Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?
Gatlinburg, TN, is worth visiting! This beautiful mountain town built along Little River is just across the border of North Carolina in Tennessee. I’ve been visiting this town since I was a kid, and it is still as much fun now as it was then.
In fact, Gatlinburg is right next to Pigeon Forge, which is next to Sevierville. Gatlinburg is less than 5 miles from Pigeon Forge and 11 miles from Sevierville.
Check out my blog post for both Pigeon Forge and Sevierville for exciting things to do there.
- Is Sevierville, TN worth visiting?
- Is Pigeon Forge, TN worth visiting?
- Is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park worth visiting?
- Where to Stay in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park: Best Areas, Towns, and Hotels
- 24 Best Things To Do in Cades Cove
- Is Anakeesta worth the money?
What is Gatlinburg known for?
Gatlinburg is known for its quaint walkable town, having the only ski resort in Tennessee, and being close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gatlinburg is located at the highest elevation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which makes it the highest point in Tennessee. It’s also the highest point on the Appalachian Trail’s 2,192 miles.
Is a day trip to Gatlinburg worth it?
Yes, as a kid, we went several times just for the day. There are plenty of fun things to do in less than an hour or two, and the list below will help you discover what is right for you. Of course, if you can stay a few days, you can experience more and even visit the neighboring towns of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, too.
25 Things to do when visiting Gatlinburg, TN
Whether you enjoy thrilling rides, amazing scenery, or just good food, you will find something you like in Gatlinburg, TN. The list below includes many unique ideas for you to check out.
The list of things to do in Gatlinburg is organized by activities, shopping, and eating choices.
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Activities
For activities, I have listed all the Ripley’s brand activities together. It may be confusing when you research if you don’t realize that Ripley’s has several different attractions, all with their own unique location and admission price.
TIP: While walking the streets of Gatlinburg, you may find yourself in need of a restroom. There are plenty of them, but they are often out of sight. Most of the small shopping areas have a restroom, and we found a really nice, big one (lots of stalls) in the Mountain Mall. Just follow the signs once you enter a shopping area or mall.
Ripleys
Aquarium of the Smokies
One of the top attractions in Gatlinburg is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. It has been voted the best Aquarium in the US. This aquarium has a touch tank for rays, dive shows, 12-foot sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and more.
5D Moving Theater
The Ripleys 5D Moving Theater features two movies that you experience with motions going in 8 different directions. For these movies, you’d better buckle your seat belt!
Believe It or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is a unique experience with all types of exhibits, from strange to fascinating. You can see a 2 trunked elephant, a car covered in crystals, a dragon, and 11 galleries full of cool items.
Haunted Adventure
This Haunted House is open every day of the year. In Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, you will see state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects, plus there are pitch-black corridors that you must feel your way through. And if that isn’t scary enough, there are live actors too!
Davy Crockett Mini Golf
You can play two amazing 18-hole courses, full of water hazards, moving critters, and other interactive challenges. Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf is fun for the whole family and has free parking as well as a stop on the Gatlinburg Trolley.
Mirror Maze
Are you up for the challenge? Can you find your way out of Ripley’s Mirror Maze? This one is great fun for the whole family and includes a labyrinth of mirrors and LED lights!
Candy Factory
The Ripley’s Candy Factory is located right inside Ripley’s Mirror Maze. Lots of variety of candy from old-time classics to new, ready-to-try treats.
Hollywood Star Cars
Hollywood Star Cars attraction features over 45 iconic vehicles, including Batman, Bumblebee, 007, Elvis, and Dolly! Open daily from 9:00 am-9:00 pm.
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is both a ski resort and an amusement park. Take the tram cars in downtown Gatlinburg 1,471 feet up to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the breathtaking views. At the top, you can take advantage of the Alpine Slide, the Ski Mountain Coaster, and the Scenic Chairlift, and enjoy tubing in both summer and winter.
And of course, in the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating at the only ski resort in Tennessee.
Anakeesta
At Anakeesta, you can get to the 600-foot summit of the mountain on either the red Chondola or the Ridge Rambler adventure truck. At the top, you can enjoy the Treeventure challenge course, dining, a lush garden, hanging bridges, and spectacular views.
For an additional charg,e ziplining, gem mining, and a mountain coaster are available.
White Water Rafting
If you love water, then you may want to try out white water rafting on your visit to Gatlinburg. The two companies I recommend are Rafting in the Smokies and SMO – Smoky Mountain Outdoor Rafting. Reservation offices for both are located in Gatlinburg. The rafting facilities are in Hartford, TN.
Rafting in the Smokies
Rafting in the Smokies not only includes white water rafting but also family floats and family adventure island (zip lines, ropes challenge course, playground, and rock climbing wall).
SMO – Smoky Mountain Outdoor Rafting
Featuring the longest rafting trip of 6.5 miles, Smoky Mountain Outdoor Rafting (SMO) is the place to go to get your fill of rafting.
You can save money by combining rafting with a ticket to Climbworks Smoky Mountains, which has 2 zipline courses.
Space Needle Gatlinburg
The Space Needle in Gatlinburg, TN, is a 407-foot observation tower located right in the center of downtown Gatlinburg. It provides great views of both Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. At the bottom is a delightfully large 30,000+ square foot amusement center. Here you will find a variety of arcade games, simulators, and more.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Do you feel the need for speed? If so, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is the activity for you and your family! With single and double-coaster cars, you can go alone or with a friend.
Mysterious Mansion
Spooky! Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion is a very scary haunted attraction! This family-owned and operated attraction is sure to get your heart pumping as you are never sure what will be around the corner.
Skylift Park
Take the Gatlinburg Skylift chairlift up to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, SkyTrail, hiking paths, and beautiful views. The Skybridge at 700 feet long and 1800 feet above sea level is the longest in North America.
Shopping and Eating
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
We have been visiting the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen for taffy logs since I was a kid. Stop by and watch them make their famous treat and get a free sample. Nothing like fresh taffy to lift your energy when you are visiting Gatlinburg! Of course, you will want to stock up on not only taffy logs but all your favorite candy, too.
Fudge Shoppe of the Smokies
One word, Fudge! This place has the best Fudge I’ve ever eaten, so if you are a chocolate or fudge lover, stop by the Fudge Shoppe of the Smokies.
Old Smoky Tennessee Moonshine
You’ve heard of moonshine, but have you ever tried it? Old Smoky Tennessee Moonshine can be sipped and sampled at the Old Smoky Distillery. Stop by and try out a variety of moonshine, whiskies, and canned cocktails.
Gatlinburg Wine Cellar – Cotton Candy Wine
Gatlinburg Wine Cellar is home to the world-famous Cotton Candy Wine. With 2 locations in Gatlinburg, you will have plenty of opportunities to try out these unique flavors.
Chocolate Monkey
The Chocolate Monkey has locations in Pigeon Forge, Kodak, Knoxville, Sevierville, and 3 in Gatlinburg. It’s a fun place to get pick-up fudge, caramel apples, candy, truffles, and all kinds of chocolate!
Restaurants
I don’t usually list chain restaurants in my blog post, and yet, I’ve listed several in Gatlinburg. The reason that most of these are only available in tourist destinations, so many of you look for them when you are on vacation. A bunch more restaurants are in Gatlinburg, these are just a few notable ones, in case any are your favorite vacation destination for food!
Dick’s Last Resort
So this isn’t on my list of places to visit, but I have a few friends who love to go to Dick’s Last Resort and be insulted. If you like Dick’s, it is here for you to visit.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
We do like to visit Bubba Gump’s when we travel. The food and atmosphere are great. I really like the shrimp!
Melting Pot
For a fun dining experience that everyone in your party will like, head to the Melting Pot. Your meal includes several types of fondues. Our favorite is the four-course dinner for two that includes cheese fondue, salad, entree, and chocolate fondue!
Fridays
I included Fridays because it’s a great option if you have a large party and need a variety of choices for food. It’s also located next to the Melting Pot, so it is in my picture 🙂
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Transportation in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is very walkable, but be aware that it is on a hill, so one way will be going uphill! You will find lots of parking spaces (over 1200) plus several free and paid parking lots. Your best bet is to walk, as the traffic can be quite heavy at times. An alternative to walking is the Gatlinburg Trolley. Check out the trolley map to see the routes. The Gatlinburg Trolley is free to ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?
Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination so you should plan to spend at least 3-4 days here. You can easily fill up those days with exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rides and attractions at Anakeesta, sampling moonshine made in Gatlinburg stills, and enjoying delicious meals from the many restaurants in town.
The best months to visit Gatlinburg are typically April through October. The peak season is from May through August when the weather is warmest and attractions and lodging options are at their most abundant.
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are all close together and offer many of the same attractions.
Depending on the time of year and availability, some may be cheaper than others, so it’s best to compare prices before making a final decision. In general, staying in Sevierville tends to be the most economical option followed by Pigeon Forge and then Gatlinburg.
Yes, it is about a 4-hour drive or 220 miles from Nashville to Gatlinburg.
The Wrap-Up: Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?
Is Gatlinburg worth visiting? Yes! With all the shopping, food and activities you will have a great visit and maybe even try something new like taffy logs, mountain coasters, ziplining or rafting.
