A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. If you're looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. 2. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal For some of the best views of both the town and mountains, Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is smack bang between Gatlinburg Spur (connecting the city with the nearby Pigeon Forge) and the Great Smoky Mountains (along the Gatlinburg Bypass). Great for business travelers, appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient locale of the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center. Its easily one of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg. The rooms are also equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and some have a fireplace. Enjoy Gatlinburg! 8. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. Gatlinburg Space Needle. For a dazzling experience, hop on a group raft through the Rainbow Revenge with translucent tubes that create different colors as you go down. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. The enthralling 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville is about 40 minutes drive from downtown Gatlinburg. Its one of the essential things to do in Gatlinburg, without a doubt. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Spread across the two 18-hole courses are plenty of clich hillbilly and redneck decor: outhouses, moonshine stills and farm equipment, to name a few. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. 22 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, 5 Budget-Friendly Gatlinburg Vacation Tips, 7 Spectacular Things to Do in Gatlinburg at Night, 11 Most Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Hidden Gems: 7 Secret Spots You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Ober Gatlinburg: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, 16 Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults You Don't Want to Miss, Ultimate Guide to Anakeesta Coupons, Discounts, and Deals, Sip & Sample at Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries in Gatlinburg. Ready for a refreshing day of White Water fun? It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! From more out-of-the-way nature trails to hitting up beloved local eateries in downtown Gatlinburg, travelers of all persuasions will be tickled pink by this rugged mountain resort city. Home to a handful of local wineries, theres a splash of wine-infused activities to try out in Gatlinburg, from tastings to tours to trails. Visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Your email address will not be published. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. We know we want to do some hiking in the. Dont miss your chance to ride The Flying Ox either, the worlds first zipline rollercoaster! The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. It also takes pride in its 100-year-old family recipe of Old Apple and Apple Orchard, which are made from locally grown apples. Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg 1. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Between the pick of ways to sightsee the Smokies and things to do in Gatlinburg, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is among the top unique attractions. Only 1.5 hours away, Asheville is a place that everyone should visit at least once. See and interact with its latest collection of odd artifacts such as authentic shrunken heads, and a vampire killing kit. Offering locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Rowdy Bear Mountain is a must-do for those who love the outdoors and have an inclination towards adrenaline, as well. The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. The Ober Gatlinburg resort has plenty to offer year-round, however, two of its thrilling attractions reign supreme! Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Zip a dee doo all day long when you strap in for an hour of high-flying adventure with Zipline Tours with Rafting in the Smokies. Take advantage of the guest hot tub after a long day exploring at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail. For over 80 years, this gathering has been considered the largest group of independent artists in the nation. You can also take a picnic or pitch a tent to camp for the night, so bring all the gear you need for your choice of adventure. If you are lucky, you may be invited to the stage and be part of the show. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. For more information on places the locals love to eat, check out our blog, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains.. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, deer and even tree-climbing black bears! From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. Named after Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wears, this tranquil Valley oozes natural beauty and charm. Keep those eyes peeled, as you won't want to miss a single 360-degree turn, curve, or tunnel. It means guests can button-mash to their hearts content on classics like Space Invaders, Pacman, Lord of the Rings and so many more. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville locals enjoy the shows and attractions that visitors do, but they also have some favorite spots that are a little less crowded and involve fewer sightseers. With six ziplines and two sky bridges, guests will have ample opportunities for adrenaline. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. The Valley truly shines in fall, best known for its serene beauty and sublime Smoky Mountain views. While all nine of Heartland's rentals are unique, they are all equally as cozy, inviting, and scenicand the perfect spot to set up camp for an unforgettable vacation in Gatlinburg. Take the entire crew to axe throwing right and hit some targets at the Axe House, located at the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. including a lazy river and heated pools. It sounds fun, doesn't it? The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. After trekking the easy half-mile paved trail to the viewing platform, you can see the expansive wilderness of Tennessee and North Carolina all the way out to the horizon. After perhaps spending a couple of hours across the road at the Ripleys Aquarium, the Tennessee Cider Company is the perfect spot to sit back and unwind. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Walking night tours of local attractions thought to be haunted, including a 19th-century cemetery. Its a little spread out, but downtown Knoxville, especially Market Square, is a great place to explore. Just 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, the states most celebrated golf courses offer lush manicured greens of the fairways combined with the fairytale-like atmosphere created by the forest landscapes. For those that consider themselves connoisseurs in the category, stop by the best breweries and be your own judge of the local brews on offer. If the locals love it, you know it must be good. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! At Outdoor Gravity Park, youll zorb down a 1,000 ft. hill for an incredible ride youll never forget. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. Youll be blown away by the number of elk and beautiful scenery. Johnny Simon 08-Jul-2019. Victorian-style haunted house featuring year-round self-guided tours & spooky surprises. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. While available separately, grab the combo ticket for the best bang for your buck. These are some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge if you want to explore the Smokies like a local. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. Every year, this Tennessee-based mentalist and professional entertainer does more than 200 shows at the Iris Theater in downtown Gatlinburg. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. Its only about a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg but has plenty of shopping, dining and activities to offer. Or opt for a Llama Farm Visit to skip out on the physical exertion all together. Top Free Things To In London. Amp up your adrenaline and reach speeds of up to 30 mph when you power through unparalleled Smoky Mountain Scenery on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. Visitors are able to see the distilling process up close while learning about the history of moonshine production in the Smoky Mountains. 7. What are your favorite sites to tour or places to visit in Gatlinburg? For almost 50 years, Smoky Mountain Candy Makers have been supplying Tennessee with delicious homemade taffy. If youve ever found yourself laying on the couch binge-watching The Amazing Race, heres your chance to step up and play, but without the cameras in your face. If youve seen videos of people tumbling down the hills in giant bubbles (AKA zorb balls) and always wanted to try it for yourself, head to the Outdoor Gravity Park the only dedicated zorbing park in the country. The RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo houses over 140 species, including reptiles, birds, adorable primates and plenty more. Make sure to take advantage of that and enjoy all of the amazing outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg. Check out its website for the market schedules and new vendors and crafts to keep an eye out during your visit to Gatlinburg. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? From Americas most visited distillery to crazy pastry-inspired flavor combinations, each establishment brings a unique spin to its tasting tours: Need a break from amusement park antics and big chain restaurants? Just over half an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, this quiet area of the Smokies is a great place to view the fall foliage, after enjoying lunch at the iconic Elviras Cafe. Feel the thrills as you dip and soar over Rowdy Bear Ridge. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. It's easy to see why visiting the Smoky Mountain Cat House is one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge off the beaten path. If youre searching for fun things to do in Gatlinburg, its hard to go past an up-close experience with the real 1966 Batmobile! It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. Give them something from Gatlinburg. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a backdrop, The Park Grill is a great spot for couples and has a refined dining feel. Highly admired for its beautiful scenery and great shape, as well as useful GPS screens on the golf carts, this place makes a wonderful day out where you can also bring your family and friends to hang out. For some of the best ice cream you'll ever have, you have to visit Cruze Farm. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vegan LifestyleTravel InspirationDestinationsScuba Diving, AboutContactPressShopNewsletterBlogging ResourcesPrivacy Policy & Disclaimer. This relatively quick cruise provides a sneaky way to avoid downtown traffic. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. Specializing in craft beer, brewed right on site. Experience the thrills and take in the views at the same time onboard the Ripleys Mountain Coaster. Want to do some shopping and have the chance to meet locals at the same time? From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. Inspired by Austrian tea houses, the Wild Plum provides some of the most delicious lunches that youll find in the smokies. Kick things off with a dramatically smoked Jim Beam Manhattan and an order of early frost green tomatoes. The mountain views are beyond compare. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! Those who live in Gatlinburg are especially loyal to their local minor league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. A Walk in the Woods has been around since 1998 and is known for their expertise in leave no trace ethics, botany, wildlife, geology, culture, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Some of the most beautiful roads to cruise along include Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Little River Road, Clingmans Dome Road and Cades Cove Loop. If youre looking for something a bit fancier in Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot now has a vegan menu including vegan cheese and vegan chocolate. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides.