Gatlinburg Top 10 Things to Do
- ANAKEESTA THEME PARK Literally meaning “the place of high ground,” Anakeesta is a theme park situated on a 70-acre mountain 600 ft above Gatlinburg. Take a chondola (chairlift + gondola = chondola) to the top of Anakeesta Mountain to access treetop adventures, a botanical garden, dining, and shopping.
- GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Considered one of the most beautiful national parks in the US, enjoy the great outdoors while biking, fishing, hiking, camping, or horseback riding. The options are endless!
- DOLLYWOOD THEME PARK Located in nearby Pigeon Forge, Dollywood features over 40 rides and attractions, live shows, and so many delicious food and dining options. In the summer months, there’s also Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark, with water slides and attractions. Dollywood is a must-visit stop for your next Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge getaway!
- RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM OF THE SMOKIES Learn about sea life and more! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies showcases all kinds of underwater creatures from exotic fish, sea turtles, and eels, to 12-ft sharks, barracudas, and jellyfish. Enjoy getting up close and personal with penguins or stingrays too!
- SKY LIFT PARK Gatlinburg’s Skylift Park has the first year-round chairlift in the South as well as the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. Experience the amazing view from an amazing vantagepoint!
- MUSEUMS Make time to visit a couple of the many museums and walk-through attractions located in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There’s the Titanic Museum, Alcatraz East, Wonderworks, and the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, to name a few!
- THE ISLAND The Island in Pigeon Forge is 23 acres of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The 200-ft tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel provides great views of the Smoky Mountains!
- MOONSHINE Also known as ‘white lightning,’ moonshine has a long history in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Formerly made underground (both literally and figuratively), there are now a number of distilleries in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge where you can sample authentic white whiskey, including in a variety of fun flavors (21+ years old only, of course).
- MOUNTAIN COASTER For kids and adults, take it slow or speed around the track at up to 35 miles/hour. You’ve got options too: Moonshine Mountain Coaster (formerly Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster), Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Ski Mountain Coaster, and many others.
- RELAX AND UNWIND Take a walk, ride a bike, soak in nature, BBQ with friends… anything to enjoy mountain life and unwind.