Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Tripster's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Exploring Sicily's Unique Hidden Gems Off The Beaten Track Via The Godfather Hidden Gems in London: Non Touristy Things to Do Top 5 Hidden Gem Italian Islands I Want To Visit. 8. If you want to kill time, kill it by doing something fun like observing those water inhabitants. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. Chimney Tops Trail is a 3.6-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as difficult. A little over an hour away, Knoxville is an easy drive to Gatlinburg. HotTub PoolTable 10minGatlinburg 7SmartTVs 3Kings 211 reviews Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States from USD 240 View Deal Dive into the fascinating history of this famous liquor and sample a variety of unique blends when you reserve a Moonshine Tour. for 20 years. Suitable For: 12 and above Moonshine Mountain Coaster Source: @moonshinemtncoaster This alpine coaster takes roller coasters to a whole new thrilling level. Rent out a UTV from Rocky Top Adventure for two hours, or more, and zoom around their recommended routes like Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome. Grab a spot around the patios fire pit for an unforgettable night. Best things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee In this article, we have rounded up some of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg that you must include on your trip itinerary! This 5.5-mile nature trail features plenty of verdant old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. Guide to Orlando's Top Non-Touristy Treasures - Diary of a Debutante A Walk in the Woods has been around since 1998 and is known for their expertise in leave no trace ethics, botany, wildlife, geology, culture, and history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Prepare to get wet, so bring swimwear or a towel, and dont forget to book online to reserve a spot to make sure you can start the fun as soon as you get there. One of the most popular adventure parks in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta boasts a wide array of thrilling experiences. Religious attraction featuring life-size recreations of Biblical events & a tranquil garden area. Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). . With bright, airy and classy interiors, couples and families love the River Edge Inn. Try out the baked cheese, decadent desserts and, of course, their signature Plum Tea. Ober Gatlinburg is a fantastic four seasons mountain-top ski area and amusement park. Address: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Website: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Gatlinburg - Tripadvisor Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! The disorientating abode is just one of the many whimsical illusions on display at Wonderworks, self-proclaimed as an amusement park for the mind.. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! Explore Australia's Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Tourist Destinations If possible, do all the non-touristy things mentioned above, although you should also do the touristy things. Enjoy some seriously soft cuddles when you get friendly with everyones favorite South American mammal. While the popular restaurants throughout the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area are popular for a reason, its worth making a stop and restaurants the locals love. 12 Things To Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places To Stay . Are you a huge fan of baseball? Nantahala Outdoor Centre is located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can find these amazing escape rooms in two locations: Reagan Terrace Mall and The Village with Masters of Magic where you can also choose from various classic and contemporary board games to take home. Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. Did someone say snow tubing?! Before setting out for an adventure in Gatlinburg, you may want to stop by Trishs Mountain Diner for a tantalizing and filling breakfast. Theres also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a few hours of practicing your drives. One spot you can't find anywhere else in the world is the Dolly Parton Statue! Or day, if youre feeling ambitious. Try their classic BBQ or massive Reuban sandwich piled high with braised corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and 1000 island dressing on toasted marble rye. The interactive puzzle-solving adventure game is jam-packed with exciting challenges that test your teamwork and creative thinking while taking you all over the city in search of your next clue. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. The staff is notably welcoming and friendly too, which never goes astray. Named after a loquacious flowing mountain stream, Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing mountain streams in the park. Designed to replicate a traditional (and stylish) mountain lodge, Calhouns has several locations, including the one in Gatlinburg. 1 show, the mind-shattering performance of the internationally-renowned magician, Erik Dobell! Come April, the Greenbrier area of the park is chock full of wildflowers. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. Between the pick of ways to sightsee the Smokies and things to do in Gatlinburg, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is among the top unique attractions. This is why Gatlinburg is such a hub for tourism. These are some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge if you want to explore the Smokies like a local. Load up on sweet delights such as Choco Moo or Moon Pie Banana Cream. It's a popular destination and is a great opportunity to remember to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the atmosphere. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. For an amazing show seldom found anywhere else, Paula Deens Lumberjack Feud puts on a 1.5-hour extravaganza. But I'm wondering if. One of the most touristy things to do in Tucson is going for a relaxing bike ride in downtown Tucson. Take advantage of the guest hot tub after a long day exploring at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail. This rousing ride is the first kind in the world to feature four uplifts! After all the outdoor activities and city exploring, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in town. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Order a cold one from the selection of the brewerys own branded beers on tap, or if youre here for serious business, try their Brew Samplers. After decades of being overlooked by most travelers outside of its neighboring states, Gatlinburg has finally started to get the international attention it deserves, ascending the popularity ranks exponentially over the last decade. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. Townsend is often called the "quiet side of the Smokies" in contrast to the bustling and often crowded tourist areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Related: Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg. As any visitor can say, photos just dont do this place justice. 8 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg | U.S. News Travel While theres no shortage of things to do within the Gatlinburg city limits, the citys true selling point is its proximity to some of the nations most beautiful natural hiking trails. Non-Touristy things to do in the Smokies - Vacation Like a Local! ATV tours are available with these pros too, and the quads can seat two people. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcome to the most popular national park in the country! This 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. Cades Cove - Another scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this one is an 11-mile one-way loop. Rowdy Bear Mountain is home to two amazing thrill rides including the First Mountain Glider in the world. We're helping you experience the vacation of a lifetime here by rounding up the best things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. The Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Enjoy the hikes along with the views in this 150-acre mountainous destination, as you learn about its significant role during the Civil War. Embrace almost 10 minutes of high-speed thrills as you ride the longest coaster in East Tennessee. With over 100 nostalgic pinball machines and retro arcade games lining its walls, Gatlinburg Pinball Museum is one of the best activities in Gatlinburg. You can reach the mountaintop resort by taking the aerial tramway at Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, which allows you to admire the marvelous scenery during the 2.1-mile transport. Drinking often leads to rumbling bellies fact and if youre feeling peckish, ask for the menu and build your own pizza. Since you have already traveled a long way to Gatlinburg, you should not skip a wine-tasting activity from Pigeon Forge. Ziplines and whitewater rafting, world-class golf and fishing, and 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of America's premier outdoor destinations. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The time of day that you arrive also has an impact on what you will see at the overlook. Get an ultimate fun pass which includes a tour in this famous haunted house any time of the year. Skip out on the tourist traps, and instead feast like an insider when you dine at any of the most lauded local hangouts: Catch up on the game, chow down on award-winning jumbo wings, and keep the kids entertained at Pigeon Forges only family sports grill and bar. All rooms have comfortable bedding, Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, and more. Skate rental and lessons are available, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! Sporting 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, with downtown Gatlinburg beneath your feet, the 407-foot tall Space Needle is the premier inner-city observation deck. If youre looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Stop by local haunt 'Elviras Cafe' for smores crepes, visit Hendricks Chapel, or sift for jewels at Gnoberts Magic Gem Mine. Delve into the breathtaking natural landscape that will make you forget everything else around you. True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Want to really feel like a local? She looks (Do a quick search on the following sites). It is included as one of the best and most fun things to do in Astoria. The Greystone Lodge is family-owned and located in a very convenient location downtown. 20 + Free Things to Do in Sevierville - East TN Family Fun Topping it all off, the entire park sits within the stunning surrounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Explore the creeks and historic buildings on the Rough Fork Trail, and revel in the old-growth forests on the Boogerman Trail. It is recognized worldwide as the most bio-diverse park in the national park system. Long has Gatlinburg been known for its paranormal forces, with ghosts and ghouls rumored to inhabit the citys streets. Come nightfall; luminous lights will guide you through your winding outdoor excursion. Its known as Americas Friendliest Ballpark! The art studio of an early 20th-century painter, hidden amid the Great Smoky Mountains. Arguably its greatest highlight is the stunning and eerily quiet Forbidden Caverns. 5. For those that consider themselves connoisseurs in the category, stop by the best breweries and be your own judge of the local brews on offer. From the outdoor adventures of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the unique attractions in downtown Gatlinburg the number of things to do in Gatlinburg TN is astounding and incredibly diverse. View the citys glamor and natural beauty from above while being surrounded by a protective mountain range. Veteran outpost offering guided white-water rafting & float tours, plus zip lining & a ropes course. As most are located inside the Great Smoky Mountains range, there is a bit of hiking required to reach the waterfalls, so decide on the one that best suits you in terms of time, distance and strenuosity.