Wondering what to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? You're in good company — millions of visitors pour into this mountain town every year, drawn by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a walkable downtown packed with attractions, and some of the best cabin rentals in the South. Whether you're here for a weekend or a full week, there's no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee. Here's our insider guide to making the most of your trip.
Outdoor Adventures in Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Let's start with the obvious — the national park is right here, and it's free to enter (one of the few national parks with no entry fee). With over 800 miles of trails, you could hike every day for a year and not see it all. Here are our favorites:
- Laurel Falls Trail (2.6 miles round-trip): The most popular trail in the park for good reason. A paved path leads to a stunning 80-foot waterfall. Go early morning to beat the crowds.
- Alum Cave Trail (4.4 miles round-trip): Moderate difficulty with incredible payoffs — walk through ancient bluffs and misty forest to one of the most photogenic spots in the Smokies.
- Clingmans Dome (0.5 miles to summit): The highest point in the Smokies at 6,643 feet. Drive most of the way, then take a steep half-mile walk to a 360-degree observation tower. On clear days you can see for 100 miles.
- Grotto Falls (2.6 miles round-trip): The only waterfall in the park you can walk behind. Unique experience and a moderate, family-friendly hike.
Pro tip: The park now requires parking tags for popular trailheads from March through November. Reserve yours at recreation.gov a few days ahead.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
This one-way, 5.5-mile loop road starts right in Gatlinburg and winds through old-growth forest past historic homesteads, rushing streams, and two waterfalls (Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls trailheads are both accessed from here). It's free with your parking tag and absolutely gorgeous in the fall.
Ober Mountain
Take the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg up to Ober Mountain for skiing and snowboarding in winter, or ice skating, alpine slides, and mountain coasters year-round. The views from the top are incredible — you're looking straight into the national park.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Consistently rated one of the best aquariums in the country, Ripley's is right on the Gatlinburg strip. The underwater tunnel walk-through is mesmerizing — sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles glide inches above your head. Plan for 2–3 hours and buy tickets online to skip the line.
Anakeesta
One of Gatlinburg's newest and most popular attractions, Anakeesta is a mountaintop theme park accessible by gondola. Walk through the TreeCanopy Walk (a series of sky bridges through the forest canopy), ride the Rail Runner mountain coaster, and explore the Firefly Village shops and restaurants. The views at sunset are unforgettable.
Dollywood
Technically in Pigeon Forge (about 30 minutes from Gatlinburg), Dollywood is a must-do. World-class roller coasters, Appalachian crafts, incredible live music, and some of the best theme park food you'll ever eat — the cinnamon bread alone is worth the trip. Plan a full day here.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Gearheads and movie fans will love this museum on the Gatlinburg strip, featuring famous cars from Batman, The Fast and the Furious, Ghostbusters, and more. It's a quick, fun stop that's surprisingly impressive.
Where to Eat in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg's food scene punches way above its weight for a town this size. Here are our go-to spots:
- The Peddler Steakhouse: A Gatlinburg institution since 1976. Choose your own cut of beef from the salad bar cooler, and they grill it to perfection. Sit by the river for the best experience. Reservations strongly recommended.
- Pancake Pantry: The line out the door every morning tells you everything. Tennessee's first pancake house and still the best. The Austrian apple-walnut pancakes are legendary. Get there before 8 AM or prepare to wait.
- Cherokee Grill: Upscale-casual dining with mountain views. The rainbow trout and hand-cut steaks are excellent. Great spot for a date night.
- Smoky Mountain Brewery: Craft beer brewed on-site, solid pub food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Good for families and groups.
- Donut Friar: You can smell the fresh donuts from the street. This tiny shop on the Village makes everything from scratch. Cash only, and the glazed donuts disappear fast.
- No Way Jose's: Surprisingly great Mexican food in the mountains. The margaritas are strong and the patio is perfect on a warm evening.
Shopping & Arts in Gatlinburg
The Village Shops
This charming collection of 27 shops tucked just off the main strip feels like a European village. You'll find handmade candles, leather goods, fudge, and unique souvenirs. The Donut Friar (mentioned above) and The Cheese Cupboard are both here.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
The largest community of independent artisans in the country stretches along an 8-mile loop just outside town. Potters, woodworkers, painters, and blacksmiths open their studios to visitors year-round. You can watch craftspeople at work and buy one-of-a-kind pieces. This is the real deal — no mass-produced imports.
Ole Smoky Moonshine
Tennessee's first legal moonshine distillery sits right on the strip. Free tastings of their signature flavors (apple pie moonshine is dangerously good), live music on the porch, and a fun atmosphere. Go for the experience even if moonshine isn't your thing.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage (April): Guided hikes, workshops, and photography walks celebrating the park's incredible wildflower diversity.
- Fourth of July Midnight Parade: Gatlinburg hosts the first Independence Day parade in the nation — it kicks off at midnight on July 4th. It's a quirky, beloved tradition.
- Oktoberfest (October): German food, beer, and live music at Ober Mountain. Pair it with fall foliage for the ultimate autumn trip.
- Winter Magic (November–February): Over 3 million lights blanket the town. The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in early December draws enormous crowds.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
Skip the overpriced hotels on the strip. A mountain cabin gives you more space, better views, privacy, and amenities like hot tubs and game rooms — usually for less than a hotel room. Here are a few of our properties just minutes from downtown:
Glory Springs — 5 Minutes from Downtown
Our Glory Springs cabin is the closest to Gatlinburg's action. It sleeps 10, has a private indoor heated pool, hot tub, game room, and mountain views. Perfect for families who want to be near attractions without staying in the noise.
Overlook Lodge — Panoramic Mountain Views
Just 15 minutes from downtown in Sevierville, Overlook Lodge sleeps 14 across five bedrooms with some of the most breathtaking deck views you'll find. Five decks, a game room, and total privacy.
Stackstone Cabin — Luxury in the Mountains
For a more upscale experience, Stackstone Cabin in Sevierville offers designer interiors, a theater room with surround sound, and sleeps 12. It's about 20 minutes from Gatlinburg — close enough to visit, far enough to escape.
Insider Tips for Visiting Gatlinburg
- Avoid the traffic. Gatlinburg's single main road gets brutal on weekends and holidays. Use the Gatlinburg Bypass (Highway 321) to skip downtown traffic entirely. Park at the Welcome Center and take the free trolley into town.
- Go off-season. January through mid-March has the lowest crowds, cheapest cabin rates, and the same mountain beauty (plus occasional snow). Late April and early May are also sweet spots.
- Buy a SmartPark pass. If you're driving into town, the SmartPark garages are scattered around downtown. One pass covers multiple entries.
- Hike early. Most trails are packed by 10 AM. Start at sunrise and you'll have waterfalls and views to yourself.
- Book your cabin direct. Sites like Airbnb and VRBO tack on 14–16% service fees. When you book directly with us, you save up to 15% and get better cancellation terms.
Plan Your Gatlinburg Trip Today
Gatlinburg packs an incredible amount into a tiny mountain town — world-class hiking, family attractions, great food, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern United States. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure with friends, you won't run out of things to do.
Ready to start planning? Browse our Smoky Mountain cabins and book direct to save up to 15%. Have questions? Get in touch — we're locals and happy to help you plan the perfect trip.
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