What to Skip in Gatlinburg: A Guide to Avoiding Tourist Traps

While Gatlinburg offers plenty of memorable experiences nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, not every attraction is worth your time or money.

Here’s your guide to what you should probably skip during your visit. Plus, some that aren’t a total rip-off, but may not be the best use of your time.

Attractions to Definitely Skip

Earthquake The Ride

Why to Skip: This Gatlinburg “classic” hasn’t been updated since it was built and earns a dismal 1-star rating on TripAdvisor.

The plot involves getting on a train/subway, which is just a row of seats on a track, with “gut-wrenching high-tech special effects” that include some shaking, strobe lights, and inexplicable animal attacks.

At $15 for a 4-minute experience featuring some of the worst animatronics imaginable, this is a hard pass.

Gatlinburg Space Needle

Why to Skip: While not terrible, the Space Needle’s observation tower is actually much shorter than the surrounding mountains.

You’re paying premium prices for views that pale in comparison to what you’ll get from Anakeesta or the SkyBridge.

As one reviewer noted, “the space needle looks tiny from the top of the mountains!”

Skip this and invest in a mountain experience instead.

“Maybe” Attractions

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

One of Gatlinburg’s busiest attractions, the aquarium can be a good option when weather doesn’t cooperate.

However, it’s expensive for its size compared to other aquariums.

If you’ve been to larger aquariums elsewhere, you might find this underwhelming for the price. Read more on our review here.

Ober Gatlinburg

This is Gatlinburg’s oldest and most famous attraction, featuring a 2-mile aerial tramway.

The attraction shows its age and could use significant updates, which are underway thanks to new owners and investments.

While it’s a good option for snow tubing and skiing in winter, the other activities (alpine slide, ice skating, and ice bumper cars) need some work.

Read more here about Ober Mountain

Smart Tips for Avoiding Tourist Traps

Timing Your Visit

• Avoid: Mid-January through March (many attractions closed, limited amenities)
• Most Crowded: July, and June
• Best Strategy: Visit mid-week, arriving Sunday and leaving before Friday

Money-Saving Strategies

Read our guide on saving money on a Smoky Mountain vacation here

Better Alternatives

Instead of falling for tourist traps, consider:

• Anakeesta or Gatlinburg SkyPark for mountain views (pick one). Anakeesta for a longer day, Skypark for some amazing views on a quick trip.
• Kuwohi/Clingmans Dome or Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook for free views and great scenic drives.