giant Ferris wheel, haunted house, and arcade games.
2. Gatlinburg Strip’s Mini-Golf Courses: Play a round of mini-golf at one of the many courses in the area.
3. The Comedy Barn: Enjoy a variety of comedy acts, including magic shows and musical performances.
4. Gatlinburg’s Historic Downtown: Explore the charming shops and restaurants of Gatlinburg’s historic downtown area.
5. The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Take a ride on this chairlift for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Seasonal Events:

1. Gatlinburg Winterfest: Enjoy festive lights, decorations, and events throughout the winter season.
2. Gatlinburg Summer Concert Series: Attend outdoor concerts featuring local and national acts.
3. Gatlinburg Fall Festival: Celebrate the fall season with live music, food vendors, and craft fairs.
4. Gatlinburg Christmas Parade: Watch the festive parade and enjoy holiday lights and decorations.
5. Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Celebration: Ring in the new year with live music, fireworks, and festivities.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Gatlinburg. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, or seasonal events, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful Smoky Mountain town.