Updated May 2024 by Brianna Goebel
If your family prefers a vacation with a more active spin rather than lounging by the pool, Gatlinburg should be at the top of your list. While it’s more commonly known as a bustling tourist destination with plenty of shopping and dining, Gatlinburg is also rich in outdoor adventures. Whether you’re traveling with friends or the whole family, everyone can enjoy Mother Nature—be it by raft, foot, or car. Here’s your guide to exploring the many outdoor adventures in Gatlinburg.
To jump straight to a specific section in this article, use the links below:
- Lodging
- Gatlinburg SkyPark
- Water activities
- Exploring the Smokies
- Ober Mountain
- Annual events
- And just FYI …
Anakeesta
Thrill-seekers, Anakeesta should be at the top of your Gatlinburg to-do list! As you take the 14-minute “chondola” ride 600 feet to the top of Anakeesta Mountain, you’ll be immersed in nature and lush forestry in ways you may have never experienced.
Once you arrive at the top, you’ll be struck by the magnificent panoramic views. Then, you’ll be ready to dig into the many activities that await, which could easily fill half a day — from dueling ziplines to the Treeventure Challenge Course, mountain coaster, AnaVista Tower, and more.
Plus, don’t miss Astra Lumina. The first event of its kind in the U.S., it invites guests to enjoy a breathtaking night walk that combines lighting, projections, and sounds.
Be sure to check out Anakeesta’s Stone Village expansion, too! In addition to a collection of European-inspired buildings, you’ll find BirdVenture. This aviary-inspired area invites guests to imagine what life would be like as a bird in the Smokies. The display includes three larger-than-life birdhouses, interactive adventure zones, and seven serpentine slides that wind more than 50 feet down the mountain.
Also part of Stone Village, adrenaline-seekers will love Hellbender — a rollercoaster designed to resemble the local Smoky Mountain salamander species. The coaster winds through the mountains in a series of twists and turns, and single-rail and double-rail coasters are available.
When you need a break from all the action, you can find some retail therapy at two different shops or grab a bite to eat. Cliff Top Restaurant in Black Bear Village has sweeping views of The Sugarlands, a section of the national park known for its Sugar Maple trees; a second restaurant in Black Bear Village, Kephart Café, offers gourmet hot dogs, flatbread pizza, and frozen yogurt. If you need to calm your nerves after all of the adventure, grab an adult beverage at the bar or the beer garden.
You can also grab a bite from The Smokehouse in Firefly Village, which serves house-smoked meats like pulled pork, chicken, and brisket. Enjoy your meal at one of the picnic tables and take in the stellar views.
While your food digests, stroll through Vista Gardens, which is at the highest part of the property and showcases lush gardens, a trickling stream, whimsical touches, and “twigloos,” which are stick sculptures that are indeed works of art.
A Unique Lodging Opportunity
After a day full of adventures and fun, you will need a place to relax and unwind. Mountain Laurel Chalets and Cabins is a boutique rental company that offers a series of high-end cabins for the whole family. Named part of The 100 Collection, which includes some of the best and most trusted vacation rentals, Mountain Laurel Chalet and Cabins offers getaways for groups of friends, large families, or couples.
Another fabulous boutique rental option is Treehouse Grove. As the only place that allows visitors to lodge on the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re invited to stay in one of the property’s 16 luxury treehouses — each designed by “Treehouse Master” Peter Nelson.
For a premier glamping experience, Camp LeConte Luxury Campground offers a variety of options, including a luxurious tree house, safari tent, retro camper, and RV and tent sites. During your stay, you can take advantage of amenities like free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and a beautiful pavilion.
The Park Vista: A Doubletree by Hilton and Embassy Suites by Hilton are both popular Gatlinburg hotels. In addition to sweeping views of the Smokies, take advantage of high-end amenities like luxury linens, swimming pools, and concierge services.
Recently renovated and slated to reopen soon, Rocky Waters Motor Inn is an intimate boutique hotel located along Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
For those with zero fear of heights, head to Gatlinburg SkyPark via chairlift, where you’ll find the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Celebrating 70 years in business, the SkyPark offers a five-foot-wide bridge that spans 680 feet. At its midpoint, it is 140 feet above the ground, which you can see via the glass panels. (Feeling a little breathless?)
For those who don’t wish to walk across the SkyBridge, take advantage of the Gatlinburg SkyTrail. This scenic walkway is just over one-third of a mile and connects the ends of the SkyBridge while still allowing guests to take in views of the Smokies below. With three distinct sections, the walkway is perfect for adults, children, and even pups!
The newest addition to Gatlinburg SkyPark is a 1.5-mile hiking trail that allows guests to enjoy a scenic mountain walk during their journey down the mountain.
On the Water
Whitewater rafting
Spend a fun-filled day on the Pigeon River, where you can load up a raft and take to the water for a guide-led adventure. There are several whitewater outfitters in the area, each of which will get you suited up and safety-checked. The upper Pigeon River offers Class III and IV rapids, suitable for ages eight and older, and the lower Pigeon River features Class I and II rapids, which are more calm and approved for ages three and older.
When you’re ready to take to the water, check out Rafting in the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Outdoors, and Nantahala Outdoor Center, though there are plenty more options.
Fly fishing
Anglers (and wannabe anglers), listen up! Fly fishing is a fabulous way to spend a day on the river, and The Smoky Mountain Angler is the place to start your fly fishing adventure. This full-service fly fishing outfitter can get you prepped and lead your crew on a fun-filled day of fishing in various mountain streams and fishing holes. Plus, they can point you to “kids only” fishing spots, increasing the odds of your youngest fishermen and fisherwomen catching something.
Located inside Embassy Suites, Smoky Mountain Guides are another great resource. During your excursion, your guide will lead you through a four-, six-, or eight-hour tour. You can catch various trout, from rainbow to brown or brook species!
Fly fishing fans can also visit Herbert Holt Park to experience Tennessee’s only municipal trout farm. The park offers “children only” fishing spots and is managed to maintain all types of trout, especially rainbow trout. (Note: There is no fishing on Thursdays.)
Into the Woods
Hiking
You can’t visit Gatlinburg without exploring the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most visited park in the U.S. National Park Service offers over 800 miles of trails, complete with wildflowers, streams, and abundant wildlife.
To make the most of your exploration, enlist the help of A Walk in the Woods or Smoky Mountain Guides. Both companies know this terrain inside and out and lead guests on tours to see everything nature has to offer. They’ll also point out intriguing historical elements you’d otherwise overlook.
SB Tip: Parking tags are required for entry into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Auto Tours
For those with mobility challenges or simply prefer exploring from the comfort of a car, you can still enjoy a nature-immersive experience in the Smokies. Take to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile loop that winds through the Smokies and offers a glimpse of historic buildings, mountain streams, and nature in a beautifully preserved state.
SB TIP: This narrow road is one-way only and quite winding, so those who struggle with carsickness may want to pop a Dramamine first. And be sure to check the website before you head that way to ensure the road is open.
If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, Smoky Mountain Guides also offers auto tours. While you ride in the comfort of a roomy Sprinter van, you can gaze at the stunning views of popular spots like Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome. You’ll also enjoy a side of history as the guides share insightful facts about the region and its vegetation.
Cades Cove also offers a trail perfect for auto tours. A popular self-guided option, you can purchase a guide at the entrance of the one-way road. Then, sit back and relax as you enjoy 11 miles of beautiful winding roads.
Ober Mountain
Primarily known as a winter destination for skiing and tubing adventures, Ober Mountain (previously known as Ober Gatlinburg) is actually open year-round and offers plenty of outdoor activities for all ages, including the popular tubing hill (yes, you can tube any time of the year!). Take the 100-passenger Aerial Tram two miles to the summit of Ober Mountain, where you will find a host of activities available during the spring, summer, and fall months.
In addition to the Alpine Slide, rock climbing, and Ski Mountain Coaster, the attraction also offers mountain biking and whitewater rafting! No matter your skill level, there are mountain biking courses for all experience levels—including educational trails.
Meanwhile, the hiking trails offer a unique view of the 60-year-old ski slopes and the Smokies. The trails are open from mid-May through October.
Annual Events to Plan For NOW!
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual event with a 70-plus-year history. Wildflower lovers enjoy professionally guided walks and exhibits that showcase the best of the region’s wildflowers and other natural resources. Through events and speakers, guests can learn about flora and fauna indigenous to the area — including salamanders, snakes, ferns, trees, bats, bears, insects (and, yes, wildflowers) — then get out to see them in their natural habitat via guided hikes. While this year’s event has already passed, you can bookmark this page and check back often to see when next year’s pilgrimage registration opens. Sign up early — this is a wildly popular annual event!
Synchronized Lightning Bugs
An amazing phenomenon occurs when synchronized fireflies light up the forest every year. For up to two weeks each spring, male fireflies shine their lights in what appears to be synchronicity to attract female mates. To see this amazing display, guests must register for the parking pass lottery. If chosen, they can access this marvelous display during its limited run. You can also check in with Smoky Mountain Guides, as they offer Synchronized Lightning Bug tours via their website. Click HERE for more info.
And Just FYI …
When the sun goes down, there are still plenty of adventures to enjoy. Gatlin’s Family Fun Center features Gatlinburg’s only rooftop ropes course (among other things), which allows thrill-seekers to be harnessed and climb three stories up for a series of breathtaking challenges.
If the weather turns sour, make your way to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. From animal feedings to penguin parades and educational encounters, no one will even care about the rain — at least for a few hours.
For even more interactive fun, visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, where many local shops offer create-your-own-class options!
When you’re ready to plan your adventure-filled vacation, head to gatlinburg.com.
This article is sponsored by Gatlinburg CVB.
