Theres also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a few hours of practicing your drives. Use our epic guide to get an insiders peek into the locals only section of Gatlinburg today! Skip out on the tourist traps, and instead feast like an insider when you dine at any of the most lauded local hangouts: Catch up on the game, chow down on award-winning jumbo wings, and keep the kids entertained at Pigeon Forges only family sports grill and bar. For those that consider themselves connoisseurs in the category, stop by the best breweries and be your own judge of the local brews on offer. If youre looking to do your swimming workout or play a basketball game in the water with friends, this water park has the Swimming Hole for you. photo credit: Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community via Facebook. The murals and granite plaza are later included in this beautiful historical monument. A recreation of the doomed ocean liner in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. Be amazed at Gatlinburgs No. The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, and passes Rainbow Falls before absorbing the Alum Cave Trail and terminating near the LeConte Lodge. This is located right off the main road in Gatlinburg. If shopping and Christmas are your things then a visit to the largest Christmas store in Gatlinburg is necessary. 11. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. Take your meal to go for a mouthwatering picnic post-Smoky Mountain trails or sprawl out on their pet-friendly patio. Home to a handful of local wineries, theres a splash of wine-infused activities to try out in Gatlinburg, from tastings to tours to trails. Take your visit to new heights atop AnaVista Tower, the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. Spread across the two 18-hole courses are plenty of clich hillbilly and redneck decor: outhouses, moonshine stills and farm equipment, to name a few. Mynatt Park 117 Parks By PrimeSteak86 The park itself has a huge pavilion, that you must reserve; as well as several wide open picnic tables. The reason I really love Gatlinburg is the proximity to nature. Following the trailhead with the same name as its 24-meter-high waterfall, Rainbow Falls gains its nickname because when the sun is shining, a rainbow glimmers in the air around it. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. Appreciate the delicate art of basket weaving or watercolors when you stop by the arts and crafts community. You can hike via the Alum Cave Trail which is roughly a 10.5 in and out hike. lets you get up close and personal with these professionally trained creatures. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Depending on how much time youve got to spare, half-day and full-day excursions are available. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons. An indoor shopping center with 36 uniquely themed shops located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Smoky Mountain Brewery is a local establishment that is supposed to have some vegan options and, of course, their own brews. Hit up three amazing music museums. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Order a cold one from the selection of the brewerys own branded beers on tap, or if youre here for serious business, try their Brew Samplers. The Black Bear Inn & Suites offers beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains which you can enjoy from your own private balcony. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. Unique, prominent winery featuring a range of award-winning varietals, a tasting room & a gift shop. Make sure to also visit the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Easy to reach along the Cataract Falls Trail, the walk there and back is just over a kilometer. Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead delivers phenomenal wildflower viewing from your vehicle. Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. Address: 2440 North . From more out-of-the-way nature trails to hitting up beloved local eateries in downtown Gatlinburg, travelers of all persuasions will be tickled pink by this rugged mountain resort city. For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show. It has the largest collection of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and souvenirs. Zip a dee doo all day long when you strap in for an hour of high-flying adventure with Zipline Tours with Rafting in the Smokies. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! For the ultimate thrill-seeker, get in line for the Fire Tower Falls! Theyre located in downtown Gatlinburg and are very close to the entrance to the most popular national park in the country! Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. Waterfall lovers will be stunned by the beauty of the Laurel Falls trail, while those who love mountain views will want to hike the West Prong Trail, with its elevation gain of 1,375 feet. . While the food is fantastic and the drinks are cold, the best part of Luco Burro is the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Gatlinburg. The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee is a great spot for happy hour or watching the game. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . At 475 feet above the earth and with a scintillating top speed of 55 miles per hour, the Goliath zipline proudly wields the title of highest, longest and fastest zipline across the Great Smoky Mountains. Also available are plants, baked goods and natural health and wellness products. I get a little upset when people go here and only stay in town. Doing all three will expose you to a collection of historical sites and remains of old villages. everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies, Tips For Working Remotely When Traveling To Big Cities In The US, 15 Fun Things To Do In Nashville TN For Couples, Dont Go to the Kentucky Derby Why Horse Racing is a Cruel Tradition, Destination Russia: Extra-Ordinary Encounters from a Land Full of Stories, Four Beach Holiday Destinations for Vegans. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. While there are plenty of questionable brews out there, by far some of the highest-quality samples can be found at Americas most visited distillery Ole Smoky and the rustic award-winning Sugarlands Distilling Company. Location: 745 Powdermill Rd. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Ideal for families looking to escape the bustle of Gatlinburg, this petite hamlet provides ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and even treasure hunting! The mountain views are beyond compare. For lunch, get a little fancy at the unpretentious Wild Plum Tea Room. All Rights Reserved. Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Answer 1 of 14: Hey there, My husband and I recently moved to Knoxville and we have of course been to Smoky Mountain Ntl Park a couple of times. Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. 1339 Ski Mountain Rd. See the marvelous mountain ranges with a 360 degrees view, which extends to 100 miles in a clear sky. See Reviews Here | Book Now (free cancellation! 10. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! Stock up on plenty of sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky as the Greenbrier Picnic Area is open year-round. The Listening Room Cafe puts the magic of Music City front and center. Plus you can do a little bottle shopping and check a few names off your holiday gift list. Home to the largest outdoor snow tubing hill in Tennessee, during the wintery months, grab an inflatable tube and hit the slopes laden with real snow thanks to the parks special snow-making machines. While in Gatlinburg, why dont you spare the time to meet some local artists at Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? From snow tubing through the mountains, to dizzying escape mazes to themed mini-golf courses kids love it here! Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. If youd prefer for one of the locals to show you the ropes, wine tours take guests through to two wineries, as well as a traditional moonshine distillery even if youre not a fan, its an interesting endeavor, youre in the South after all. It is a popular iconic spot and is home to many hidden gems including historical museums, street murals, art and architecture, beautiful cathedrals, and top-class restaurants. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. We like weird things so much, we even created a second site all about it. The SkyBridge in Gatlinburg is the longest suspension bridge on the continent (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 7. Gatlinburg is certainly better than Pigeon Forge, which is beyond tacky, but Gatlinburg. Here you will find a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries and clothiers set in a quaint, European-themed village atmosphere. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. For those keen to go behind the scenes and learn about the drinks distillery process and historical significance, sign up for a walking tour. Location: The Ghostwalk Tour meets at the public fountain located at 520 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Price: Adults $17. Even if you are not into baseball, you will still be entertained by the game and youll have a lot of fun with the crowd. This Civil War-themed attraction allows viewers to sit with either the North or the South group, as the battle plays out and, occasionally, the South wins. To truly experience its natural beauty, you have to witness its rock formations with your bare eyes. Perfect your paddle on a more introductory Class I route, or stay on land and tackle ropes courses, rock climbing, canopy ziplining, and more. A 3-mile trail runs through the forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. You would not want to miss the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perfect spot for you to take a leisurely stroll or even hike. Go to the website and book your ticket in advance. Gatlins Fun Center has laser tag, a ropes course, multiple escape rooms, bumper cars and a high-speed coordination game called Atomic Rush. Choose from three different tracks, including a combined tunnel and zigzag course, a speedy roll, and an extreme zigzag course. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! Hot tourist tip: Did you know theres a dedicated Gatlinburg Wine Trail? To keep the kids entertained, the facility offers immersive, educational activities and even a petting zoo! All of their rooms feature private balconies (most of which overlook the river). Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with ice skating, skiing, and more. Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? From Americas most visited distillery to crazy pastry-inspired flavor combinations, each establishment brings a unique spin to its tasting tours: Need a break from amusement park antics and big chain restaurants? The Gatlinburg Wine Trail includes 4 different wineries where visitors can taste local wines for free! Quaint coffee shop offering traditional beverages along with pastries & a variety of gifts for sale. Thanks to its location in a mountain hollow, theres plenty of natural shade. photo credit: Blue Moose Burgers and Wings via Facebook. Whether you are an adult or a child, this show will blow your mind away as master magicians perform their magic in front of the audience. Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. For non-touristy stuff, you're gonna need to drive away from the area, I think. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley promises an unforgettable nature retreat. The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. Between the pick of ways to sightsee the Smokies and things to do in Gatlinburg, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is among the top unique attractions. Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA Website: Trish's Mountain Diner Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun) Price: under 10 USD 5. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Its the perfect place to go for a special Smoky Mountain souvenir. Another small town that is worth exploring is the Pittman Center. If you're looking for Gatlinburg attractions that are worth the money, climb onto the coaster and get to flying. Ways to tour Gatlinburg Book these experiences for a close-up look at Gatlinburg. has been delighting, confusing and entertaining guests of all ages for decades. Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a vacation. With a strong hold on traditions, indulge in prime custom-cut steaks and premium wines at The Peddler Steakhouse. Address: 306 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA 7. Hear the sinister stories, view real haunted photographs and even test out some actual ghost-hunting equipment. Johnny Simon 08-Jul-2019. 32. Strap into a gravity-propelled cart, designed to gleam and slide along a single track, and cruise through the mountains, with nature in abundance all around you. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower. This indoor water park has a mountain theme and features a lazy river, heated pools, and two giant water slides, as well as an interactive tree house. Two-, four-, and six-seater UTVs are up for grabs at venues like KanamFun and Mountain Life UTV Rentals, including the slick Polaris Slingshot. 3. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. If youre in Gatlinburg, pay a visit to the cocktail bar on the back porch of Sugarlands Distilling Company. Did someone say snow tubing?! Boasting attractions like the lazy river, a pair of water slides and kid-friendly pools and splash zones, its the perfect place to let the youngsters loose for an afternoon. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. Please see my disclosure. photo credit: Tennessee Jed's Gatlinburg via Facebook. Ziplines and whitewater rafting, world-class golf and fishing, and 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of America's premier outdoor destinations. Visit museums, adventure parks, arcades and forbidden caverns, and the travel time between the two towns is merely 15 minutes by car. These special coaster carts let riders operate the wheel, and you get to control how fast or slow youd like to go as you navigate down the mountain. As the one-stop shop for fun immersive activities, this treasured locale offers a delightfully disorientating mirror maze and a blacklight mini-golf course to go with it. Popular dishes include Grilled Pork Loin, Eggs Benedict and Country Ham. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. If you're looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. You can choose from a selection of jams to bring home. Try their classic BBQ or massive Reuban sandwich piled high with braised corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and 1000 island dressing on toasted marble rye. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads out over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Treetop package includes nine world-class ziplines, keeping you off the ground and among the trees for 2.5 hours non-stop. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appy Lodge is located at the entrance of Gatlinburg and includes free parking, free breakfast, a laundry facility, an indoor and outdoor pool and much more! If your visit happens to align with the holiday season, check the calendar for the annual Christmas on Ice events. Sneak in even more social media-worthy photo ops when you traverse the Ramsey Cascades trail. Take precaution on the rocks around the waterfall as they tend to get super slippery. A brand new wine trail just opened in Gatlinburg. Ascend the relatively easy three-quarter-mile track to Mingo Falls, or hike the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte which takes up to six hours with gorgeous landscapes and scenery along the way. While putt-putt golf, ziplining, and escape rooms may be found in many places, this is a unique one! With an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, it can be a challenging hike, but its worth every step. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. Downtown From a selection of mountain-y inns, hotels and resorts, here are some of the best places to stay around Gatlinburg. Hiking in the Smokies is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg. Answer 1 of 6: We're taking advantage of our fall break and will be going Oct 14-18th. Activities include pitch & putt, a boating lake, GoApe, a skatepark, children's playground, farmers market, ice skating rink and many different concerts and events. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, A post shared by Mark Empey (@mark_empey). At 6,593 ft it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot. Children need to be accompanied by an adult, but kids aged 10 years and older can ride solo if theyre over 1.3 meters tall. Tanger Outlets is located in Pigeon Forge (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) 5. Youll also find fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large screen TVs in your rooms. An amazing theme park located in Pigeon Forge and co-owned by Dolly Parton, Dollywood is definitely worth a visit. 7. Take advantage of the guest hot tub after a long day exploring at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail. Make sure to keep your wits about you spooky surprises await around every corner at the Mysterious Mansion. What do you think of water rafting? Look out for all the barnyard characters as you move between holes at one of the three 18-hole courses at the Ripleys Old MacDonalds Farm Mini-Golf area. A little less than three hours away, Chattanooga is the furthest day trip but worthwhile if youre in Gatlinburg for a while. This 8-mile loop of artisans is overflowing with artistic talent, from candle makers to quilt stitchers and potters. Make sure to taste their Brewmaster Special, an exclusive rotating tap that changes throughout the year. Hi! These are some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge if you want to explore the Smokies like a local. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. Zoom down the zipline, take a relaxing gondola ride, take a selfie with a (fake) bear, or overcome obstacles in the treetop play area. Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! Cruze Farm. Come visit us at the Gatlinburg Wine Trail and speak to our friendly staff; theyll be able to tell you even more about the non-touristy gems of the area. Ole Smoky Moonshine - head to either of their two Gatlinburg locations for an authentic, barrel-aged American whisky experience. It is recognized worldwide as the most bio-diverse park in the national park system. Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? The fun doesnt have to end here Besides Arcade City, Arcadia is another awesome choice for gamers whether young or old and the prizes up for grabs are pretty mental! Get some help from well-trained coaches from World Axe Throwing League, which unites all groups dedicated to this competitive sport. Enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard 120-passenger Aerial Tramway. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned pro, the extra-large ice skating rink at the center of Ober Gatlinburgs enclosed mall is an ideal activity for anyone to spend an hour or two. It would be an excellent idea to head to Gatlinburg and spend a few days in the mountain resort city, especially for a nature lover. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. With moonshine distilleries and cider breweries, live theater shows, haunted houses, and farmers markets, theres something for everyone in this underestimated town. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. For even more puzzling adventures, Ripleys Marvelous Mirror Maze is a treat. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. On the 8-mile long Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, you can explore over 100 artisanal workshops and galleries. We don't want to do Ripleys or any of the kitchy dinner shows.anyone know of any off-the-beaten-path things to do? No, your eyes arent deceiving you that house genuinely is upside down! Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. Secure your season passes for the entire family to experience many more exhilarating slides. Pick from themes like the Indiana Jones adventure, the Haunting of Hyde House, the Realm of Illusions, and even the MoonshineHill Hootenanny! East Tennessee is known for its stunning mountain ranges, natural beauty, and amusement parks abound, but did you know that it is also one of the biggest art communities in the United States? Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. The South is renowned for dishes enhanced by flavors created by smoking techniques; Bennetts Pit Bar-B-Que is one of the top places in town to experience all the smoky goodness. Want to walk across the top of Gatlinburg? There are single and double coasters to choose from. . 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Lantern-led walking tours in Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee operate daily and/or nightly throughout Southern Appalachia from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Southwest Virginia Highlands. Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two amazing thrill rides including the First Mountain Glider in the world.