If you like variety, you'll love Gatlinburg TN! This Smoky Mountain destination literally has it all: From kid-friendly fun things to do to rustic mountainside attractions you'll only find right here in the Smokies! Looking for nearby attractions and things to do in Gatlinburg? Gatlinburg TN is located just south of Pigeon Forge and borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Where is Gatlinburg?
Getting there is simple: It's just a seven mile jaunt down the Parkway from the center of Pigeon Forge, which means you don't have to travel very far at all to enjoy some big Gatlinburg attractions and adventures! Because it's nestled just outside the national park, the Great Smoky Mountains give Gatlinburg a unique, alpine feel – all with a unique Tennessee twist.
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Things To Do In Gatlinburg
From downhill skiing to world-class attractions, you'll stay busy in Gatlinburg during all four seasons: Winter turns the area into a veritable wonderland with Smoky Mountain skiing and sledding; spring's mild temperatures make hiking the area's 600+ miles of trails pleasant; summer's sunny skies are perfect companions for rafting the mountain rapids; and fall brings a symphony of colors to behold and the mountains changes hues.
Gatlinburg Attractions
Gatlinburg Hotels
Opting to stay in the Gatlinburg area? Check out our list of top Gatlinburg hotels and condos. A hotel is a great lodging option if you're looking for amenities like continental breakfast, daily housekeeping services, and close proximity to the many things to do in Gatlinburg on the parkway.
Gatlinburg Hotels
Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals
If you're looking for a bit of seclusion and gorgeous mountain views, consider browsing our selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals. A scenic log cabin in this part of the Smoky Mountains makes for a wonderful getaway especially if you're aiming to spend more time in the national park, which is extremely close by, than other attractions.
Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals
Gatlinburg Restaurants
Get a bite to eat downtown. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all delicious when you're dining at one of these fabulous Gatlinburg restaurants. There are spaces to accomodate parties of all sizes for any occasion. Walk down the strip and choose from the many tasty establishments.
Gatlinburg Restaurants
Gatlinburg Hikes
There are tons of great places to go hiking in Gatlinburg. You can start at the visitor center for a bunch of easier options, or dive right into the tough stuff after taking a scenic drive down Newfound Gap Road. Blaze a trail on the very mountains you can see from your cabin. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just south of this little mountain town.
Gatlinburg Hikes
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Nestled just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your mountain adventure. Learn about park activities, get up close and personal with the local flora and fauna, and even talk with a ranger at this NPS-operated center.
Visitor Centers
Gatlinburg Sports
Located near Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and just north of the national park, Rocky Top Sports World is host to many football, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball and soccer tournaments. Many traveling teams come to the area to compete. With Mount LeConte serving as the backdrop to the outdoor facilities, the location is unique in its mountain setting.
Rocky Top Sports World
Gatlinburg SkyPark
The Gatlinburg SkyPark offers incredible views of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg from the iconic Gatlinburg SkyBridge. The SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. While visiting the park, enjoy drinks and snacks from the SkyCenter and take a seat in one of the many cozy areas on the SkyDeck.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Anakeesta
From the famous chondola to the treetop skybridge to the mountain coaster, Anakeesta is one of Gatlinburg's most memorable and all-encompassing attractions. Grab friends & family and zip side by side on their award winning dueling zipline, and then relax & grab a bite to eat in the Magical Firefly Village.
Anakeesta
7D Dark Ride Adventure
This seven dimensional state-of-the-art shooting game is not for the faint of heart. You will be blown away by the combination of wind, sound, and movement that propels 7D Dark Ride Adventure into a beyond real experience. Join the fun with a room full of fellow adventurers and ready your trigger finger, because you're sure to have a blast.
7D Dark Ride Adventure
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
At Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, explore a coral reef, tropical rainforest and other exciting destinations without leaving the mountains! This world-class attraction was recently voted America's #1 Aquarium by TripAdvisor and it's easy to see why: This expansive under-water attraction is home to hundreds of interactive and innovative exhibits for folks of all ages to enjoy!
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Greystone Lodge On The River
Recently renovated, this Gatlinburg hotel with a water park is a casually luxurious destination that's great for families wanting to stay near all the fun of the parkway. Greystone Lodge on the River is within walking distance of Ripley's Aquarium. Kids will enjoy everything from the waterslide and outdoor pool area to the cozy bunkbeds in the guest rooms!
Greystone Lodge
The Appy Lodge
If you're looking to stay right on the Gatlinburg parkway, consider the newly renovated Appy Lodge. Each of the rooms at the Appy is named after an actual shelter on the Appalachian Trail and includes hardwood flooring, incredible walk-in showers, and high end finishes and custom décor throughout. And you can't miss the history that lines the hallways; see for yourself!
The Appy Lodge
J.O.E. & Pop's Sub Shoppe
If you're a fan of Philly cheese steaks, reuben sandwiches and Italian subs, you'll love J.O.E. & Pop's Sub Shoppe in Gatlinburg. All the meats and cheeses are freshly sliced and the subs are made exactly the way you like them. Make your meal a platter with 2 sides for only $2 more.
J.O.E. & Pop's Sub Shoppe
Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon
With locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon has been voted Best Steak in the area year after year. But their delicious dining options aren't limited to their award-winning steak; their unique dishes like pistachio encrusted salmon and grilled oysters are just as mouth watering
Alamo Steakhouse
Big Daddy's Pizzeria
Big Daddy's Pizzeria is so dedicated to serving perfectly wood fired pizzas made with the freshest ingredients that they don't even have a freezer on the premises. After their very own pizzeoli crafts the handmade dough, their specialty pizzas are prepared to every guest's delight.
Big Daddy's PizzeriaMake the most of your next Pigeon Forge vacation by spending some quality time with plenty of things to do in Gatlinburg, TN with all of the amazing sites and attractions! Learn more about Smoky Mountain attractions and things to do in East Tennessee by clicking through PigeonForge.com.
Upcoming Events in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Nov 21, 2023 - Dec 3, 2023
Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Experience the wonder of the season at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, where the members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community pr...
Downtown Gatlinburg
Fridays & Saturdays • Nov 24 - Dec 16, 2023
Winter Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings ...
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Nov 3, 2023 - Dec 23, 2023
Santa at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Santa Claus is visiting Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies November 3 through December 23! Bring the whole family to meet good Old St. Nick ...
Ober Mountain
Dec 1, 2023 - Dec 23, 2023
Christmas at Ober Mountain
Snow is blowing on Ober Mountain and preparation is underway to make this the BEST Winter Season yet! There's no better way to get in the Wi...
Anakeesta
Nov 24-25, Dec 2, Dec 9, Dec 16, Dec 23
Breakfast With Santa
Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us at Anakeesta for a delightfully enchanted breakfast this winter season with a very special guest, San...
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Feb 22, 2023 - Dec 27, 2023
Sensory-Friendly Nights At The Aquarium
Join us for a quieter experience at Ripley's Aquarium! Several nights a year at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, they turn...
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Jan 15, 2023 - Dec 30, 2023
Sleep With The Sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium
Do sharks sleep? Find out for yourself when you spend the night at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. After a fun-filled night including a ...
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Dec 31, 2023
Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks
Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2024 in unique style with its annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show around the base of...
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Dec 31, 2023
New Year’s Eve Lights Of Wonder
The city of Gatlinburg is getting ready to have its fireworks display from the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle this New Year's Eve! To ge...
Anakeesta
Nov 14, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024
Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta
When the sun sets in the Smokies, Anakeesta mountain comes to life with a celebration of lights. Gather around the fire with family and frie...
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Nov 9, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024
Lights Over Gatlinburg
Lights Over Gatlinburg is the most popular holiday lights event in Tennessee, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and media attention f...
Downtown Gatlinburg
Nov 10, 2023 - Feb 15, 2024
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winter Magic with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the ...
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Apr 12, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024
Smoky Mountain Music Festival
The Smoky Mountain Music Festival is a competition for elementary, middle and high school music groups. It offers these groups a chance to s...
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
May 1, 2024 - May 4, 2024
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is a 70 year old annual event in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring professionally-guided wa...
Downtown Gatlinburg
Jul 4, 2024
July 4th Parade in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg celebrates the 4th of July in a big way and this year will be no exception with the first Independence Day Parade in the nation. ...
For more events in the area, be sure to check our our full Smoky Mountain events calendar.
