Things to Do in Gatlinburg

Explore one of the most scenic routes through the Smokies, see historic churches and cabins, learn how the Civil War forever changed these communities.

Experience thrilling whitewater rafting with stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy the rush of the outdoors, ideal for families and visitors eager to do some exploration of nature.

Designed for curious kids and families, Exploring Nature with Children turns the forest into a living classroom. This hands-on guided nature walk helps children slow down, look closely, ask questions, and connect with the natural world in a meaningful way through nature games, stories and fun activities. Depending on the season and trail conditions, children may explore streams, plants, salamanders, animal signs, textures, forest sounds, leaves, insects, and small wonders along the trail. The goal is not to rush or cover big miles, but to help kids build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the outdoors. Caution: Side effects may include dirty knees, happy faces, deep curiosity, and stories they’ll still be telling at dinner. Best for: Families with children, homeschool groups, young explorers, first-time hikers, and kids who enjoy hands-on discovery.

Experience the fastest ride in the Smoky Mountains! Take in the beautiful panoramic views and enjoy a fun and energizing activity.

Discover Anakeesta, Gatlinburg's premier mountaintop adventure park. Experience authentic Smoky Mountain charm with thrilling attractions, elevated dining, and breathtaking views.

This tour focuses on Cades Cove and the 11-mile loop road that circles the valley. Along the way we'll stop at several historic buildings and scenic vistas as we learn about the mountaineers and moonshiners that called this place home. Historic buildings include a cabin built in 1822, a cemetery with the graves of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans, and a working grist mill. And of course we'll keep our eyes open for wildlife including deer, turkeys, bears, and coyotes. Most stops on the tour require limited or no walking, but two stops include a half mile walk on pavement. Bring lunch or buy lunches through Smoky Mountain Guides

Cligmans Dome is an absolute must-see. And this self-guided walking tour will undoubtedly elevate your hiking experience to new heights.

Dive into a world of aquatic wonders. Experience hands-on encounters with diverse marine life. Choose to add other Ripley's fun attractions to the aquarium ticket.

Spend a full day exploring the Smokies your way. Best of the Smokies: Full-Day Private Guided Adventure is customized around your group’s interests, pace, and sense of adventure, making it one of the most flexible ways to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your day may include waterfalls, mountain views, historic sites, scenic drives, quiet trails, wildflowers, wildlife stories, old-growth forest, or a custom mix of the park’s best experiences. Because this is a private tour, your guide can adapt the day to your group and help you make the most of your time in the Smokies. Transportation and lunches are included. Best for: Private groups, families, couples, photographers, first-time visitors, mixed-interest groups, and guests who want a full-day custom Smoky Mountain experience. Duration: 7-8 Hours | Difficulty: Your Choice | Ages: Your Choice Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center or Pick-up from Downtown Gatlinburg Location

Explore Smoky Mountains National Park at your own pace, while hearing stories about the hardy pioneers and founders of the park.

Control your speed on a silent track as you descend Moonshine Mountain. Experience the Smoky Mountains like never before whilst travelling at an exhilarating pace or a slower, more relaxed pace.

Step away from the busiest park corridors and into a wilder side of the Smokies. Blue Creek Cascades follows brilliant mountain water, whitewater cascades, forested trail, and a beautiful waterfall while revealing the quieter beauty of the Big Creek area. This guided hike combines water, forest scenery, natural history, and traces of the region’s past. It is a strong choice for guests who want cascades and waterfalls but also want to explore beyond the most crowded destinations. Best for: Waterfall lovers, moderate hikers, photographers, Big Creek visitors, and guests looking for a quieter Smoky Mountain hike. Duration: 4.5 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Mileage: 4.5 | Elevation Change: 500' | Ages: All Meeting Location: Big Creek Ranger Station

Experience jaw-dropping mountain vistas, admire sparkling waterfalls surrounded by lush wilderness, visit historic churches like the Primitive Baptist Church.

Step back to the Prohibition era with a cocktail flight tour at Sugarlands Distilling Company. Enjoy 3 unique cocktails and explore the still house.

On this hike a knowledgeable guide will take you down the famous Appalachian Trail to one of the best views in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way guests will learn about the history of the early settlors in the mountains, the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians, and the founding of the most visited national park in the country.

Book now and awesome self-driving tour and explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.

A haunted pub crawl style tour detailing some of Gatlinburg’s darker past of moonshine lore and mountain mystery for an adult audience 21+. A valid I.D. is required. Drinks are not included.

“The Mountaineers Way” tour is a casual stroll with a local/professional guide. Hear the stories of how the first settlers entered this area when the Native Indians were still using the land. This area was a large mountain community. We will have the opportunity to see physical structures used for farming, cemeteries, and beautiful streams along the way.

With over 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment”, WonderWorks offers fun for all ages.

Experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains with a visit to Gatlinburg SkyPark. Ride the SkyLift, explore the SkyBridge, and enjoy panoramic views from the SkyDeck.

The River Remembers is an easy guided walk in the more quiet section of the Smokies, along a cascading mountain stream where nature and history meet. This relaxed Smoky Mountain tour follows an old roadbed through forest beauty, seasonal wildflowers, historic cabins, old rock walls, a springhouse, and the traces of families who once lived in these mountains. This is more than a history walk. It is a gentle riverside hike with moving water, forest sounds, mountain plants, and meaningful stories woven together by an experienced guide. It’s a strong introduction to the Smokies for guests who want scenery, interpretation, and a relaxed pace. Best for: History lovers, families, seniors, beginners, wildflower lovers, and guests who want an easy Smoky Mountain walk with pristine streams, nature and cultural history. Duration: 3 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Mileage: 2.5 | Elevation Change: 347' | Ages: All Meeting Location: Greenbrier Parking Area 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Take a ride on the longest coaster in East Tennessee! Buy your tickets today!

Gatlinburg’s colorful past is filled with vengeful Cherokee spirits and wandering phantom pioneers which you will visit on this 1-hour guided walking tour.

This is a powerful Smoky Mountain hike for guests who want the real thing: ancient trees, rhododendron tunnels, moss-covered boulders, rushing cascades, mountain streams, and a destination waterfall deep in one of the park’s most beautiful old-growth forests. Into the Ancient Forest is a more strenuous guided adventure that rewards effort with a rich, immersive landscape. Along the way, your guide will help interpret the old-growth ecosystem, stream life, forest layers, and the natural forces that shape this lush mountain environment. Best for: Strong hikers, waterfall lovers, old-growth forest enthusiasts, active travelers, and guests who want a more challenging Smoky Mountain adventure. Duration: 8 Hours | Difficulty: Strenuous | Mileage: 7.8 | Elevation Change: 2200' | Ages: 12 and up Meeting Location: Greenbrier Entrance | Greenbrier Parking Area 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Cross a 335-foot swinging bridge to Prosperity Mountain. Explore 150 acres of beautiful scenery, creeks, hiking trails, Lost Mine Falls, and the Littlest Adventurer Obstacle Course.

Celebrate the magic of the season this year with Holly Jolly Hunt. Holly Jolly Hunt is an app based scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere of your choosing. Explore the city and look for holiday related items, both traditional and not so traditional. Take a photo through the app to score points for your scavenger hunt team. Perform fun, holiday challenges that will bring laughter to your team. See your score on the leaderboard compared to other teams from all over. Holly Jolly Hunt is guaranteed to provide lasting holiday memories. Whether you play with friends, family, or even co-workers, Holly Jolly will put a smile on your face for the rest of the year!

Navigate rugged mountain trails and reach panoramic bluff views. Experience authentic off-road thrills on your own ATV.

Experience the Smoky Mountains like never before in a premium street-legal 4-seater Polaris RZR built for scenic adventures around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Unlike crowded guided tours, self-guided rentals give travelers the freedom to explore at an individual pace, stop for photos, discover hidden mountain roads, and enjoy the beauty of the Smokies with family, friends, or pets. Rentals are beginner-friendly and include a safety orientation, recommended scenic routes, national park parking pass, and local tips to help maximize the adventure. Whether looking for mountain views, peaceful forest drives, or a fun outdoor experience, Smoky Motorsport Rentals delivers a unique and flexible way to explore East Tennessee.

Embark on a 3-day hiking adventure on the Appalachian Trail. Hike through stunning landscapes, stay in backcountry shelters, and enjoy meals prepared by your guide.

Our Gatlinburg location is right along the Parkway conveniently close to countless entertainment options, perfect for adding an escape room to a day or night out! Some of our top spots for a meal are Mellow Mushroom and Smith & Son Corner Kitchen. The Escape Game Gatlinburg features five unique games including The Depths, our underwater-themed escape room, and Prison Break, our hardest game. Each family-friendly option includes multiple rooms and can hold up to 8 players. These adventures offer a one-of-a-kind premium experience. Follow clues and solve puzzles to complete your mission together. We offer the best escape rooms and the fastest customer support. Come see why our escape rooms win awards.

Soar through the Great Smoky Mountains on a 7-line zipline tour from Pigeon Forge with Legacy Mountain Ziplines. Enjoy breathtaking views, an stress-free adventure, and a premium-built course.

Slow down beside one of the Smokies’ biggest and among the most beautiful mountain rivers. River Magic is an easy guided walk designed for guests who want the peace of moving water, forest shade, deep pools, sparkling cascades, wildflowers, and stories of the landscape without a demanding climb and without the crowds. This gentle riverside experience blends natural beauty with interpretation from an expert guide. You’ll learn about the plants, wildlife, stream life, and human history connected to these mountain valleys while enjoying one of the most approachable ways to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Best for: Families, beginners, seniors, first-time visitors, nature lovers, and anyone who wants an easy guided river walk near Gatlinburg. Duration: 3.5 Hours | Difficulty: Easy | Mileage: 4.2 Miles | Elevation Change: 300’ | Ages: All Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center

Put your courage to the test and embark on an adventure to conquer the longest, highest, and fastest zip line in the Great Smoky Mountains. Soak up tree top views and ride across 5 of the most adrenaline fueled zip-lines in America.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the best trout fishing in the Southeast. Whether you are a first-timer or a lifelong fly fisher, let Smoky Mountain Guides take you to the best fishing spots in the park. Once booked, our guide will contact you to arrange the details of your trip. We’ll work with you to plan a four-hour fishing trip based on your fish preference (rainbow, brown, or brook trout) and your hiking preference. SMG provides all the gear needed for fishing, including rods, flies, line, waders, and boots. Participants should bring a valid fishing license issued by either Tennessee or North Carolina and a Great Smoky Mountains parking pass.

Discover the rich history of Appalachian wine and moonshine on this tour in Gatlinburg. Enjoy custom lineups and VIP wine service at local distilleries and wineries, and end with a homemade cocktail.

What’s included in the Mountaintop zipline tour? 11 Unique Adventures 6 SIDE-BY-SIDE ZIPLINE RUNS Zip higher and ride longer than ever before on our six dual lines that allow you to enjoy the experience right next to friends or family. Our platforms stand high above the treetops to offer panoramic mountain views you won’t find anywhere else. 4 SKY BRIDGES AND FUN ENDING Along the 2 hour tour you’ll traverse high above the ground on four aerial bridges and end your adventure by rappelling from the final platform. But don’t worry, we send you down at a steady controlled speed! ATV RIDE TO THE TOP Start the tour off with an ATV ride (6 passenger) up the mountainside where you’ll gain 400 vertical feet over a half mile.

Experience the magic of Winterfest with a shuttle tour through Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg. See 12 million lights, 40 displays, and festive decorations.

This trip begins as we pickup at our location in Gatlinburg, TN. We travel in comfortable and eco-friendly vans to our first stop at the remains of a long-gone resort town dating back more than 100 years. We'll learn about the history of logging in the Smokies, the lives of the early Appalachian pioneers, and the founding of the national park. From here we'll travel up the mountains on one of the most scenic roads in the southeast. Along the way we'll stop at scenic overlooks for pictures, questions, and interpretation of the area. Finally we arrive at Newfound Gap and the 5,000 foot-high boarder between Tennessee and North Carolina. Here we will learn about the 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail and the the site where President Franklin Roosevelt gave the park dedication in 1940.

3to3.5 mile hike, rated: Moderate to Difficult. Embark on a guided hike from Gatlinburg into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Be prepared to "disconnect from Wifi and plug into Mother Nature."

Sightseeing in the “high elevations” of the Great Smoky Mountains can be an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. We travel past the Appalachian Trail and traverse the Crest of the Smokies as we take in the sights above 5000 ft. You will gain facts of the area from your guide that will make these mountains come alive with Native American stories and geographical facts. We travel into the North Carolina side of the National Park to take in the vistas and learn about the impact logging had to the area. You will be amazed how the forest has reclaimed itself over the years. Our goal for this trip is to arrive at the Clingmans Dome parking area and gift shop. This is the highest point in the National Park at 6,643′. If the weather permits, we'll take an optional short walk through the spruce-fir forest and learn about this unique environment.

Soar through the Smoky Mountains on the MegaZip, the longest zipline in North America. Enjoy a thrilling ride with friends and take in breathtaking views of Pigeon Forge.

Check out our reviews! This is an experience not offered like any other and cannot be experienced the same way on your own. Visit multiple distilleries...not just one! We created this tour to share our passion of local (SMALL BUSINESS) moonshine and wine locations! People love this tour because you will be visiting as friends! From private VIP backstage to sampling, its all included! I will be showing you real life working stills and getting behind the scenes where people can't go. You will be treated as VIP guests at all the locations we visit. During our walk we will have a couple of stopping points where we will go over the fun (NOT DRY) history and tidbits of moonshine and of course talk about "how the old-timers did it". This tour will be action packed for the full 3 hours you are with me with the goal of trying different wines and over 15 different flavors of all proofs and even a moonshine cocktail! - Mobility scooter accessible

Experience fly fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a guided tour from Gatlinburg and surrounding areas. Choose between stocked city streams or wild trout in the park.

Step into the shadows of the Smoky Mountains with Grave Intentions, an adults-only walking tour blending haunting true crime, Southern ghost stories, and historical legend. Designed for ages 16 and up, this 90-minute nighttime tour takes you beyond the tourist charm and deep into Gatlinburg’s darker past.

Explore Gatlinburg’s haunted past on an adults-only walking tour. Visit the Gatlinburg Inn, Edgewater Hotel, White Oak Flats Cemetery, and the Martha Jane Ogle Cabin.

On this hike a knowledgeable guide will discuss the plant and animal life of the Great Smoky Mountains as well as the history of the people that called this area home. We'll hike the highest section of the Appalachian Trail through dense spruce-fir forest and climb the Clingmans Dome observation tower at 6,643 feet for a 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Reconnect with nature and yourself on a guided "forest bathing" walk. Experience the healing power of the forest as you immerse yourself in nature with a certified guide and enjoy a leisurely walk.

Follow the sound of rushing water into one of the Smokies’ most refreshing guided hikes. Chasing Waterfalls is perfect for those chasing cascades, waterfalls, streams, mossy rocks, cool forest trails, and classic Smoky Mountain water scenery. With an experienced naturalist guide, you’ll explore a lush mountain landscape shaped by water. Along the way, your guide may point out wildflowers, old-growth pockets, stream ecology, salamanders, forest plants, and the hidden details most visitors walk past. This tour is a strong choice for families, first-time visitors, photographers, summer guests, and anyone who wants a memorable waterfall hike without committing to a strenuous full-day adventure. Best for: Waterfall lovers, families, photographers, summer visitors, first-time Smokies guests, and guests who want a water-filled guided hike. Duration: 3 Hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Mileage: 2.5 | Elevation Change: 900' | Ages: 8+ Meeting Location: Sugarlands Visitors Center

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains on a guided driving tour. Visit the Kuwohi, (formerly known as Clingmans Dome) parking area, and learn about the area’s history from your guide.

This tour travels over the crest of the Smokies from Tennessee into North Carolina. Along the way we'll experience one of the most scenic roads in the Southeast along with several panoramic mountain vistas. When we arrive in the Oconaluftee Valley we'll visit historic structures learning about the culture of the native Cherokee and European-descended mountaineers. While exploring this historic valley, we'll keep an eye out for elk. The largest animal in the Smokies, they were reintroduced by the park service in 2001.