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.
10 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
This 5.5-mile one-way loop winds through lush forest, past historic cabins, old homesteads, rushing streams, and trailheads that lead to waterfalls like Grotto Falls. It’s a peaceful escape right outside downtown Gatlinburg, offering the perfect mix of history and Smoky Mountain scenery. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid traffic and catch the light shining through the trees.
9. Shop at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Stretching across an 8-mile loop, this collection of local workshops and galleries showcases the Appalachian region’s finest crafts. From hand-carved woodwork and pottery to homemade candles and quilts, the Arts & Crafts Community is a treasure trove for those seeking authentic souvenirs. Meeting artisans in their studios gives this stop a personal and memorable touch.
8. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Consistently rated one of the top aquariums in the U.S., Ripley’s Aquarium immerses visitors in an underwater world filled with sharks, stingrays, penguins, and sea turtles. The highlight is a 340-foot underwater tunnel where you glide along a moving walkway surrounded by marine life on all sides. Families, especially kids, will love the hands-on exhibits like touching stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
7. Taste Authentic Tennessee Moonshine
Gatlinburg is famous for its legal moonshine distilleries, and no visit is complete without a tasting. Stop by Ole Smoky Moonshine or Sugarlands Distilling Company, where live bluegrass music and friendly guides make the experience lively. Sample flavors ranging from apple pie to smoky original, and soak in the authentic Appalachian spirit of this tradition.
6. Ride the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway
This iconic tram carries you 2 miles from downtown Gatlinburg up to Ober Mountain, a mountaintop park offering year-round fun. In winter, it transforms into a ski and snowboard hub. In summer, expect activities like an alpine coaster, wildlife encounters, and scenic chairlift rides. The tram ride itself is an adventure, giving you sweeping aerial views of the town and mountains below.
5. Stroll Along the Gatlinburg Strip
Downtown Gatlinburg, known as “The Strip,” is buzzing with energy day and night. Lined with arcades, candy shops, distilleries, mini-golf, and local eateries, it’s a walkable area where there’s something to explore around every corner. Street performers and neon lights make evenings especially lively, perfect for people-watching or simply soaking up the mountain-town vibe.
4. Tour the Gatlinburg Space Needle
Standing 400 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Space Needle offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and the bustling town below. The observation deck is equipped with viewfinders and information panels, making it both fun and educational. At night, the lights of Gatlinburg shimmer against the dark silhouette of the surrounding peaks, creating a magical backdrop.
3. Explore Anakeesta Adventure Park
This mountaintop adventure park is accessed by gondola, open-air chairlift, or Ridge Rambler truck ride. Once on top, visitors enter a whimsical village complete with treetop skywalks, ziplines, mountain coasters, botanical gardens, and firepit lounges. Anakeesta blends family-friendly attractions with unbeatable views, especially at sunset when the mountains glow in golden light.
2. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just minutes from Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain is the nation’s most visited national park is bursting with natural beauty. Scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road, trails leading to waterfalls, and wildlife spotting opportunities make it a must. You might see black bears, wild turkeys, or elk. Whether you’re driving, hiking, or just stopping at overlooks, the park is the heart and soul of a Gatlinburg visit.
1. Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyBridge
The town’s most iconic attraction, the SkyLift takes you up the mountain for breathtaking views. Once at the top, step onto the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Walking across the glass-floor panels is a thrilling experience, offering unobstructed views of the Smokies all around. It’s the ultimate blend of excitement and scenery and a can’t-miss for any first-time visitor.
7 Hidden Gems in Gatlinburg Tennessee
1. Ely’s Mill
Tucked away at the end of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Ely’s Mill is a rustic site filled with history, handmade crafts, and Appalachian charm. It’s often overlooked by tourists, making it a peaceful place to browse local goods, chat with artisans, and see a slice of Gatlinburg’s past.
2. Emerts Cove Covered Bridge
Just outside town, this charming wooden covered bridge feels like stepping back in time. It’s especially photogenic in fall when the trees blaze with color, and it’s a quiet, off-the-radar stop for couples or photographers looking for a classic Smoky Mountain shot.
3. Walker Sisters Cabin (Great Smoky Mountains NP)
For history lovers, this cabin inside the national park tells the story of the Walker Sisters, who lived in the Smokies long after it became a park. It’s a short walk from Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and offers a glimpse into pioneer life in the mountains.
4. Cataract Falls
Hidden just behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls is an easy, family-friendly trail leading to a small but picturesque waterfall. Because it’s so close to downtown, it’s an excellent quick nature break without committing to a longer hike.
5. Greenbrier Section of the Park
While most visitors head straight to Newfound Gap Road, the Greenbrier entrance is quieter and full of hidden treasures—rushing streams, spring wildflowers, and trailheads leading to stunning waterfalls like Ramsey Cascades. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for serenity.
6. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum
A quirky stop that surprises nearly everyone who visits, this museum houses over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from around the world. It’s fun, unusual, and a nice break from outdoor attractions—perfect for a rainy day or when you want something totally different.
7. Historic Ogle Cabin
Nestled quietly in downtown Gatlinburg near the visitor center, the Ogle Cabin is one of the oldest structures in the area. Many people walk right past without knowing it’s there, but it’s worth a quick stop to appreciate Gatlinburg’s early pioneer roots.
On top of these I also recommend this page on Gatlinburg to see even more options on what to explore here!
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.
- 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
- Be Cautious on Mountain Roads: Many roads around Gatlinburg are narrow, winding, and steep—especially in the national park. Drive slowly, avoid distractions, and use pull-offs for photos.
- Prepare for Wildlife Encounters: Gatlinburg borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so black bears are common. Never feed them, and always store food properly when picnicking or hiking.
- Plan Ahead for Crowds: Gatlinburg gets especially busy on weekends and during holidays. Downtown can become congested, use city trolleys, park-and-ride lots, or arrive early to avoid traffic.
- Watch the Weather: Rain, fog, and sudden cold snaps can sneak up in the mountains. Always check the forecast and bring layers, even in summer.
- Use Secure Wi-Fi Practices: With so many shops, restaurants, and public places offering free Wi-Fi, it’s easy to forget how risky open networks can be. I always use NordVPN while traveling. It keeps your personal info secure on public Wi-Fi and protects your online activity, perfect for booking tickets, checking email, or streaming safely from your cabin.
- Leave No Trace in the Park: Stay on marked trails, pack out trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Let’s keep the Smokies pristine for future visitors.
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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.
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