Essential Gatlinburg Travel Tips & Things to Do

Discover essential tips and tools for your trip to Gatlinburg. Explore things to do in Gatlinburg, where to eat, travel advice, and parking information to make the most of your visit.

UNITED STATESTENNESSEETRAVEL TIPS & TOOLS

1/27/20255 min read

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PLACES TO GO WITH TIPS & TOOLS

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

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

Step into music history and sing along with Patsy Cline at the 1950s WSM Studio. Rock out with Elvis and the legendary Million Dollar Quartet, reliving the golden era of rock 'n' roll. Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder at the Soul Lounge. Explore themed rooms like WSM Studios, MTTV, the Jazz Room, the Rock Bar, and the iconic Grand Ole Opry for an unforgettable journey through music’s greatest moments.Discover the beauty and history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a 3-hour guided tour! Explore the rich past of the Appalachian pioneers, the impact of logging in the Smokies, and the creation of the national park.

Start your journey at the remnants of a historic resort town over 100 years old, where you’ll uncover fascinating stories of the region’s early settlers. With breathtaking views and expert narration, this tour offers an immersive look into the park’s past and natural wonders! 🌲🏞️

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour

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

Great Smokies Mountains: 1882 Historic Schoolhouse

Hiking Tours and Waterfall Walks

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