Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Evidently, it’s a picturesque town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Next, we’ll explore the top attractions at Gatlinburg, ensuring you don’t miss any of the must-see sights and experiences this charming town has to offer.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A visit to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park is renowned for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and stunning vistas. There are numerous hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Moreover, these offer breathtaking views of the mountains, waterfalls and wildflower meadows.
Highlights:
- Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the park, offering panoramic views.
- Cades Cove: A scenic valley with historic buildings and abundant wildlife.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A beautiful drive through forests and streams.
2. Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round amusement park and ski area that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. Indeed, during the warmer months, Ober Gatlinburg transforms into a summer playground with activities such as alpine slides, a wildlife encounter and an aerial tramway that provides stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
Highlights:
- Aerial Tramway: A scenic 2.1-mile ride from downtown Gatlinburg to the resort.
- Alpine Slide: A thrilling ride down the mountainside.
- Wildlife Encounter: See native animals like black bears and river otters up close.
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3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions, offering a fascinating underwater experience. The aquarium is home to over 10,000 sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays as well as colorful fish. In fact, one of the highlights is the Shark Lagoon where you can walk through an underwater tunnel and see sharks swimming overhead.
Highlights:
- Penguin Playhouse: An interactive exhibit featuring adorable penguins.
- Touch a Ray Bay: Get hands-on with friendly stingrays.
- Coral Reef: Explore the vibrant coral reef ecosystem.
4. Attractions at Gatlinburg – SkyLift Park
For stunning views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, head to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. What’s more, the park features a scenic chairlift ride to the top of Crockett Mountain. From here you can walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Equally important, the SkyDeck offers panoramic views and a relaxing spot to take in the beauty of the mountains.
Highlights:
- SkyBridge: A 680-foot-long suspension bridge with glass floor panels in the middle.
- SkyDeck: A spacious observation deck with seating and incredible views.
- SkyLift: A scenic ride offering beautiful views of Gatlinburg.
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5. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park that combines outdoor fun with breathtaking scenery. Accessed by a scenic chairlift or Ridge Rambler vehicle, Anakeesta offers a variety of attractions. Including treetop canopy walks, zip lines, and a mountain coaster. The park also features Firefly Village, a charming shopping and dining area with spectacular views.
Highlights:
- Treetop Skywalk: A series of suspension bridges through the forest canopy.
- Dueling Zipline: An exhilarating zipline experience with dual lines.
- Rail Runner: A single-rail mountain coaster that twists and turns down the mountain.
6. Sugarlands Distilling Company
Experience a taste of Appalachian tradition at Sugarlands Distilling Company, where you can sample a variety of handcrafted moonshines and spirits. The distillery offers guided tours that take you through the distillation process and provide insights into the history of moonshining in the region. Don’t miss the chance to try some of their unique flavors, like maple bacon and apple pie.
Highlights:
- Tastings: Sample a wide range of moonshines and spirits.
- Distillery Tours: Learn about the distillation process and history.
- Cocktail Bar: Enjoy craft cocktails made with Sugarlands spirits.
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7. The Arts and Crafts Community
Explore the rich artistic heritage of Gatlinburg by visiting the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. This 8-mile loop is home to the largest group of independent artisans in the United States. Here, you can watch craftsmen at work and purchase unique handmade items, including pottery, paintings, jewelry and woodworking.
Highlights:
- Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops and learn new crafts.
- Galleries: Browse a wide variety of art galleries and studios.
- Shopping: Find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.
8. Gatlinburg Space Needle
For a bird’s-eye view of Gatlinburg, visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Indeed, a 407-foot observation tower offering 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. The Space Needle also features an arcade, a pizza restaurant and a theater showcasing live performances and comedy shows.
Highlights:
- Observation Deck: Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the tower.
- Arcadia: A large arcade with games and attractions.
- Iris Theater: Catch a live show or performance.
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9. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Car enthusiasts will love the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, which features an impressive collection of famous vehicles from movies and television shows. Highlights include the Batmobile, the DeLorean from “Back to the Future,” and the General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Lastly, the museum provides fun photo opportunities and a chance to see iconic cars up close.
Highlights:
- Famous Cars: See vehicles from popular films and TV shows.
- Photo Ops: Pose with your favorite movie cars.
- Gift Shop: Purchase memorabilia and souvenirs.
Exploring the Smoky Mountains.
10. Hillbilly Golf
For a unique and entertaining mini-golf experience, head to Hillbilly Golf. This quirky attraction features two 18-hole courses set on the side of a mountain, accessible by an incline railway. The courses are filled with whimsical hillbilly-themed obstacles, making for a fun and memorable outing for the whole family.
Highlights:
- Mountain Setting: Play mini-golf on a scenic mountainside.
- Incline Railway: Ride the railway to the top of the courses.
- Themed Obstacles: Enjoy creative and entertaining hillbilly-themed holes.
Enjoy the Attractions of Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or experiencing the thrill of Ober Gatlinburg. Alternatively, tasting the local flavors at Sugarlands Distilling Company, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Plan your trip to Gatlinburg today and discover the endless attractions that make it a must-visit destination.
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