Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect spot to start your Gatlinburg adventure. The park offers over 800 square miles of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic drives. There are plenty of hiking trails, historical sites, and photo opportunities. The Cades Cove Loop Road is a must-see for its stunning views and diverse wildlife.
Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round ski resort and amusement park located on the top of Mount Harrison. It offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, a wildlife encounter, and a scenic chairlift. Make sure you check out the stunning views of the mountains from the observation deck.
Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, spanning 680 feet across a deep valley. The bridge offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg town. You can also take a ride on the SkyLift to reach the starting point of the bridge.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a top-rated attraction in Gatlinburg that houses over 10,000 exotic sea creatures. You can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, touch stingrays, watch penguins, and even sleep with the sharks if you're feeling adventurous. There are also hands-on exhibits and interactive activities for kids.
The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is a community of over 120 artisans who specialize in various crafts such as pottery, jewelry-making, woodcarving, painting, and glass-blowing. You can watch them create their art, buy unique souvenirs, and even take classes to learn their crafts. There are also cozy cafes and restaurants to try local cuisine.
Dollywood is an award-winning theme park and resort founded by Dolly Parton that offers over 40 rides and attractions, live shows, festivals, and delicious food. The park is set in the beautiful mountain setting and showcases the rich heritage and culture of the Smokies. There are also water rides, thrill rides, and kiddie rides for everyone.
Sugarlands Distilling Company is a moonshine distillery located in downtown Gatlinburg that offers tours and tastings of its award-winning spirits. You can learn about the history and process of moonshining and sample a variety of flavors, including classics like moonshine and rum, and innovative flavors like Hazelnut Rum and Maple Bacon Moonshine. There are also merchandise and cocktail bars.
Gatlinburg is a walkable town, but if you're planning to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Dollywood, you might need a car or a trolley. There are also rental cars, private shuttles, and taxi services available, but they can be expensive. Budget around $20-30 for a day's worth of transportation in Gatlinburg.
If you have extra time, consider visiting other nearby attractions like the Titanic Museum Attraction, Anakeesta, or the Smoky Mountain Brewery. If you have less time, skip some of the attractions or combine them to fit your schedule. Make sure to check the opening and closing times for each place before you go to avoid disappointment.
The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located 45 minutes (38 miles) away from the town center. The airport serves major airlines such as Delta, American, United, and Allegiant Air, and offers flights to and from major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and New York.