12 things to see & do on any Gatlinburg, TN vacation

The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is a perfect vacation destination for hikers and nature lovers. The massive 522, 427 acre park offers endless opportunity for outdoor recreation, whether it be hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Gatlinburg, TN is a great base location as it is located minutes from the park and offers many amenities of its’ own.

There is much more to the Smokies than simply natural wonders. People come from all over to enjoy the picturesque Sky Lift ride, live shows, cheesy museums, rustic cabins, and themed restaurants. Although downtown Gatlinburg has a tourist trap reputation, if you bypass all the tacky shops and gimmicky museums, you will find plenty of interesting attractions. The area is lively and bustling with energy pretty much the entire year. On the downside, it’s a bit too overwhelming, with tourist traps lurking around every corner. Being a resident of nearby Asheville & Greenville over the past few years, I have had many opportunities to explore the area. In my guide, you will find a mix of recreational and entertainment attractions.

1. Hike the Smokies

The top thing to do while visiting Gatlinburg is definitely getting out there and exploring nature. Hundreds of miles of trails (more than 800 to be exact!) of varying difficulty give you plenty of options no matter your fitness level. Best part of all, the park is completely free! Some trails feature outstanding views of the mountains, others majestic waterfalls.

Keep your eyes peeled as black bear sightings are not at all rare. In fact, I saw my first black bear (after 10 years hiking various trails throughout the US) while hiking in the Smokies! Rangers always tell you to keep an eye out for wildlife, yet rarely do you even come remotely close to actually seeing anything out there on the trails. With ~1900 bears inhabiting the Smokies, this is not the case in Gatlinburg.

The Smokies are home to the highest concentration of black bears in the world, so odds are pretty good that you might see one, especially if you hike multiple trails during prime bear season (spring). Be careful as bears are often out with their cubs at this time, and thus, more likely to attack. Always view from afar.

Easy/Mod Trails to Check Out

• Abrams Falls trail: A 2.7 mile moderate trek to one of the park’s most gorgeous waterfalls. Address: Cades Cove Loop Rd & Laurel Creek Rd.
• Clingman’s Dove: A short, yet impressive hike to the summit of Clingman’s Dome, which at 6643 feet, is the highest point in Tennessee. On a clear day, you can see 7 states (TN, NC, SC, VA, GA, AL, KY). Address: Clingmans Dome Rd, Bryson City, NC.
• Cataract Falls: This is a very easy trail (perfect for families and those who prefer a nature stroll as opposed to a tough hike) which starts behind the Sugarlands Visitor center. You will see a small waterfall and several creeks along this 1 mile trail.

Check out more of my favorite easy Smokies hikes

2. Spend the night at a luxury log cabin

A quiet relaxing weekend at a rustic cabin is the best way to take in the breathtaking mountain scenery in a more isolated setting. The entire region offers no shortage of rentals, with a range of diverse options in Gatlinburg, as well as the surrounding communities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, & Townsend.

Timber Tops offers an amazing array of cabins, from 1 to 15 bedrooms, with varying amenities. These are not your ordinary cabins in the woods. Many are loaded with unique amenities including gigantic decks with jacuzzis, firepits, pool tables, game rooms, even indoor swimming pools and movie theaters! Pet friendly, holiday decorated, river views, and a secluded view are a few extra amenities available. As an added bonus, you get free attraction tickets with every stay!

Pictured below is Life’s a Bear, a moderately priced 2 bedroom in a secluded location. This cabin is gorgeously decorated with rustic charm and adorable bear touches throughout. The mountain views via the deck are simply outstanding and the amenities (full kitchen, hot tub, huge fireplace, pool table, darts) so fantastic that you really do not have the leave the cabin at all if you wish to simply enjoy a laid-back weekend in the woods. I loved relaxing in the hot tub while taking in the mountain vistas. This cabin is a great choice for couples.

The best part is that these cabins are far enough away from the clutter that you can truly soak in the natural scenery, yet still close enough for a manageable drive into town to enjoy the various shows & amenities. Of course, you could just as easily never leave the cabin and just relax and enjoy the scenery.

3. Enjoy a scenic tram ride at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is the perfect year-round recreational oasis, conveniently located amidst the bustle of downtown Gatlinburg. Spring or summer, although super crowded, is the best time to take the tram ride as the beautiful leafy green trees provide a picture-perfect setting. Fall is also great due to the colorful foliage surrounding the mountains. Winter, on the other hand, is much quieter, and although the scenery is quite barren, it’s a much more peaceful time to enjoy the views all to yourself. Skiing, tubing, and ice skating are also available (for an extra fee).

Come winter, test your skills on the only ski resort in the state! Or, lace up your skates and burn off all those extra calories from all your vacation indulgences!

Other things to do at Ober include summer tubing, an alpine slide, a mountain coaster, ice bumper cars, water rides, and mini golf. Ice skating is now open year-round, and makes for a great cool escape during the hot summer season.

• Address: 1310 Ski Mountain Rd. Gatlinburg, TN
• Pricing: $29 (unde 5 free). Current as of spring 2025.
• Hours: 9:40am-8:00pm
• Additionally, various wristband deals are available. Check the Ober website for full details.

4. Embark on a Whitewater Rafting Adventure

For the ultimate thrill, consider a whitewater rafting trip. The Smokies is the perfect place to enjoy a whitewater adventure, and there are several options to choose amongst. Beginner to advanced trips, half day to full day, you will find numerous options to pick amongst here. Rafting is a great way to cool off on a hot summer’s day. It is an exhilarating experience where you can enjoy nature in a more extreme way. If you are up for the adventure of a lifetime, consider rafting as an alternative (or in addition to) hiking.

Whether you prefer a relaxing trip down the river simply enjoying great scenery (float trips, Class I or II rapids) or are seeking more of an adrenaline rush with lots of drops, turns, and splashes (Class III and IV), there’s an option to suit your interest. Rafting is a great alternative to hiking during the super hot & humid summer season, when it is pretty much unbearable to hike more than a few miles. I was super scared my first time rafting: of course, I was the only one to fall out of the raft. I still had a blast though and would do it again!

Here is a look at a few of the best rafting adventures in the Smokies.

5. Take a stroll around The Village Shops

The Village is a beautiful Bavarian inspired complex home to over 20 restaurants and boutique shops. Heavily landscaped and attractively designed with tranquil fountains and a charming Old World ambiance, it’s the perfect place to spend a laid-back morning browsing local boutique shops.

Stop by Coffee and Company for a delicious espresso. This is the best non-chain in the area for quality drip and espresso drinks. Take a seat in the courtyard and enjoy the lovely surroundings. For breakfast, check out touristy favorite The Pancake Pantry, a family favorite since 1960. Here you can enjoy one of a dozen creative pancake varieties, from banana bread to Georgia peach. If you prefer grab & go, the Donut Friar, serving freshly made donuts and pastries, is a hit with most tourists. I don’t like sweets that much so I just opted for a strong coffee.

I love browsing around the shops, even if I don’t planning on buying anything. A few of my favorites:

• The Day Hiker: All your necessary hiking essentials plus cute bear themed knick knacks.
• Candle Cottage: Featuring more specialty candles than you could possibly imagine. This shop smells great the second you walk in! Lots of cute seasonal decor as well. Love that they play holiday music in the background year-round!
• Village Cafe & Creamery: Old-fashioned soda shop featuring hand dipped ice cream. Also serving coffee and espresso drinks.
• Master’s Edition: Wonderful art gallery specializing in fine art. If I had the money, there is a lot I would buy in here.
• Best Gift Idea Ever: Specializing in unique letter art pieces which you can customize to your liking.

Address: 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Hours: 10am-9pm (10 on Saturday)

6. Check out a waterfall

Unfortunately, many tourists come and go without exploring any of the natural attractions which make the Smokies so great. This is a shame as there are numerous wonderful waterfalls accessible via a short hike. Laurel Falls is one of the best-of-the-best due to the short distance and easy accessibility. Being that it is located just 3 miles from Gatlinburg, the hike will not take up much of your day.

The trail is paved and just 1.3 miles each way. A little steep on the way up but pretty much doable by anyone in relatively good shape. Along the way, the picturesque mountain views will more than motivate you to continue on. The ending waterfall view makes all your hard effort all the more worth it. Note that this is prime bear territory: I saw one on my first hike!

• Laurel Falls address: Little River Rd. From the Sugarlands Visitor center, turn on Little River Rd and continue 3.5 miles or so until you see the trailhead parking. Note: you will likely have to park along the road and walk a bit if you visit during prime season.
• Check out more of my favorite Smokies waterfalls