Winning over hearts thanks to its location, guests love the running river alongside the Greystone Lodge on the River, the mountain backdrop, and the short distance to restaurants and shops. 25 Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennesee, You Shouldn't Miss Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads out over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Following the trailhead with the same name as its 24-meter-high waterfall, Rainbow Falls gains its nickname because when the sun is shining, a rainbow glimmers in the air around it. They lead different walks, backpacking trips, and more. Its located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountains are an untouched slice of Mother Nature. As for the recently opened 'The Garden' found at 120 Fenchurch Street, this is an innovative space that will delight . Something else you wont find a shortage of is a good round of hillbilly golf. The two-hour Mountaintop option includes five zip lines, four aerial bridges, a platform rappel, and an ATV tour on the top of the mountain. Listen up die-hard gamers! Whether youre looking for some fun or wanting to improve your competitiveness, youve come to the right place. History exhibits and ranger talks presented at select times will also clue you in on the national park. Walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, taste test moonshine at Ole Smoky, and go whitewater rafting all in the same weekend. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Just over half an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, this quiet area of the Smokies is a great place to view the fall foliage, after enjoying lunch at the iconic Elviras Cafe. In addition to the six wonder zones, this attraction also boasts laser tag, an indoor ropes course and a 4D simulator! Set up inside a log cabin, the setting adds extra authenticity. The busiest peak time of the year is June and July so plan accordingly. A little over two hours away, Bristol is best known for the legendary NASCAR short-track Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol has come into its own by embracing its rich vein of musical heritage [the actual birthplace of country music], beautiful natural elements, and a big revitalization scene. Ole Red Gatlinburg is a restaurant, live music venue, and retail space in Gatlinburg, Tennessee inspired by Blake Sheltons chart-topping hit, Ol Red.. Only 30 minutes away, Sevierville is an easy side trip from Gatlinburg. Home to over 600 critters originating from rainforests all over the world, this family-friendly Smoky Mountains attraction should be high atop any animal lovers bucket list. 318 places sorted by traveller favourites. Adrenaline junkies, this ones got your name written all over it. A post shared by Kelly Lopez (@kellylopezfl). Rustic, industrial-chic moonshine maker offering indoor & outdoor tours, tastings & live music. Drive down the 8-mile-loop road to discover weavers, watercolor artists, soap makers, potters and so many more unique vendors making for the perfect selection of handcrafted, Appalachian souvenirs. Cross swimming bridges 150 ft high as you take in a resplendent ten-acre wooded island in the middle of Big Pigeon River. Explore the evolution of the shaker which was created way before you would imagine. If you are not a baseball lover, maybe you are an art lover. We don't want to do Ripleys or any of the kitchy dinner shows.anyone know of any off-the-beaten-path things to do? Rushing rivers, majestic Smoky Mountains, and an abundance of outdoor thrills are all part of Gatlinburgs charm. Rafting & kayak excursions on the Pigeon River during the summer. Visit Smoky Mountains Outdoor Rafting and jump into the smaller boat in the extreme upper river section for a heart-pumping adventure. Hire a car for the duration of your vacation, order a taxi, or hail a cab from the airport to your stay. The Glider combines free falling and hang gliding into a safe fun experience. Now in its tenth season [mid-May to mid-October], the market provides Tennessee grown produce, local products, and foods in a friendly social environment. As you control your speed, take a glimpse of the stunning mountain views and forests around you. Little Bear Winery features favorites such as two berries wine which is the perfect blend of blueberry and blackberries as well as their rhubarb wine. Great for business travelers, appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient locale of the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center. It is also the highest peak that is completely within Tennessee. Its a superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxing hike in nature. Get cozy in their wood and chandelier accented dining room as you peruse their well-balanced menu. If Moonshine just doesnt cut it, grab a glass or two of some of the states finest blends at Tennessee Homemade Wines. The closest I could suggest as non-touristy is visiting the Cataloochee Valley or driving the Cherokee Orchard Rd and Roaring Fork Nature Trails. The entire journey takes about 10 minutes, dropping visitors off at Ober Gatlinburg, home to must-do activities like ice skating and the Alpine Slide. If youre having an extended stay in the area and are interested in exploring your own artistic side, consider signing up for a workshop at the Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts, which has classes exploring everything from ceramics to furniture making to cake sculpture. Transport yourself to the Tinseltown backlot in this unique museum, with 40 authentic vehicles from films like The Dukes of Hazzard and Fast and Furious lining the floor. Prepare to brave the combo slide The Edge Watercoaster which provides an almost 200 meters long ride. The Gatlinburg Bypass is owned and maintained by the National Park Service and is considered part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Theyre located two blocks off the main parkway, free on-site Parkway, and walking distance to a trolley stop. From wine to wildflowers, Gatlinburg hosts several spring festivals. Neighboring the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the best hikes are through the mountainous landscape. Packed with super limited edition ones, this largest collection of pinballs in the city can easily fill up all your day with excitement. This may be one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. The largest collection of pinballs and retro games in the Smokies. From an overload of exciting outdoor adventures to the weirdest and most wonderful activities, the things to do in Gatlinburg are endless, and youll need at least two days to fully enjoy and experience all that this southern town has to offer. Gatlinburg Space Needle. During the winter months from mid-December to mid-March, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes and even non-skiers enjoy . Bask in the supernatural presence with a 1-mile, two-hour walking tour under the moonlight (a ghosts favorite time of day). Make sure to check its opening schedule so you can time your visit and have a wonderful time in the city. Tanger Outlets (Pigeon Forge) We like deals, too. Heres everything you need to know about seeing the fireflies. Walking from one place to the next, you get to sample FREE wine at each stop on the designated route! Highly admired for its beautiful scenery and great shape, as well as useful GPS screens on the golf carts, this place makes a wonderful day out where you can also bring your family and friends to hang out. Watch professional log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and the nerve-racking springboard chop. These attractions can be visited by senior citizens without any hassle. All Rights Reserved. While technically located in Pigeon Forge, Wonderworks is just 15-20 minutes from Gatlinburg, making for an easy afternoon activity that the kids (and adults) will love. There are plenty of activities you can do in this small community that promises stunning scenic landscapes. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Gatlin's Fun Center is the premiere destination for fun in the Smoky Mountains. Witness the wonder of blooming violets, lady slipper orchids, and showy orchis species by foot or car. For those keen to go behind the scenes and learn about the drinks distillery process and historical significance, sign up for a walking tour. Choose between room and suite options with river views to wake to. Departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. We pride ourselves on serving innovative, tasty wines with an East Tennessee flair. Time your visit for perfect weather to fly and get a birds-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the top of 60-foot tall AnaVista Tower, the downtowns highest point. Venture out on your own, or opt for one of their guided off-road UTV tours. Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains, distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg, attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, 5 Things You Can Only Do at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Your Ultimate Guide to the Updates at Ober Mountain, All the Info You Need to Know Before Going Gatlinburg Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain, 6 Playground Attractions in the Smoky Mountains for Kids to Enjoy, Fly Through the Skies With These 6 Rides in Pigeon Forge, Reel Good Spots: 4 Great Places to Go Fishing in the Smoky Mountains, How Sweet: Where to Find the Best Smoky Mountain Fudge. Located off of the East Parkway, this 8-mile loop is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of our talented local artisans. Ascend thousands of feet in one of the more fun things to do in Gatlinburg the famous Aerial Tramway. True to its name, this place offers hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. Keep in mind, being an outdoor park, Splash Country is only open from May to September (the summer months). Address: 336 Wa Floy Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, Opening hours: 7am - 2.30pm (closed on Sun). The attraction with displays about sports, science & architecture records & interactive challenges. Fine gifts imported from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Celtic Heritage Company is the perfect spot for Celtic music, foods, jewelry, accessories, kilts, and more. Though this trail can get crowded at times, its not as popular as Laurel Falls or Alum Cave, and it offers gorgeous views! 811 East Parkway, P.O. Dont putt too hard your ball might roll down the mountain! Bigger groups can even rent out special areas, like the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Bar. Unusual Attractions in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, Tennessee Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzaria This casual Italian cafe in the heart of Gatlinburg has earned quite the following over the years. But I'm wondering if. For more information on places the locals love to eat, check out our blog, Where the Locals Eat in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains.. The stadium is located in Kodak, TN, right down the road from all the popular things to do and places to stay in Sevierville. You can take a road trip through the rural mountain roads and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty and streams. After trekking the easy half-mile paved trail to the viewing platform, you can see the expansive wilderness of Tennessee and North Carolina all the way out to the horizon. Waterfall lovers will be stunned by the beauty of the Laurel Falls trail, while those who love mountain views will want to hike the West Prong Trail, with its elevation gain of 1,375 feet. 1. The hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and continues for 4 miles along the Appalachian Trail. The hotel is within a 20-minute drive from Dollywood and the city of Gatlinburg. Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside . 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. There are single and double coasters to choose from. It takes all the marine wonder of your typical aquarium with over 10,000 exotic sea creatures spread across 10 uniquely themed galleries. Youre saddled onto a slow-moving, well-trained horse the way nature was meant to be explored. No-frills sports bar known for drinks and karaoke. Take in all the sports you can handle from over 25 HDTVs or sample 16 flavors of wings. Accompanying the themed displays are little stories that shed some light on the tool or information about the artists behind the creation. 8. After perhaps spending a couple of hours across the road at the Ripleys Aquarium, the Tennessee Cider Company is the perfect spot to sit back and unwind. Make sure to have a photo with your new buddy and bring home your painting as a souvenir of your new friendship. For a terrific day trip itinerary, head to the outskirts of Sevierville, Tennessee. 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. While on a vacation, you should not forget about the loved ones back at home. Cruze Farm. Unravel the world of shakers at this zany museum, and investigate a collection of over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers. If you're looking for more ideas of places to visit in the Smoky Mountain area, check out these attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Choose from the rafting packages which include ziplining and great deals for visiting other attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood and Anakeesta. For some of the best ice cream you'll ever have, you have to visit Cruze Farm. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . Or all three, but were not sure how that would work. Seeking to challenge your quads? As one of the most popular walks in the park, the hike along Laurel Falls Trail is a two-hour round-trip. Experience a magical time by catching a magic show at the one and only Iris Theater. Pigeon Forge is just a few minutes away and is great for families and outlet shopping. Each time we have pretty much driven as quickly as possible trough pigeon forge and Gatlinburg . This rustic, family-style diner is the perfect place to get food that really sticks to your ribs. Epic Free Viewpoints. Brick-walled, artifact-filled pub offering American chow, sports TV & a balcony with mountain views. Follow Pigeon Creek Trail for just over half a kilometer to reach it. Offering locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Rowdy Bear Mountain is a must-do for those who love the outdoors and have an inclination towards adrenaline, as well. Your email address will not be published. However, sometimes you want to get off the beaten path, especially if youre wanting to stay away from the tourist crowds or youve already seen all the sites in East Tennessee. From the end of November to the end of January, the specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent East Parkway, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. The best time to visit Gatlinburg sincerely depends on your goal of visiting. 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. Add this to the list of adrenaline-inducing non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg. This is your opportunity to watch a Tennessee Smokies game that takes place at Smokies Stadium. With joystick in hand, riders can spin in circles around the rink or smash (safely) into their friends before finishing off and making a beeline for Obers Alpine Slide or Mountain Coaster. Schedule your time of visit because this ride is a crowd favorite. 5. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail includes 4 different wineries where visitors can taste local wines for free! Make a stop at Wears Valley if you want to enjoy some serenity. For fall foliage and beautiful weather visit from September to October. From Friday to Sunday, you can also take a trip to nearby Kodak to experience the Great Smokies Flea Market. Inspired by the ghosts and ghouls of Gatlinburgs past, it creates an atmosphere thats delightfully spooky. Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our city is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. Do not forget to enjoy the remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains as you are doing all those fun activities. Providing beautiful cabin-style luxury accommodations, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a convenient location and scenic views. The spectacular SkyBridge claims the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass floor paneling adding another dimension of adventure. Throughout summer and fall, choose from a number of beautiful hiking trails, plus an Alpine Slide and water rides. Did you even visit Gatlinburg if you didnt make it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Regardless of the time of the year you visit, picnicking at Parc Monceau is one of the fun non-touristy things to do in Paris! Ripley's Moving Theater 721 Amusement & Theme Parks By Tercott86 Family fun!! Did you ever think youd go tubing down snowy mountains in the South? While there are plenty of questionable brews out there, by far some of the highest-quality samples can be found at Americas most visited distillery Ole Smoky and the rustic award-winning Sugarlands Distilling Company. The bridge is illuminated at night . From more out-of-the-way nature trails to hitting up beloved local eateries in downtown Gatlinburg, travelers of all persuasions will be tickled pink by this rugged mountain resort city. for a free tasting, or enjoy a glass of your favorite in our tasting rooms. 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. Its putt-putt but as youve never seen before. 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, go white water rafting on the little pigeon river, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | catch a magic show, non touristy things to do in gatlinburg | enjoy wine tasting, 15 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 12 Best Airbnb Tiny Houses In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2023, 14 Amazing Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Updated 2023, A post shared by Travel the Burg (@traveltheburg), 5. Specializing in craft beer, brewed right on site. Between your hiking, shopping and art workshops, youre sure to have worked up an appetite! In Summer On the Alpine Slide, youngsters race against their friends in sled-like carts across a winding 1,800-foot long track. Learn about the history of prohibition, sample moonshine, and tackle tranquil trails in Wears Valley. If you visit during the spring or summer, you can cheer on the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. A beloved local eatery for residents and tourists alike, Pancake Pantry has been dishing up piping hot plates for over half a century and is yet to put a foot wrong. Stop by one of the five wineries (or all five!) Go to a non-Gatlinburg entrance to GSM park and do some hiking. Hosted in a small, intimate theatre, the show contains lots of interaction with the audience. While we would never describe the nations most visited National Park as a unique thing to do in Gatlinburg,' within the parks lush 522,427 acres lies plenty of under-the-radar hiking trails, scenic drives, and picnic areas. For the ultimate thrill-seeker, get in line for the Fire Tower Falls! Here are some of the favorite things for locals to do in the Smokies: Tanger Outlets is one of the largest shopping centers in the Smokies with over 100 brand name stores. So whether you want a city getaway or a more natural . The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the drive from the airport to the city is roughly one hour.