The Best Things To Do in Gatlinburg
There’s no shortage of family attractions in Gatlinburg. Here are the top things we’d visit if we were visiting for the first time.
This list has our favorites, and some things you should skip. It’s not a complete list of every possible attraction, because we always try to find things unique to the local area. Also see our guide for Pigeon Forge.
Things You Should See
Anakeesta
This mountaintop destination offers a variety of activities, including the ride itself to the top.
It can get crowded, but it’s one of our favorite places to go in Gatlinburg.
You ride a ski lift (a truck shuttle is also available) from downtown to the top of the mountain, where you can explore big playgrounds, gardens, and hanging bridges.
Keep an eye out for black bears on the mountain while riding the ski lift up.
As there’s not much shade at the top of Anakeesta, early morning is the best time for this attraction during summer.
Skylift to the Gatlinburg Skybridge
The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park Chairlift Ride is a great way to take in the views of Gatlinburg.
It is a one-mile ski lift ride to the top of the mountain, with some great places to take photos. Many aerial views of Gatlinburg you’ll see are taken from this spot.
While we thought the prices were high for what was offered when we visited, we posted in an April 2024 article that they had been lowered by 30% since then, due to construction at the end of the bridge.
It’s not somewhere with as many things to do as Anakeesta (though more is under construction), but it’s worth visiting once for the views.
At the top, you can take in the view from the observation deck, enjoy a snack at the Sky Lift Cafe, or the main attraction: walking the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge!
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, 680 feet across the Great Smoky Mountains valley.
The bridge even features glass panels if you’re brave enough to walk across.
For thrill-seekers, a Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a must-try. This coaster zips through mountain scenery.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Just a couple minutes from Gatlinburg is some of the best scenery in Great Smoky Mountains: the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
This scenic one-way one-lane road is a 5.5-mile loop with great views of streams, forests, and historic buildings.
There’s two overlooks offering great views. It’s also a great place to spot some black bears.
Roaring Fork is closed during winter, and it’s a narrow road, so no RVs or other trailers.
There’s some hiking trails along Roaring Fork too, like Rainbow Falls.
Maybes
These aren’t our favorites, but we’ve visited them, and depending on when you visit, they may be a good option for you.
Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies
One of the busiest attractions in Gatlinburg, the aquarium makes a good activity when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
We have a full review of the aquarium here. Although we enjoyed it and there are some unique things here, it’s expensive for the size of the aquarium.
Speaking of expensive, you’ll also want to see our guide to things that are free in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Ober Gatlinburg
What To Skip
Our guide wouldn’t be complete without a couple of things to skip.
Earthquake The Ride
This Gatlinburg classic hasn’t changed much since it was built, and that’s not a good thing.
Steer clear of this earthquake simulator; it gets a 1-star rating on TripAdvisor.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle isn’t a terrible attraction, but its tall observation tower is much shorter than the town’s surrounding mountains.
So, while it’s taller than most everything else in town, we recommend spending the money on a ski lift to Anakeesta or the SkyBridge instead.
The space needle looks tiny from the top of the mountains!
