 2/3/2012 9:08 PM Scattered Clouds, 49°F
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Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce
811 East Parkway - P.O. Box 527
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
TOLL FREE: 1-800-588-1817
info@gatlinburg.com
Fun Family Outdoor Activities in Gatlinburg Tennessee
Fishing - You've heard about our famous mountain trout. Now come catch one yourself! Visitors enjoy over 1,000 Tennessee fishing lakes, rivers, streams and ponds where big lunkers await. Whether you're in a national park stream or the Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg, there's nothing more peaceful than dropping your line in the water and waiting to reel in the big one! Choose from one of our full service fishing outfitters for all your fishing needs.
Bicycling - To enjoy more fun family outdoor activities, tour Cades Cove. The Cades Cove loop in the national park isn't just for cars. Seeing this historic community on bicycle is one of the best ways to get in touch with the Smoky Mountains. If your transportation allows, you can even bring along a picnic lunch for the trip.
Birdwatching - Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a premier location for a wide array of birds - and for people who enjoy watching them. The crest of the Smokies towers nearly a mile above the foothills, creating a range in elevations and a variety of topographies that provide a diversity of habitats and microclimates for birds.
From the high, exposed peaks, to the warmer, sheltered lowlands, some 240 species of birds have been found in the park. Sixty species are year-round residents. Nearly 120 species breed in the park, including 52 species from the neo-tropics. Many other species use the park as an important stopover and foraging area during their semiannual migration.
Changes in elevation affect the types of vegetation that grow in the mountains and determine where many birds can be found. Some species are found only in distinct habitats at certain elevations, while others may range over several habitats.
Spend an afternoon exploring the Great Smoky Mountains on horseback.
Spend an afternoon hiking among the Great Smoky Mountains.
Camping - We have two local campgrounds in Gatlinburg to choose from. They have many amenities such as electricity, water, cable TV, hot showers, pools, and much more. Many are even within walking or driving distance of Tennessee fishing lakes and rivers. The national park also has several campgrounds, including Cosby and Elkmont, where you can pitch a tent and rough it for a few days in the wilderness. Some campgrounds accept reservations, but most are accessible on a first come, first served basis.
Golf - If you're a golfer looking for a challenge, how about a game of mountain golf? The rules are the same as golf everywhere, but the course is just a little bit different. It's up and down, up and down, with hardly a flat spot to be found. It'll be an experience to be remembered with a scenic background that is magnificent. Try out your skill on the greens of the Gatlinburg Golf Course or the Bent Creek Golf Course.
Horseback Riding - If you're looking for other fun family outdoor activities, saddle up, partners! See our beautiful East Tennessee countryside the old-fashioned way. Places like Smoky Mountain Stables & Sugarlands Riding Stables offer guided, back country excursions for kids and grownups alike.
Hiking - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
has over 800 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult.
Whether you choose a day hike, overnight or week-long trip, you are sure
to experience the beauty and solitude of the great outdoors.
A Guided Nature Service
is available for those looking for a more educational and in-depth look
at the Smoky Mountains. Need Supplies? Choose from one of our full service outfitters
for all your outdoor needs. Always remember to be prepared before
entering the backcountry! Visit one of our many visitor centers for
information on planning your next hiking trip.
Whitewater Rafting - While the Tennessee fishing lakes get most of the attention around here, there's nothing quite as exhilarating as a ride on an untamed river. There are many outfitters that conduct guided trips down the Big Pigeon and other regional rivers.
Winter Sports - Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessee's only ski resort. Its eight ski slopes range from beginning to advanced and lie 3000 feet above sea level. Using a combination of natural and man-made snow, visitors can ski and snowboard. There's even an indoor ice-skating rink that's great fun rain or shine or snow. Even if you don't ski or skate, come up and enjoy the spectacular view or relax over a delicious hot meal at the Ober Gatlinburg restaurant.
