Serving as a gateway to the sprawling Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg in Tennessee is renowned for its outdoor activities and picturesque views. On your visit, you’ll find plenty of interesting things to do in and near this scenic mountain city.
Towering 407 feet above the landscape, Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. From its observation deck, you can savour sweeping views of the Smokies as well as the urban landmass. Head to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park nearby for a chance to experience the mountains from various angles – ride up and down in the SkyLift chairs, walk across the partially glass-panelled SkyBridge, explore the SkyTrail and more. At Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, you’ll find immersive exhibits and experiences like a shark tunnel, opportunities to touch stingrays and take glass-bottom boat rides. The mountainside amusement park, Ober Gatlinburg, offers superb valley and mountain vistas from ski coasters and ski lift rides.
With its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg provides easy access to outdoor activities, wildlife viewing opportunities and more. Hundreds of hiking trails criss-cross the park, including the legendary Appalachian Trail. Wildflower walks to see picture-perfect waterfalls are also popular here. Scenic drives through the park will give you a glimpse of the seasonal natural beauty of the area. You can also enjoy white-water rafting in Gatlinburg, with thrilling class III and IV rapids on regional rivers.
Tonight
From £47 per night
This weekend
From £197 per night
Next weekend
From £212 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | US$10 = £8 |
| Language | |
| Average weekend price | £101 per night |
| Average weekday price | £109 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
I should have done more research on what to do outside of...
1 May 2024
I should have done more research on what to do outside of Gatlinburg. The main town was a tourist trap with the chain restaurants and souvenir shops, old time photo shops and taffy candy stores. Parking was between $10-$20 at each lot, and it was crowded for end of April. Aside from the skywalk, I wasn’t too impressed. However driving along rt441 through the Smokies was the biggest highlight of the trip. It’s a stunning location, just find something to do outside the hub.
This was our third time to Gatlinburg for more than one...
26 April 2024
This was our third time to Gatlinburg for more than one night. One time we camped but we were too far out of town. Last summer and this spring we stayed at an inexpensive hotel in town. We love being able to walk to different restaurants and shops. We liked Crockett's for breakfast but be sure to go early - before 8:30 because there are long lines otherwise. We also enjoyed the Cherokee Grill which does take reservations and the Best Italian cafe and Pizzeria. The pizza was very good New York style pizza. For fine dining, the Greenbriar is off the beaten path and hands down one of the best meals I've had in a restaurant. It is pricey so I wouldn't bring children there. We enjoy the hiking and did a nice hike up Chimney Tops to the lookout. It took us 3.5 hours up and back down. I also highly recommend Cades Cove. If you like biking ,they close the 11 mile loop to cars on Wednesdays. We biked it and saw 11 bear in 11 miles! The free trolley is great for getting around Gatlinburg but can be a long wait and very crowded.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon forge are full of shopping, candy...
23 April 2024
Gatlinburg and Pigeon forge are full of shopping, candy stores , side shows and carnival like attractions . They stay open late and attract a variety of people . It is a very busy area and dedicated to tourist. The restaurants all seem to serve the same style food :(
We had such a blast even with our 15 month old son, our...
22 April 2024
We had such a blast even with our 15 month old son, our 14-year-old loves going to pigeon Forge to ride the go carts. Dicks last resort is definitely a go to for dinner, but you have to be able to take the comedy in raunchiness. So much fun! The hospitality was amazing 🥰 I love going to the candy store along the strip right past the rolling ball. They have such a selection of gummy‘s and that is one of my favorite things. The Ripleys arcade and gift shop is really fun too they have rubber snakes and two headed animal stuffed animals. Would definitely recommend anybody. Even the adult side of things was fun 🤩
Gatlinburg is a great location to use as a base for hiking...
21 April 2024
Gatlinburg is a great location to use as a base for hiking the Great Smoky Mountains. BUT the 'town' of Gatlinburg is a mix of a bad theme park and tacky portion of Las Vegas. Such a shame that the town was not developed as a lovely base of a hiking village for the National Park.
There is a newer establishment there called Skyland Ranch.
12 April 2024
There is a newer establishment there called Skyland Ranch. It is so beautiful. If you go on Groupon you can get an amazing deal (it's good for 3 days) Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is amazing and has a Groupon as well. We ate at Skyland Ranch one day, they have a food truck as well as food inside.
Gatlinburg, United States
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