Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing, Skiing and Hiking Adventures await!

Day One

There is so much to do in Gatlinburg that deciding what to do first might be the hardest part of your vacation! Start your Gatlinburg adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest protected land areas east of the Rockies. With over 500,000 forested acres, 800 miles of trails and 700 miles of streams, the promise of outdoor recreation and adventure—Smoky Mountain hiking, camping, hiking and whitewater rafting—lures millions of visitors, many for the first time, to enjoy the majestic natural beauty of the Smokies.

You can plan to take your lunch and spend the entire day. You can enjoy Smoky Mountain Hiking or a bike ride along miles of trails. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-class setting for bird-watching, so keep your eyes peeled. Within easy access of Gatlinburg are a range of topographies and elevations that provide diverse microclimates for more than 200 varieties of birds, including 60 year-round species.

After a day in the Park, head to the Parkway, Gatlinburg's bustling main street, for some food and fun! Choose from any of the many Gatlinburg restaurants all within walking distance of the attractions. Take a haunted house ride, visit a museum or a mirror maze, or try your hand at miniature golf to add to the adventure of a fantastic day.

Day Two

After a hearty breakfast, a Smoky Mountain fly fishing or trout fishing adventure is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors. You can purchase your license by stopping by one of the convenient Gatlinburg Welcome Centers. Since Gatlinburg stocks its streams with thousands of trout, the fishing is outstanding six days a week (Thursday is stocking day, so there's no fishing within the City. There are some rules and regulations and different license requirements that all fishermen are required by law to follow, and there are experts in town to give tips and provide guide services.

Fishing is great outdoor activity for vacationers of all ages. Gatlinburg has designated fishing areas along the streams in and around Gatlinburg. Some parks are designated "children only" to offer a place where young people can fish under the watchful eye of their parents.

Gatlinburg also sports a newly constructed handicap-accessible fishing pier and ramp, located at Herbert Holt Park, and it may be the only fast-water handicap fishing pier in the state. A concrete ramp, meeting all wheelchair slope requirements, allows wheelchair-bound people safe and convenient access to the river for fishing. A Smoky Mountain fly fishing, trout fishing or other fishing adventure is great for all ages!

After having lunch, it's time to visit the undersea world! No trip to Gatlinburg would be complete without a visit to the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies! Plan to spend a couple of hours marveling at the creatures of the deep - you can even ask an educator all the questions that come to mind. This aquarium features a grand underwater tunnel that lets you feel like you are in the tank with the animals!

After a day of catching fish and watching fish, it is probably a great time to cap off the evening with a delightful seafood dinner at any of Gatlinburg's fine restaurants.

Day Three

Today begins with a leisurely breakfast at one of Gatlinburg's great restaurants on the Parkway. Everybody loves pancakes! Then, take a short walk to the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway because today is your day to spend on top of Mt. Harrison.

Getting there is just as fun as being there. Ride the two miles aboard a state-of-the-art 120-passenger gondola to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. The 10-minute trip will take your breath at times, and when you get to the mountain station, enjoy top-of-the-world views of Gatlinburg. Ober Gatlinburg offers indoor ice skating year-round, and snow skiing and snowboarding during the winter. You can have a delightful lunch at Ober Gatlinburg's restaurant then spend the entire day to enjoy all the activities Ober has to offer.

During the heat of summer, this winter wonderland is transformed into a summer vacation paradise! Warm weather opens new opportunities with the Alpine Slide, a black bear habitat, bungee-fun, go karts, miniature golf, water rides, a Velcro wall jump and arcade games galore. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park also offers year-round indoor ice-skating and dining. Regardless of the season, the adventure on the slopes of Mt. Harrison will "top off" your vacation.

Take the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway back down to the Parkway and walk to one of the many restaurants. Stop and shop along to find just the perfect memento of your Gatlinburg vacation.