25 Fun & Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The misty mountains of east Tennessee provide the perfect backdrop for things to do in Gatlinburg. You can’t beat this little piece of paradise for outdoor adventure, unique wildlife, family-friendly attractions, and mountaintop thrills.

Located approximately 30 miles east of Knoxville in Sevier County, Gatlinburg is the entry point for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s also the second most popular wedding destination after Las Vegas. Even if you’re not planning a wedding, you’ll find that this mountain town makes an incredible choice for a family trip, a romantic (non-nuptial) getaway, or a group adventure.

You’ll find a wide range of fun things to do in Gatlinburg, including the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort, year-round scenic chairlift rides, unique museums, an indoor water park, and an insane amount of mountain roller coasters around every corner and curve.

Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are easily accessible from Gatlinburg, which only adds to the variety of things to do and places to visit in Gatlinburg.

We’ve put together a collection of the best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Keep reading for some of the top tourist attractions in Gatlinburg to add to your east Tennessee itinerary.

1. Gatlinburg: Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour
Top Recommendation

Don’t miss out on this spooky 1-hour guided walking tour through Gatlinburg! You’ll uncover the real story behind the town’s rough frontier origins, and visit some of the most haunted locations in the Smoky Mountains. You’ll learn about vengeful Cherokee spirits and wandering phantom pioneers, and see Gatlinburg in a whole new light. This is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the darker side of the Smokies!

2. Mountaintop Zipline 2-Hours Activity

Looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity in the great outdoors? Come soar high above the mountain tops on the world-class, dual-line Mountaintop Zipline Tour! You’ll experience incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains from each platform, and zip across six lines side-by-side with a friend or family member. You’ll also walk across four aerial bridges, rappel off one of our platforms, and enjoy a fun ATV adventure to the top of the mountain.
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