Gatlinburg has been selected as one of Blue Ridge Outdoors’ 2026 Top 100 Adventure Towns, earning a spot in the publication’s Small-Town category. The annual recognition celebrates communities throughout the Blue Ridge region that offer exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation, adventure and exploration.
Gatlinburg joins 99 other destinations selected for this year’s list, which highlights communities that stand out for their access to outdoor experiences and their distinctive adventure offerings.
Located at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg provides visitors with countless opportunities to experience the outdoors, from hiking and biking to fishing, wildlife viewing and scenic drives. The city also serves as a gateway to the more than 800 miles of trails, mountain landscapes and natural beauty found throughout the Smokies.
Blue Ridge Outdoors readers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite destinations within each size category. Gatlinburg encourages residents, local businesses and visitors to show their support by voting for the Smoky Mountain destination.
VOTE FOR GATLINBURG
The four destinations receiving the most votes across the size categories will be featured in the November/December issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors, which will also showcase the complete list of 100 Top Adventure Towns. The publication reaches more than 300,000 outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers throughout the region.
For more information about Gatlinburg’s outdoor adventures, attractions and upcoming events:
