Gatlinburg TN Itinerary: Your Ultimate Blueprint for an Unforgettable Vacation

Nestled majestically within the towering embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee has been a favorite family vacation destination for decades. The allure of this place is undeniable, and it’s easy to see why! Keep reading to discover an in-depth Gatlinburg Itinerary.

From scenic trails and historic sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to one-of-a-kind adventures, and moonshine tasting. Gatlinburg unveils a myriad of experiences that cater to families, couples, or groups of friends.

But planning a trip to Gatlinburg for the first time can feel overwhelming. With only 3 days to spend in the area, what are the absolute must-see attractions and experiences?

This customizable Gatlinburg itinerary takes the guesswork out of planning the perfect quick getaway. Follow this complete 3 day Gatlinburg itinerary covering the top natural attractions, amusement thrills, and family-friendly entertainment in this Smoky Mountain city.

What to Do for 3 Days in Gatlinburg

Day 1: Gatlinburg and The Smoky Mountains

Start your family friendly Gatlinburg TN itinerary by exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Drive the 11-mile Roaring Fork loop to see historic buildings along the way, and the Newfound Gap Road for incredible long-range mountain vistas.

Plus, don’t miss driving along Cades Cove loop road to spot a griss mill, pioneer farms, churches and possibly wildlife! Beat the crowds by arriving at Cades Cove Loop early morning, when you’re more likely to spot wildlife like deer, bears, and turkeys along the way.

Stop at the visitors centers to learn about the Smoky Mountain area stretching for miles long. Then experience the highest point in the park by hiking up Clingmans Dome observation tower for panoramic views of Gatlinburg.

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In addition, another popular hike is the 2.6-mile roundtrip trek to the 80-foot cascading Laurel Falls. This moderately difficult trail leads through verdant forest and alongside a rushing stream to the breathtaking waterfall and swimming hole.

With epic scenery and family-friendly adventures, the national park is a highlight of any Gatlinburg family itinerary. Unwind amid nature’s beauty, savoring the serenity and creating lasting family memories surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes that make Gatlinburg a cherished destination.

Pro Tip: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along your drive or hike through the park. From sandwiches and trail mix to apple cider donuts and sweet tea, picnics practically made the Smokies famous!

Day 2: The Ultimate Gatlinbrug Thrills

Spend your second day seeking adventures tailored for a Gatlinburg itinerary for couples. Start by sitting down to mouthwatering stacks of pancakes at a pancake house of your choice, the most famous breakfast spot in the Smokies.

Continue your adventure by exploring Anakeesta, an artsy mountain village with shops, eateries and hiking trails offering stunning 360 degree views. Then take the scenic Aerial Tramway ride up to the very top of Ober Mountain for more panoramic vistas.

Afterward, head to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to immerse yourself for hours wandering through exotic aquatic habitats. Marvel at the colorful coral reefs, fascinating sea creatures, and engaging exhibits.

Later in the day, make a delightful stop at the popular Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery perched in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Here, you can not only enjoy tabs and sips of robust apple pie moonshine but also learn about the rich moonshine-making tradition with interactive tours and tastings.

Pro Tip: Time your moonshine tasting for later afternoon — the samples tend to “hit different” on an empty stomach after a full day of adventure!

Seeking an extra dose of heart-pounding excitement? Embark on a brief scenic drive from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge, where a world of exhilarating experiences awaits. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled escapade as you immerse in the thrilling offerings such as:

• thrilling roller coasters at Dollywood
• educational exhibits at WonderWorks
• stunning views at The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
• zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park
• mini golf at Crave Golf Club
• and many more!

Day 3: Family-friendly Gatlinburg Shows

While the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains undeniably steal the spotlight, Gatlinburg unveils another layer of its charm: world-class shows tailored perfectly for a Gatlinburg itinerary for families.

At the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle you’ll find the hilarious Impossibilities – Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem!. Where jaw-dropping illusions and family-friendly comedy create an enchanting experience for all.

Venture just a few minutes down the road to witness the grandeur of the Smokies’ most popular show, Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Featuring festive trick riding, barnyard showmanship, and a delectable four-course feast.

Delight in the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, a comedic recounting of the famous family rivalry through music and audience participation. Adding a touch of interactive fun to your Gatlinburg entertainment experience.

For a high-energy spectacle, indulge in Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show, where talented singing lumberjacks, cirque-style acrobats, Timberworks lumberjack competition. And a southern-inspired meal come together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

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With three days packed full of natural scenery, amusement thrills, and entertaining productions like these that the whole family will love. You may find yourself wanting to extend your Smoky Mountain getaway to a 4 day itinerary Gatlinburg next time!

Pro Tip: Elevate your Gatlinburg experience by securing show tickets well in advance online! Not only will you guarantee the best seating, but you’ll also revel in substantial savings compared to box office walk-up pricing.

Gatlinburg Hotels

Planning a trip to Gatlinburg but not sure where to stay? Searching the perfect hotel can be frustrating when there are so many options to choose from. The struggle is real when sifting through hundreds of hotels trying to balance location, amenities, and budget.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and resort to randomly picking one. But finding the right Gatlinburg hotel is crucial to having an amazing vacation.

The wrong choice could mean an inconvenient location far from the attractions you want to visit, or missing out on key features like indoor pools for the kids. You want to feel comfortable, safe, and still have money left over to actually enjoy exploring the area!

The good news is, Tripster has compiled all the best hotel options around Gatlinburg into one easy-to-use list, taking the guesswork out of the decision. You’ll find detailed descriptions of each hotel’s top highlights, room types and rates, along with key info like distance to main attractions.

Related Post: Hotels in Gatlinburg TN with Indoor Pool and Lazy River: 4 Top Choices for Your Vacation

Pro Tip: Avoid staying right on the Gatlinburg Parkway or Ski Mountain Road, where convenience comes with outrageous “prime location” price tags. Hidden gem deals await just off the beaten downtown path!

Book your Gatlinburg Hotel through Tripster today! Discover the perfect place to call home during your Smoky Mountain getaway!

Plan a Trip to Gatlinburg with Tripster Today

With miles of scenic wilderness, southern hospitality, and attraction thrills galore, Gatlinburg truly has something that will excite every traveler. This 3-day itinerary hits all the must-see places and signature experiences to make the most of your visit.

But of course, there is so much more to enjoy in and around Gatlinburg that simply can’t fit into three short days! If your taste for adventure still isn’t satisfied, extend your Smoky Mountain vacation and add another exciting day letting loose at one of Gatlinburg’s popular nightlife spots.

Whether you’ve explored the vibrant arts scene, ventured into the pristine landscapes of the Smokies, or embraced the thrill of Pigeon Forge’s attractions, Gatlinburg has undoubtedly cast its spell on you.

Browse Tripster to discover the best hotels, deals and custom trip-planning help to make your Gatlinburg dreams a reality! Customize your itinerary and be the author of your Gatlinburg story!

What Did We Miss?

Have anything to add to our itinerary for Gatlinburg TN? Share with us in the comments below!