Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a wonderful town surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. The town is famous among travellers for its breathtaking scenery, cozy attractions, fun activities, and lively atmosphere.
Whether you are travelling solo, with your friends, or family with kids, Gatlinburg could be your next travel spot. But the question is, which places to visit and what to do, so you can have a memorable ride. So, in this article, we share the list of the top, free, and best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to have a wonderful experience.
Top Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The stunning mountain views around the town are sure to add lifelong memories to your overall tour. When travelling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for the first time, you should go for the top and most popular activities. So, to get the most out of your trip to Tennessee, here are the top things that let you get the actual taste of Gatlinburg.
1. Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift
The Gatlinburg SkyLift is the most popular ride that offers the iconic experience in town. The ride will take you to Crockett Mountain and give you a stunning view of Gatlinburg. The smooth and relaxing ride is simply perfect option for everyone of all ages. Moreover, you can have the best shots at sunset with mountains in the backdrop.
2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
When you look for indoor activities to have great fun, here’s the option. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a popular park that lets you experience the marine life, cute penguins, jellyfish, shows, and sharks. The underwater tunnel with creatures swimming overhead gives you an educational and entertaining experience.
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Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the place for family, kids, adults, and everyone. It depends on your goal. So if you are looking for a place to relax, explore, or have adventures, let us share the best options. Here are perfect activities and places where adults can spend their free time and have all the fun in the end. Indeed, the town’s nightlife and food are the ultimate options, but these options guarantee lively entertainment.
3. Moonshine Tasting Tours
Among adults, the local moonshine and tasting tours are the most popular activities in Gatlinburg. The free samples aren’t enough; you also get to know about the stories of moonshine’s history. Try out various flavors in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and you can have an enjoyable evening with friends.
4. Scenic Mountain Drives
So, if you and your friend look for the peaceful moments, the scenic rides through the Smoky Mountains are the best thing to do in Gatlinburg. With friends, a partner, or solo, a scenic atmosphere and stunning views from nature add extra fun to your rides. The calm surroundings and fresh air mean an incredibly fresh experience.
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Things to Do in Gatlinburg with Kids
If you are planning a family picnic in Gatlinburg and searching for the right places and things to involve kids, there are many options for you. From interactive exhibitions to outdoor fun parts, kid-friendly attractions are easily available. Let us share the best things to make your kids excited and engaged in activities to have lasting picnic memories.
5. Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not
These unique and unusual exhibits can offer absolute fun to kids of all ages. From a collection of strange artifacts to interactive shows, a visit to this park means curiosity and endless fun. If you are looking for an indoor park to take your kids, this is a great option.
6. Ride the Mountain Coasters
Mountain coasters in Gatlinburg offer the thrilling experience to not just kids but also parents and adults. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, a ride through mountain tracks excites the most. It’s an adventurous, exciting, and safe option for any age group.
Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN
Well, if you ask what the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, that might be challenging. But still, we have picked the options that combine the most common travel goals like exploring nature, adventure, riding, and scenic atmosphere. Here are the best activities that let you relax, explore, and be part of Gatlinburg’s atmosphere.
7. Hike to Laurel Falls
If the view of the Smoky Mountains makes you go hiking, then you should go to the best place. The Laurel Falls is the most popular spot for hikers. The trail is well-paved, which makes it a beginner-friendly option. Hiking at this place lets you enjoy nature peacefully and, in the end, bring the most beautiful view.
8. Explore Cades Cove
Cades Cove is known for its historical architecture and wildlife sightings. A calm and beautiful experience here lets you enjoy the Smokies’ natural beauty in a real sense. You can go there by car or a foot, but in these areas deer, wild turkeys, and bears are often spotted.
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Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg
You might be surprised to know that there are some free yet awesome activities you could do to experience the town’s beauty and culture. If you’re traveling on a budget or not, you must add these activities to your list to do in Gatlinburg. Such options offer you a sweet plus enjoyable experience, and that’s without spending anything.
9. Walk Along the Gatlinburg Strip
When you want to spend nothing but have fun in the town, you can go for a stroll around the Gatlinburg Strip. It’s like the heart of the town and a popular place to explore. The shops, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment points in the end give you refreshing vibes. For a more energetic and beautiful atmosphere, prefer to take a walk in the evening.
10. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Your trip to Gatlinburg will be incomplete if you avoid this place. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a few minutes away from downtown, so don’t miss it. The park offers free access to scenic views, trails, and nature. For a peaceful walk, wildlife, and just to relax in nature, you can go there; it’s just free for all.
Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the town is all about having fun and engaging yourself in lively attractions. If you are looking for thrills, adventurous rides, or just fun activities, the town has various options for you. Check out these fun activities that will not only make your journey exciting but also an overall unique experience for life lifetime.
11. Visit Anakeesta
When you want to add fun and adventure to your trip to Gatlinburg, go for the most popular option. Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park that is like a mixture of adventure, relaxation, and nature exploration. Try ziplining and mountain coasters like more adventure lovers do. Or you can just enjoy the peaceful environment near the mountains.
12. Ride Scenic Trolleys
The city has all the fun if you ask for it. So there’s always something more to explore. You could do so by taking a Gatlinburg trolley. It’s a fun, easy, and affordable way to go around the town. This trolley will take you to the most attractions, and it’s overall a fun ride.
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Final Thoughts
Whatever your travel goal is, maybe it’s to experience nature’s beauty, adult fun, family picnic, or adventurous rides, you can find them all in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With a list of activities and fun things to do in Gatlinburg, you can spend quality time with closed ones and capture some lifelong memories from the trip.
The town has something for every type of traveller. Also, if you are traveling on a budget, you can go for some free but fun activities. And, if you are going with friends to have weekend fun, the nightlife, friendly atmosphere, and thrilling options are waiting for you.
