Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg Tennessee: 10 Can’t Miss Activities

Nestled in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a mountain town bursting with adventure and jaw-dropping views. From rollercoaster giggles to mouthwatering dinner shows by the fireside, Gatlinburg knows how to serve up heaps of fun!

Follow along as we list down the top 10 fun things to do in Gatlinburg that you shouldn’t miss.

Gatlinburg’s allure lies in its harmonious blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where you can experience the best of the Great Smoky Mountains and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Whether you’re flying high on the famous aerial tramway or sipping on some fiery moonshine that warms your soul, Gatlinburg promises non-stop excitement.

But with so many thrilling options, you might find yourself scratching your head, wondering where to start. Fret not, as we’ve compiled this handy list to make your decision-making a breeze.

So, first, lace up your coziest boots. Then, fill your lungs with the fresh mountain air. Finally, prepare for a whirlwind of thrilling experiences in this lively valley town. Your unforgettable escapade awaits!

roller coaster ride at dollywood in pigeon forge
Photo Credit: Dollywood / Facebook

Ride into Adventure at Dollywood

Hold onto your hats and get ready for an adrenaline rush at the iconic Dollywood amusement park. Featuring heart-pounding rides like Lightning Rod, Wild Eagle, and Daredevil Falls!

With lively music, a warm down-home atmosphere, and the stunning Smoky Mountain backdrop, Dollywood is an absolute blast for visitors of all ages. It’s definitely one of the most exciting and fun things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!

Experience the Thrills of Moonshine Mountain Coaster

Ready for a thrill ride with twists, turns, and gravity-defying drops? At Moonshine Mountain Coaster, you’ll zoom down nearly a half-mile of exciting elevated track with endless views of the Smoky Mountains.

As you climb to the top in your cozy cart, the anticipation builds before you rush downhill at exhilarating speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. Experience a memorable ride filled with dips, spins. And turns as you coast along gleefully taking in the crisp alpine air and scenery.

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And the best part? This scream-inducing ride offers free parking, making it easy to access the fast-paced fun!

Aerial View of Gatlinburg surrounded by fall foliage - Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USAStep onto the Gatlinburg SkyBridge and Soar Above the Smokies

It’s time to step out over the treetops on the amazing Gatlinburg SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge! As you walk 140 feet in the air over the lush trees, catch thrilling views of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains.

The glass-bottom observation deck offers a heart-pounding chance to stand on transparent panels peering all the way down. Feel like you’re flying as you soak up the breathtaking views of the Smokies while stepping out on the iconic Gatlinburg SkyBridge. You won’t want to miss it!

Unleash Your Creativity and Explore Artistic Treasures

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a haven for creativity, featuring over 100 shops and galleries filled with unique handmade crafts. Watch talented artisans demonstrate glassblowing, woodcarving, pottery-making, broom-making, and more traditional Appalachian crafts.

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Find the perfect souvenir like wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, quilts, homemade jams and candies among the incredible array of local treasures. Unleash your inner artist and explore the bountiful creativity flowing freely at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.

Aerial view of Ober Gatlinburg on a snowy sunny day in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Ober Gatlinburg

Elevate Your Excitement at Ober Gatlinburg

For an extraordinary mountain adventure, hop aboard the scenic Ober Mountain: Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway that spans a whopping 2.1 miles. As you glide above the city, the views get more and more spectacular, with the Smoky Mountains stretching out in all their glory.

At the mountain’s peak, Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round playground, offering a ton of exciting activities like skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, mountain biking, and even a thrilling cliffhanger roller coaster! So, take your Smoky Mountain adventure to new heights – literally!

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate at the Gatlinburg Distilleries

As you visit Gatlinburg, stop by the Ole Smoky and Tennessee Shine Co. distilleries to sample delicious moonshine, whiskey, rum, vodka, and more. Take an entertaining distillery tour highlighting the process of crafting smooth ‘shine and authentic Tennessee spirits.

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With lively music, dazzling light shows, and plenty of free tastings, these distilleries invite you to sip, savor, and celebrate the spirit of Tennessee. From fruity flavored moonshine to bold, charred whiskeys, the Gatlinburg distilleries offer an intoxicating taste of Southern culture.

Close up photo of a llama smiling with other llamas in the background as park of the Smoky Mountains llama Trek in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Scaly Adventures via Facebook

Trek with Fluffy Friends at Smoky Mountain Llama Treks

Furry, four-legged, and fabulously fun creatures, oh my! Ever wondered what it’s like to trek with some of the fluffiest and quirkiest companions on the planet? Join a guided llama trek along the scenic hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Bond with your llama as you wander through lush forests and across babbling creeks on memorable guided treks. Trekking with llamas offers all the joys of Smoky Mountain hiking with the delightful perk of hiking buddies who hum as you ramble along!

Dive into a World of Wonder at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Situated right in downtown Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies invites you to dive into an underwater world of amazement. Get up close to sharks, rays, jellyfish, and over 10,000 sea creatures as you walk through tunnels surrounded by water.

Touch a small shark, watch penguins play, and be mesmerized by the giant sea turtles swimming gracefully all around you. Discover a world of aquatic wonder that will leave you in awe at Ripley’s unforgettable Aquarium of the Smokies.

close up of two kids and a mom looking at a frogs at Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf via Facebook

Putt Your Way to Fun at Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf

Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf, located right in the heart of Gatlinburg, is an exciting 18-hole golf course filled with caves, waterfalls, and friendly competition. Navigate around pioneer wagons, coonskin caps, and more as you putt your way through this Smoky Mountain-themed adventure.

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With entertaining animatronic characters and pioneer structures, this family-friendly mini golf course offers a rootin’ tootin’ good time for all ages. Grab a putter and get ready for laughs and memorable moments as you putt your way to fun at Ripley’s frontier-style Davy Crockett Mini Golf.

Catch Unforgettable Gatlinburg Shows

After dark, enjoy dazzling entertainment like Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner show with thrilling horse stunts, bluegrass music, and mouthwatering food. For an evening of wonder, catch the Impossibilities – Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem! featuring spellbinding magic, mentalism, and family-friendly comedy.

From musical extravaganzas to magic and illusion, the lively Shows make for unforgettable fun things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. When the sun goes down, witness the Smoky Mountains come alive with Gatlinburg’s fantastic live performances and shows! Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

aerial view of Anakeesta surrounded by trees with mountains in distance during day in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Anakeesta via Facebook

Discover the Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg TN with Tripster

From outdoor adventures to unique attractions and entertainment, there are so many ways to experience the fun things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee.

Come, be part of the non-stop entertainment, dive into the rich local culture. And bask in the natural splendor that transforms Gatlinburg into an unforgettable vacation wonderland!

Why wait? Don’t delay – book your Attractions, Hotels, and Vacation Packages through Tripster today!

Gatlinburg is the place where you’ll find peak happiness and summit excitement!

Tell Us, What Fun Things To Do in Tennessee Gatlinburg Did We Miss?

What other fun activities in Gatlinburg attractions would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!


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Written by Archie Villaflores

Over the years, he has won numerous national contests for news and editorial writing, but he has recently discovered that his true passion...


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