things to do in gatlinburg tennessee

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

Outdoor Activities:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the beautiful mountains, forests, and wildlife of the national park.
2. Hiking: Gatlinburg has numerous hiking trails for all skill levels, including the Alum Cave Trail and the Laurel Falls Trail.
3. Whitewater Rafting: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River.
4. Ziplining: Fly through the trees on one of Gatlinburg’s many ziplining courses.
5. Fishing: Try your luck at catching trout or other fish in the many streams and lakes in the area.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

1. Dollywood: A theme park owned by Dolly Parton, featuring roller coasters, live music, and craft demonstrations.
2. Ober Gatlinburg: A ski resort and amusement park with an alpine slide, arcade games, and an ice skating rink.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
4. Anakeesta: An outdoor attraction with a treetop canopy walk, ziplining, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
5. MagiQuest: An interactive game where players use magic wands to complete quests and challenges.

Shopping and Dining:

1. The Strip: A lively shopping and dining district with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
2. Gatlinburg Strip Mall: A large shopping center with a variety of stores and restaurants.
3. The Village Shops: An outdoor shopping center with a variety of boutiques and restaurants.
4. Anakeesta’s Cliff Top: A restaurant with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
5. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que: A popular barbecue restaurant with a variety of meats and sides.

Other Attractions:

1. Gatlinburg Space Needle: A 400-foot-tall observation tower with stunning views of the city.
2. The Island at Pigeon Forge: A entertainment complex with a giant Ferris wheel, haunted house, and other attractions.
3. Gatlinburg Strip’s Haunted Attractions: A variety of haunted houses and haunted hayrides throughout the city.
4. The Comedy Barn: A variety show featuring comedy, magic, and music.
5. Gatlinburg’s Christmas Parade: A festive parade held every year during the holiday season.

Seasonal Events:

1. Winterfest: A festive event held every year from late November to early January, featuring lights, decorations, and holiday activities.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair: A fair featuring local artisans and craftspeople selling handmade goods.
3. Gatlinburg’s Summer Concert Series: A free concert series held every summer evening.
4. Gatlinburg’s Fall Festival: A festival featuring live music, food, and craft vendors.
5. Gatlinburg’s Christmas Parade: A festive parade held every year during the holiday season.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, or shopping and dining, Gatlinburg has something for everyone.