Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN
Looking for the best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an outdoor adventure in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers plenty of ways to fill your days.
Known as the Gateway to the Smokies, Gatlinburg sits beside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and combines mountain scenery with attractions, outdoor recreation, entertainment, shopping, dining, and family-friendly activities. The city was officially recognized as the “Gateway to the Smokies” in 2026, reflecting its longstanding connection to the national park.
From hiking and scenic drives to mountain coasters, aquariums, mini-golf, museums, and mountaintop adventures, you can easily build a Gatlinburg itinerary around the experiences your group enjoys most.
Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg
There is no single way to experience Gatlinburg. Some visitors come primarily for the Great Smoky Mountains, while others want to spend their vacation exploring downtown attractions.
Here are some of the most popular ways to experience the area.
National Park
Explore miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, historic buildings, scenic overlooks, photography spots, and wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Enjoy panoramic Smoky Mountain scenery accessible from downtown via chairlift, featuring the signature SkyBridge and elevated mountaintop viewing experiences.
Anakeesta
Mountaintop adventure park featuring Treetop Skywalk, Firefly Village, updated overlooks, and the new 2026 Crystal Express all-glass gondola system.
Mountain Coasters
Control your ride down mountain tracks through the forest at Ripley's Mountain Coaster and other area tracks for a dose of mountain adrenaline.
Space Needle
Observation tower rising over 400 feet above Gatlinburg, offering 360-degree panoramic views of downtown and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
Ripley's Aquarium
Top indoor attraction with marine life, underwater viewing tunnels, and interactive exhibits—perfect for kids, rainy days, or afternoon breaks.
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For many visitors, exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at the top of the list.
The park offers miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain streams, scenic overlooks, historic buildings, wildlife viewing, and beautiful drives through the mountains.
Popular activities include:
- Hiking & Waterfall viewing
- Wildlife watching & Scenic drives
- Photography, Picnicking & Fishing
- Exploring historic mountain communities
Walk Along the Gatlinburg Parkway
If you want to experience the energy of Gatlinburg, spend some time walking along the Parkway.
The downtown area brings together restaurants, shops, attractions, entertainment, arcades, museums, candy shops, mini-golf, and other activities. Many attractions are close enough together that you can explore several without spending the entire day behind the wheel.
More Top Gatlinburg Activities
Mini-Golf
A classic Gatlinburg tradition with themed courses like Gatlin’s Mini Golf and Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini-Golf throughout the city.
Ober Mountain
Year-round mountaintop destination reached via scenic aerial tramway, featuring seasonal sports, amusements, and panoramic vistas.
Ziplining
Guided zipline canopy tours with CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains provide adrenaline-filled outdoor adventure surrounded by forest scenery.
Whitewater Rafting
Exhilarating river adventures guided by outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg along regional mountain rivers.
Arts & Crafts Community
Drive through the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community loop to discover artisan studios, handmade pottery, woodwork, paintings, and jewelry.
Unique Museums
Explore eclectic sights like the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, Hollywood memorabilia, pop culture collections, and interactive oddities.
Tailoring Your Visit
With Kids
- Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
- Mountain coasters & Mini-golf
- Anakeesta & Arcades
- Gem mining & Scenic tram rides
For Couples
- Sunset mountain watching
- Gatlinburg SkyPark chairlift
- Scenic hikes & Overlooks
- Arts & Crafts community browsing
Free & Low-Cost
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Parkway window shopping
- Gatlinburg Trolley routes
- Self-guided scenic drives
Rainy Day Ideas
- Ripley's Aquarium & Museums
- Arcades & Escape rooms
- Indoor mini-golf
- Candy & Specialty shops
Outdoor & Nighttime Activities
Outdoors: Depending on the season, make time for hiking, waterfall photography, fishing, horseback riding, ziplining, or wildlife watching.
At Night: Gatlinburg stays lively after dark. Walk the illuminated Parkway, enjoy dinner with mountain views, ride a coaster at night, play a round of mini-golf, or visit an evening mountaintop attraction.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Comfortable temperatures, wild flowers, and blooming mountain trails.
Summer: Peak season for rafting, mountain coasters, ziplining, and family attractions.
Fall: Spectacular autumn foliage drives, trail hikes, and seasonal festivals.
Winter: Snow sports at Ober Mountain, holiday lights, and crisp mountain views.
Sample Itinerary Options
Focus on downtown Gatlinburg, walking the Parkway, visiting Ripley's Aquarium, and riding the Space Needle or SkyPark.
Dedicate Day 1 to the National Park, Day 2 to mountaintop parks and Parkway attractions, and Day 3 to ziplining, rafting, or the Arts & Crafts loop.
Combine multiple hikes, scenic drives, attractions, shopping, and dining with plenty of downtime for weather adjustments.
Planning Tips
- Group Needs: Balance high-energy attractions with restful outdoor moments.
- Weather Backups: Keep indoor options like the aquarium or museums in mind.
- Location: Stay close to downtown to walk or take the trolley easily.
- Budget: Pair paid mountaintop attractions with free national park trails.
Start planning your Gatlinburg adventure and experience the Smoky Mountains today!