Discover What’s New in Gatlinburg in 2026

Gatlinburg: The Podcast is Calling just launched as the official podcast of Visit Gatlinburg and your inside look at America's Mountain Home. Hosted by Caroline Bean and Brent Thompson, this show goes beyond the brochures to uncover the real Gatlinburg. Each episode dives into the people, places, and experiences that make this town unforgettable - from tucked-away trails and can’t-miss eats to local legends, artisans, and the stories behind the skyline. This is your insider pass to Gatlinburg told by the people who know it best.

Since opening in 2017, Anakeesta has gained Gatlinburg bucket-list status and for good reason. New upgrades to this gorgeous boutique-feeling mountaintop adventure park make it even more irresistible. The $100 million Anakeesta expansion is bringing breathtaking new adentures to Gatlinburg. The BRAND NEW Crystal Express Gondola redefines the journey to the mountaintop with a next-generation, high-speed gondola designed for a faster, smoother, more comfortable ascent. The Crystal Express is the only all-glass Gondola system in the world, featuring 56 luxurious all-glass cabins, delivering uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg skyline.

The reimagined Firefly Village is a whimsical storybook escape, complete with winding pathways, flowing water features, and carefully crafted spaces that feel alive with wonder. Designed as a place to gather, explore, and linger, the village will glow with magic day and night and will feature a brand-new overlook where guests can take in sweeping views of Gatlinburg.

There's nothing more enchanting than the sight of fireflies lighting up the forest at night. Now, you will be able to step into that magic year-round at the Nightime Firefly Experience. Using state-of-the-art lighting and design, we’re recreating the timeless beauty of synchronous fireflies so every guest can experience their glow, no matter the season.

Riding up to Crockett Summit on the iconic Yellow Chairlift, you’ll soon see new upgrades at Gatlinburg SkyPark, home of the SkyBridge – North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge. Make sure to check out SkyPark’s recent additions. The new Clayton's Landing viewing area and restaurant invites guests to enjoy elevated mountaintop seating, cold drinks at Smoky Mountain SIPS, a new restaurant called  Smoky Mountain Smash, and 1.5 miles of new hiking terrain, the SkyTrail. Most iconic of all, the 70-foot steel yellow-roofed Tulip Tower stuns with its tulip-shaped roof. Nestled in a ravine, it’s accessible via two rope bridges. The Tulip Tower echoes the color of the SkyLift’s yellow chairs, reminding us of the many reasons this is our happy place.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies enthralls guests of all ages with its interactive exhibits – from Sleep with the Sharks to Pancakes and Penguins and the Stingray Experience. Ripley’s newest claim to fame brings real-life dragons – yes, dragons! – to Gatlinburg. The Dragons exhibit, included in general admission, enthralls with live creatures from all around the world. Come see firsthand the Kimberly Rock Monitor, Gila Monster, Green Crested Basilisk, Green Tree Python, Siren – and other magical, mystical creatures!

Ober Mountain reverted to its original, iconic name, Ober Gatlinburg. The famous mountaintop ski resort and adventure park officially brought back its historic title in May 2026 after briefly operating under the name "Ober Mountain" since 2022. Tennessee's only lift-served downhill mountain biking is now open, a brand-new tubing experience is available on the mountain, and a newly added archery course is now opening at the top of the mountain. Some of the many recent renovated projects include a new tubing experience, adding a disc golf course, two archery zones and remodeling the The Sidewalk Café into Alpine Slice and Smoky's Grill which is a modern, inviting space with two great food options. 

Also, don't miss the world’s FIRST wireless zipline. That’s right - no cables, just pure trust and good vibes as you soar freely through the Smokies. You can also soar to new heights on the Cloud Catcher, the highest zipline in the Smoky Mountains!  This thrilling experience starts with a scenic chairlift ride to the peak of Mount Harrison, over 3,400 feet high.

Gatlinburg Adventure Mining recently opened in Gatlinburg, bringing an immersive gem mining experience to this mountain town. Guests may find and keep authentic gems and fossils in a lifelike mine. Choose from five options based on the type of treasures you’d like to find including Gem Hunt, Fossil Find, Adventure Bucket, Strike Rich and Mother Lode. Pay per bucket, not per person! This is a truly immersive experience in a space that mimics a real mine!

Reggae Jam Restaurant recently rolled into Gatlinburg, warming up spring with Caribbean cuisine. This feel-good spot dishes up unforgettable meals made of the freshest ingredients available. Supporting local farmers, they are quickly becoming a must-visit spot for food that transports the tastebuds and lifts the spirits. Curry goat, beef oxtail stew and jerk chicken are just a few of our favorite dishes at Reggae Jam!

Santa’s Claus-et, Gatlinburg’s largest Christmas store, is now among a handful of global shops carrying the very special Exclusives Collection of Charlie Bears characters. Cuddle up to these adorable stuffies – or pick up a stocking stuffer early!

Ole Red Gatlinburg has revamped menus for spring, and the flavors are as fresh as the music. You’ll want to sink a fork in Blake’s Lucky Charm Chocolate Cake, featuring three cake layers topped with whipped chocolate topping and a heaping spoon of Lucky Charms cereal marshmallows. Our Stay Country Bar-B-Que Boards are a redneck twist on charcuterie, switching fancy cheese for a skillet of white cheddar mac loaded with pork, brisket, beans and corn on the cob. Purely delicious!

Lorelei Candles invites you to celebrate your birthday by hand-making your own candles! Lorelei Candles offers birthday party packages for creative souls of all ages in its newly renovated retail space and production area. In addition to Lorelei’s signature Dip Your Own candles, guests may design their own granular wax candles and scented soy wax bead candles.

The FREE Gatlinburg trolley just got comfier as it's been remodeled with a new look that's complete with padded seats and on-board air-conditioning.

Been a minute since you’ve explored the Smokies? You’ll be glad to know about some updates around these parts! For starters, the stunning Laurel Falls trail area is currently being restored and rehabilitated with trail improvements like widening and repaving, a safer waterfall viewing area and more parking spaces. Ramsey Cascades Trail has undergone recent major renovations and is now open and better than ever. Bullhead Trail, leading to Mount Leconte, is being rehabilitated with repairs to tread surfaces, improved drainage, removing tripping hazards and constructing trail staircases and retaining walls.

A New Marker at the foot of the Kuwohi Observation Tower, the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, marks the western terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Cades Cove is keeping Wednesdays from May-September as vehicle-free days on the 11-mile loop. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Adaptive Programs include new ranger-led experiences in hiking, fishing and camping for visitors with limited mobility.