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Introduction

Planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains? Gatlinburg is the perfect gateway to one of America’s most beautiful national parks — and it offers far more than just mountain views. From scenic outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions to unique experiences like moonshine tastings and thrilling mountain coasters, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Gatlinburg for every type of traveler.

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Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a romantic escape, this Gatlinburg travel guide covers the must-see attractions, helpful travel tips, and the best tours to make the most of your time. You’ll also find practical advice on when to visit, how to plan your itinerary, and which experiences are truly worth booking.

Use this guide to discover the best things to do in Gatlinburg and start planning a Smoky Mountains trip you’ll remember long after the views fade into the distance.

Quick Booking: Top Gatlinburg Experiences

Short on time? These are the most popular and highly rated tours and attractions in Gatlinburg. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

• 🐠 Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – One of the top-rated aquariums in the U.S. and perfect for families.
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• 🚁 Smoky Mountains Helicopter Tour – See the stunning mountain scenery from above for a truly unforgettable experience.
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• 🌊 White Water Rafting Adventure – An exciting outdoor experience in the heart of the Smokies. Great for adventure lovers.
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• 🎢 Mountain Coaster Ride – One of the most fun and unique things to do in Gatlinburg for all ages.
  Check ride times →

Tip: Many activities sell out during weekends and holidays — reserving early helps secure your preferred date and time.

1. Ripley's Aquarium

Experience the magic of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where you can dive into the underwater world and interact with marine life like rays and sea turtles.

Get an up-close look at a diverse array of sea creatures, including sharks, jellies, and eels, while expert staff provide hands-on experiences and behind-the-scenes insights.

Home to thousands of marine animals from over 340 species, this top-rated aquarium is a must-see attraction for visitors of all ages!

Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Blog Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

2. Moonshine Mountain Coaster Ride

Take an exciting ride down Moonshine Mountain on a specially designed mountain coaster! Your adventure begins with a scenic uphill lift to the summit, where you'll hop into a single or double-rider coaster car.

With individual brake handles, you’re in control—speed up for a thrilling descent or cruise down at a relaxed pace. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or prefer a scenic ride, this one-of-a-kind mountain coaster offers fun for everyone! 🎢🏔️

Moonshine Mountain Coaster Ride

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3. Escape Game

The Escape Game Gatlinburg offers five immersive escape rooms, including The Depths, an underwater-themed adventure, and Prison Break, the most challenging experience. Each family-friendly game features multiple rooms and accommodates up to 8 players.

Upon arrival, a dedicated game guide will set the stage for your adventure and assist as needed. With just 60 minutes on the clock, work together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and complete your mission before time runs out! ⏳🔐✨

Escape Game Gatlinburg

4. Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour

Step into the dark and mysterious past of Gatlinburg on a thrilling walking ghost tour! Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll explore historic and haunted locations throughout Gatlinburg’s historic district.

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, uncover eerie legends and hear chilling tales of lingering spirits that still roam the area. Whether you're a history buff or a ghost-hunting enthusiast, this spine-tingling experience promises an unforgettable night! 👻🌙

Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour

Blog Ghosts of the Haunted Walking Tour

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour

Discover the beauty and history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a scenic 3-hour guided tour. This experience offers a fascinating look at the park’s natural landscapes, early Appalachian culture, and the story behind the creation of America’s most visited national park.

Your journey begins with a visit to the remains of a historic resort community that thrived in the Smokies more than a century ago. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the region’s logging past, the daily lives of Appalachian settlers, and the efforts that led to the park’s establishment.

Travel along one of the most picturesque mountain roads in the southeastern United States, stopping at several scenic overlooks for photos and expert commentary about the surrounding mountains, forests, and wildlife.

The tour concludes at Newfound Gap, the breathtaking 5,000-foot-high border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Here, you’ll learn about the famous 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail and the historic site where President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the national park in 1940.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour

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6. Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour

Begin your adventure at a covered pavilion, where you'll check in and get an introduction to the rich history of Appalachian wine and moonshine.

Your first stop is a working distillery, where you’ll go behind the scenes to see the distillation process in action. Enjoy a custom tasting lineup, specially curated for your tour group, as you sip and savor the flavors of authentic Tennessee moonshine! 🥃🌄

Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour

7. White Water Rafting

New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in America, with spooky cemeteries, ghost stories, and mysterious legends to uncover.his guided whitewater rafting adventure from Hartford is a convenient option for visitors staying in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Start at NOC’s Pigeon River Outpost, where you'll check in, watch a brief orientation video, and gear up with a life jacket and paddles. Hop aboard the big blue bus for a short ride to the river put-in.

Once in the raft, your expert guide will teach you rafting lingo and what to expect. Then, enjoy the thrill of paddling through bouncy waves, refreshing mountain water, and exciting rapids for an unforgettable adventure! 🌊🚣‍♂️

White Water Rafting in the Pigeon River

Blog White Water Rafting in the Pigeon River

8. Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tour

Take to the skies on an unforgettable helicopter tour and soar alongside the French Broad River, gliding over Douglas Dam and the scenic western shore of Douglas Lake.

As the flight turns southwest, catch a breathtaking view of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance. But the adventure doesn’t stop there!

Continue southward over Sevierville and Dollywood, then ascend toward the Cove Mountain crest, where you'll be met with unbeatable panoramic views of Wears Valley and the national park. This aerial adventure offers a unique perspective of East Tennessee’s stunning landscapes! 🚁🏔️

Helicopter Tour Smoky Mountain

9. Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Tour

Start your journey in the charming town of Townsend, just a scenic 30-minute drive from the lively energy of Pigeon Forge. Enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the peaceful Townsend entrance, where the beauty of nature welcomes you into this renowned wilderness.

Follow winding trails that lead you deeper into the heart of the park, surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of birdsong. Along the way, uncover hidden treasures of the Smokies, including a stunning double-tiered waterfall. Watch as pristine waters tumble over moss-covered rocks, creating a mesmerizing cascade that perfectly captures the park’s untouched beauty.

Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Tour

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Hiking Tours and Waterfall Walks

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10. Ober Mountain Adventure: Aerial Tramway

Soak in stunning panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains with unlimited access to the Aerial Tramway.

Departing frequently from downtown Gatlinburg, this scenic tram ride takes you on a breathtaking 2.1-mile journey to the Ober Mountain Adventure Park. At its highest point, the tram soars nearly 300 feet above the ground, offering a spectacular vantage point of the surrounding landscape.

Visit Aerial Tramway

FAQ: Visiting Gatlinburg

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg?
The best time to visit Gatlinburg is September through November for beautiful fall foliage and comfortable weather, or March through May for mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. These seasons offer fewer crowds than summer and the holiday period.

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Is Gatlinburg busy in the summer?
Yes, summer (June to August) is one of the busiest times to visit due to school vacations and warm weather. Expect larger crowds, higher accommodation prices, and longer wait times at popular attractions. Booking tours and tickets in advance is recommended.

What is the cheapest time to visit Gatlinburg?
The most affordable times to visit are January, February, and early March, after the holiday season. You’ll find lower hotel rates and fewer visitors, although some outdoor activities may be weather-dependent.

How many days do you need in Gatlinburg?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days in Gatlinburg. This allows time to explore the town’s top attractions and enjoy at least one day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Do you need a car in Gatlinburg?
A car is helpful for exploring the Smoky Mountains and nearby areas like Pigeon Forge. However, Gatlinburg’s downtown area is very walkable, and a trolley system is available for getting around town.

BLOG UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2026

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