The small, green resort town of Gatlinburg is home to plenty of family-friendly attractions, making it a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to the south of the U.S.
Gatlinburg is a small resort city offering several entertainment options and family-friendly activities. From amusement parks, ski resorts, and dinner & music shows to camping and hiking opportunities.
Gatlinburg is also home to landscapes and peculiar attractions, making it one of the most popular destinations for outdoor adventures.
Whether you love outdoor activities or prefer a peaceful holiday, you’ll find it all in Gatlinburg. With so many attractions and activities offered here, we’ll highlight six of the perfect things you should do and try if you’re planning a holiday here.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
SkyLift Park is a ‘can’t miss’ attraction for those who want a panoramic view of the town. The park features the SkyBridge, which is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, offering stunning views of the town, forests, and the Great Smoky Mountains
Then there is Gatlinburg Skylift, an open chairlift attraction 1,800 feet above sea level that takes you all the way up to Crocket Mountain. At any time of the year, the fantastic ride promises spellbinding views.
You can view the entire mountain range if you’re visiting in spring. Almost everything is covered in snow during the winter. In autumn, you have different shades of red, oranges, and yellows.
The best part about Gatlinburg Skylift is that you can experience stunning views of the entire resort city during the day and night if you want. Bring your camera along, as the views are spectacular, regardless of time.
Explore the most popular National Park in the country – The Smoky Mountains National Park
This attraction is for people of all ages; the Smoky Mountains National Park invites everyone to look at the enormous wildlife vistas, the history of monumental buildings, and the picturesque Smoky Mountains. Known for its diversity of plants and wildlife, the Smoky Mountains National Park is also America’s most visited park.
This park also offers many hiking opportunities for those who love the great outdoors. If you are adventurous and love exploring nature, there are multiple hiking trails, waterfalls, mountaintops, and thick forests.
Love camping out in the open? The park has you covered in that area too. Many campgrounds and picnic areas offer families recreational opportunities. Even though the park is packed with all sorts of activities, the best feature is that it’s free. So you can access so much history, adventure, and entertainment without spending money. Isn’t that amazing?
Visit the award-winning theme park of Tennessee – Anakeesta
Looking for a spot that offers thrilling rides but also gives some options to relax, eat and shop? Then head to Anakeesta, an award-winning theme park in the heart of Downtown Gatlinburg.
This park offers a Chondola, Zip lining, Gem Mining, and a trip to explore Treetop Skywalk, Treehouse village, and Astra Lumina, one of the innovative experiences of an enchanted night walk.
You can also find souvenirs in shops throughout Firefly village, from quirky mugs, candles, jewelry, hats, décor, etc. Moreover, there are plenty of dining options in the park, from main courses to appetizers and southern specialties.
Have a spooky adventure with Ghost Walk
If you are interested in paranormal activities, this attraction is for you! As Gatlinburg is one of the oldest settlements of Tennessee, it has its fair chunk of ruthless killings and strange disappearances.
Ghost Walk tours spooky buildings and hotels, where you hear about the horrible murders and Gatlinburg’s dark history. In addition, EMF readers are given to the tourists in the beginning so that they can detect the unusual energy of everything around them.
Taste the scrumptious meals of Gatlinburg
All that exploring and adventure indeed leads to a massive appetite in the belly, doesn’t it? No matter because Gatlinburg features some of the most renowned restaurants that serve everything from delicious breakfasts to drool-worthy dinners.
You will find many family-owned and family-friendly restaurants and new establishments to satisfy your cravings here.
Starting with the breakfast options, Log Cabin Pancake House, The Pancake Pantry, and Crockett’s Breakfast Camp serve some of the most delicious pancakes, french toast, and omelets with oozing toppings and filling options.
Then for the ultimate dining experience, check out Paddler’s Steakhouse, The Park Grill Restaurant, and Calhoun’s – a haven for meat lovers! They have great hand-cut steaks, juicy burgers, and smoked ribs on the menu, with friendly staff and a great ambiance.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop at Donut Friar, The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar, and Maddogs Creamery & Donuts to enjoy the delicious sweet treats of Gatlinburg.
Experience Ripley’s believe it or not museum
A stopover at Ripley’s is mandatory for those who love the strange in this world. This museum offers an immersive experience to its audience of all ages. It houses strange artifacts and gives a hands-on experience of oddities, art, games, and features of odd people, and places that make you question reality.
It also offers spooky adventures, a 5D Moving Adventure Experience, a Mirror Maze, Mini Golf, a Fun Zone, a Mountain Coaster, and an Aquarium of the Smokies.
The Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is one of the most eccentric family adventure spots, leaving every family member’s head spinning in curiosity and excitement.