Exploring the Top Attractions in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a popular vacation destination for travelers wanting to take advantage of its stunning natural beauty and unique attractions. From breathtaking mountain views to thrilling amusement parks, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top attractions in Gatlinburg to help you plan your visit.

Picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States and it’s easy to see why. The park offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, countless hiking trails, and plenty of picnic spots to enjoy a peaceful lunch. You can also find plenty of wildlife in the park, including black bears, wild turkeys, and elk.

The park is open year-round, so you can explore it in any season. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or a day of picnicking, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect place to explore the beauty of Gatlinburg.

If you’re looking for a more active adventure, you can take a rafting trip down the Little Pigeon River or take a guided horseback ride through the park.

Take a Ride on the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

The Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a must-do for any traveler visiting Gatlinburg. The tram takes you from downtown Gatlinburg up to the top of Crockett Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The tram also offers access to some of the best hiking trails in the area, including the Rainbow Falls Trail and Mount Le Conte. You can also take a stroll on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States.

The Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is open year-round, so you can take in the breathtaking views in any season.

Visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg. The aquarium is home to over 10,000 species of fish and other aquatic life from around the world, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.

The aquarium offers several interactive exhibits, such as the Touch a Ray Bay and the Shark Lagoon. You can also take part in a number of educational programs and animal encounters, such as the Penguin Encounter or the Sea Turtle Program.

The aquarium is open year-round, so you can explore its wonders any time of year.

Spend an Evening at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park located on the top of a mountain in Gatlinburg. The park offers a variety of rides, from thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly attractions. You can also find several arcades, a ski lodge, and a wildlife sanctuary.

Ober Gatlinburg is open year-round, so you can enjoy its attractions in any season. In the winter, the park turns into a winter wonderland with snow tubing, ice skating, and other winter activities.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can take the aerial tramway up to the park and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the mountains.

Visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum

The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a must-see for any movie buff. The museum houses over 30 iconic vehicles from Hollywood movies, including the Batmobile, the Ghostbusters Ecto-1, and the DeLorean from Back to the Future.

The museum also offers interactive exhibits, such as the Movie Magic Machine and the Movie Memorabilia Collection. You can also find a gift shop with souvenirs and movie memorabilia.

The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is open year-round, so you can explore its fascinating exhibits any time of year.

Go Shopping in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg has an abundance of shopping opportunities, from quaint antique stores to bustling souvenir shops. The city also has several outlet malls, so you can find great deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories.

You can also find plenty of unique souvenirs, such as handmade jewelry, pottery, and local artwork. And don’t forget to stop by the Smoky Mountain Candy Company, where you can indulge in delicious handmade fudge and other treats.

Gatlinburg has something for everyone, so go shopping and find the perfect souvenir to take home.

Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot observation tower that offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. At the top of the tower, you can find a glass-enclosed observation deck and a rotating restaurant that offers a full-service menu.

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is open year-round, so you can take in the beautiful views in any season. The observation deck is also wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views.

Don’t forget to check out the SkyDeck, which offers an interactive virtual reality experience with 360-degree views of the city.

Visit Anakeesta

Anakeesta is an outdoor adventure park located in the heart of Gatlinburg. The park offers a variety of activities, from zip-lining to hiking to a treetop canopy walk. You can also find a number of family-friendly attractions, such as a railroad and a treehouse village.

Anakeesta also has several dining options, including a full-service restaurant and a snack bar. You can also find a gift shop with souvenirs and local artwork.

Anakeesta is open year-round, so you can enjoy its attractions in any season.

Visit Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area

Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area is the perfect place for outdoor adventure. The park offers several thrilling rides, from the Mountain Coaster to the Alpine Slide. You can also find a number of family-friendly attractions, such as the Chair Swing and the Carousel.

In the winter months, the park turns into a winter wonderland with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. You can also find a variety of shops and restaurants in the park.

Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area is open year-round, so you can explore its attractions in any season.

Explore the Arts and Crafts Community

The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is located just outside of Gatlinburg. The community is home to over 100 artisans, who create handmade pottery, jewelry, and other artwork. You can also find plenty of souvenirs, from Smoky Mountain-themed T-shirts to handmade quilts.

The community is open year-round, so you can explore its unique shops and galleries any time of year. Don’t forget to check out the annual Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, which takes place in October.

Take a Guided Tour of Gatlinburg

If you want to get to know Gatlinburg in depth, a guided tour is the perfect way to do it. The city offers a variety of guided tours, from walking tours to guided bus tours. You can also find tours that take you to the top attractions in the area, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area.

A guided tour is the perfect way to get to know Gatlinburg and its unique attractions. You can find a variety of guided tours in Gatlinburg, so you can explore the city at your own pace.

Go Wine Tasting at The Smoky Mountain Winery

The Smoky Mountain Winery is a must-visit for any oenophile. The winery offers a variety of wines, from sweet wines to dry wines. You can also find a variety of specialty wines, such as mead and apple wine.

The winery also offers guided tours and wine tastings, so you can sample some of the region’s best vintages. And don’t forget to check out the gift shop, where you can find a variety of souvenirs and wine-related items.

The Smoky Mountain Winery is open year-round, so you can sample its wines in any season.

Summary

Gatlinburg has plenty of attractions for travelers to explore, from the breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the thrill of the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area. You can also find plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the city. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an action-packed vacation, Gatlinburg has something for everyone.