10 Things to Do In Gatlinburg Tennessee: 1st Time Visitor Guide
Gatlinburg Tennessee is a town with tons to do for everyone. Whether you’re exploring mountain trails, riding a gondola above town, or strolling through its vibrant downtown, Gatlinburg offers the perfect mix of natural wonders and family friendly attractions for first-time visitors.
Overview
Gatlinburg blends a rustic mountain feel with the excitement of a resort town. You’ll find stunning panoramic views, outdoor adventures, local artisan shops, moonshine tastings, and a unique Smoky Mountain culture. The town is a year-round destination ideal for nature lovers, couples, and families alike. I’ve been here 2x personally and it’s one of the most amazing towns situated in a perfect area right next to the most popular national park in the country.
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How to Get There
- By Car: Gatlinburg is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 441. It’s about 45 minutes from Knoxville and just over 3 hours from Nashville and Atlanta.
- By Air: The nearest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville. From there, rent a car for a scenic 1-hour drive to Gatlinburg.
- By Bus: Greyhound and other regional buses service nearby cities, but a car is recommended to explore fully.
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Best Times to Visit
- Spring (April–May): Wildflowers bloom and waterfalls gush, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
- Fall (October): Peak foliage transforms the town into a vibrant display of color.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowfall, light festivals, and skiing at Ober Mountain make it magical.
- Summer (June–August): Great for families, expect warm days and lots of activity.
10 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyBridge: Soar up the mountain and walk across North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge with panoramic Smoky Mountain views.
- Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Just minutes away, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers scenic drives, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing (especially black bears!).
- Visit Anakeesta Adventure Park: Take a scenic chairlift to a mountaintop village featuring ziplines, a treetop skywalk, dining, and sweeping views.
- Tour the Gatlinburg Space Needle: Ride to the 400-foot-high observation deck for 360-degree views of the mountains and downtown below.
- Stroll Along the Gatlinburg Strip: Packed with arcades, restaurants, moonshine distilleries, and quirky attractions like Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
- Ride the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway: Travel 2 miles up to Ober Mountain for skiing, tubing, an alpine coaster, and more seasonal fun.
- Taste Authentic Tennessee Moonshine: Stop into distilleries like Ole Smoky or Sugarlands for live music, tastings, and local flair.
- Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: An award-winning aquarium with underwater tunnels and hands-on animal experiences.
- Shop at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community: Explore an 8-mile loop of local artisans creating pottery, paintings, candles, and woodwork.
- Take a Scenic Drive Through Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A 5.5-mile loop with old cabins, rushing streams, and several easy waterfall hikes.
- Bonus: See top visitor recommendations
Best Hikes (Beginner to Advanced)
- Beginner: Cataract Falls (0.7 miles round-trip) – short and perfect for families.
- Moderate: Laurel Falls Trail (2.6 miles round-trip) – paved path to a stunning 80-foot waterfall.
- Challenging: Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte (11 miles round-trip) – high elevation, epic views, and geological features.
Packing List
- My Amazon gear list
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Daypack and water bottle
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
- Camera or smartphone
- Layers (especially in spring/fall)
- National Park pass or cash for donations
- Flashlight or headlamp for early hikes
Where to Stay
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parking: Pay-to-park program in effect downtown and at trailheads in the national park.
- Traffic: Can get heavy in peak seasons, go early and use bypasses when possible.
- Bears: Secure all food, follow safety rules, and never approach wildlife.
- Weather: Mountain weather changes fast, check forecasts and trail conditions.
- Cell Service: Can be limited in the national park, download maps in advance.
Similar Sights
Final Thoughts
Gatlinburg Tennessee is a place where mountain beauty meets Appalachian adventure. First time visitors will find plenty to explore, whether you’re hiking past waterfalls, tasting local moonshine, or taking in the scenery from above. And if you want to explore even more, visit Pigeon Forge, the nearby town for even more adventurous things to do! It’s the kind of town that surprises you in the best way possible and leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
