Overview
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known as the Gateway to the Smokies, and it is a gorgeous city. Gatlinburg is surrounded by lush forests, flowing streams, and the Smoky Mountains. The city is full of scenic overlooks, museums, and restaurants. Gatlinburg is a great place to visit whether you plan on exploring the mountains, enjoying the city, or both.
Trip Highlights
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
- Wonderworks(Pigeon Forge)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg-Indoors
Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies
At the aquarium there are a variety of marine life to check out. There are also petting areas, that you can pet jellyfish, rays, and horseshoe crabs. You can also go underneath the shark exhibit, on a moving conveyer-belt. This aquarium showcases a plethora of diverse fish, and it is a must see.
Wonderworks
Wonderworks is an indoor tourist attraction that is full of activities for all ages, and is great for rainy days. Inside wonder works you can learn about the wonders of science, play a variety of games, rock climb, and even swing around on the indoor ropes course. This unique attraction also allows you to simulate various astronaut trainings, and gives you multiple opportunities to be upside down. Many attractions are both educational and fun.
Gatlinburg SkyView Park
The SkyView Park offers picturesque views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. The park features a lift, and a sky bridge, with a glass observation lookout in the middle. You can also warm up by the fireplace, or get a drink inside.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Whether you are a beginner or an expert hiker, there are plenty of trails to explore in the Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains, the highest elevation in the Smoky Mountains is 6,644 ft. In my 1 day hike I decided to hike the Alum Cave Trail, and the trail to Mt. LeConte. The total distance was about 11 miles round trip.
This hike offered amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Unfortunately by the time I reached the top of the mountain, it was too cloudy to see the other mountains, but it was definitely an amazing hike. The temperature at the top was about 40 degrees and very windy, which was about 25 degrees colder than the lower portion of the trail. This hike does not require backpacking gear, and can be completed in regular shoes. However, backpacking gear would be helpful if you are climbing for multiple days.
Want to see the mountain top views without the long hike? Go to Clingman’s Dome, this observation deck is easily accessible and is at the tallest point in Tennessee! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park website is a great resource to find exhilarating hikes near Gatlinburg
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