Experiences Only in Gatlinburg

Before Gatlinburg was incorporated, this region belonged to the mountains. It still does, as our town was founded to connect people to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some of our most singular stops center around experiences with the great outdoors. Commune with the Smokies from the comfort of town at these trusted attractions.

Anakeesta

Anakeesta delivers resort-level fun for everyone in the family. This award-winning adventure park features mountain coasters, ziplining, panoramic viewpoints, a treetop skywalk, laser light shows, whimsical children’s areas – including larger-than-life birdhouses and treehouses – and so much more. Locally themed dining and shopping complete the epic Gatlinburg experience.

Gatlinburg SkyPark

Gatlinburg SkyPark features North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge, at the apex of the SkyLift, 1,800 feet above sea level. More than two football fields long, the SkyBridge soars almost 700 feet across a deep valley in a single span. Midway across the bridge, a 30-foot glass section provides an awe-inspiring view like no other.

Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain offers mountaintop adventures year-round, right in the heart of town. Along with skiing, snow sports and its iconic Aerial Tramway, Ober Mountain features ziplining, mountain biking, ice skating and so much more. Its unique shops and amenities are a snow globe experience, with timeless Gatlinburg fun housed in one singular setting.

In Gatlinburg, we get the joke and enjoy sharing our Appalachian culture with a twist of humor. Mixing tourist town zaniness with Southern lore, Gatlinburg entertains with novelties galore.

Hillbilly Golf

Hillbilly Golf is a down-home mini golf experience, 300 feet above downtown Gatlinburg. Ride the incline to play 18 holes fit for a mountaineer. Generations of Gatlinburg tourists have enjoyed this decidedly unusual golfing destination.

The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum

The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is the world’s only exhibition of its kind, showcasing more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers. Heavy on history and brimming with personality, the museum is an entertaining diversion for guests of all ages.

Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg

The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg has been scaring tourists since 1980, in a once-grand (reproduction) three-story Victorian home. Gather your courage for a self-guided tour of this unique haunted house, where mountain haunts await at every turn!

Amazing Mirror Maze & Circus Golf

Circus Golf & Amazing Mirror Maze dare you to double the fun in a single destination. These showstopping attractions have been entertaining guests of all ages for almost 20 years.

White Oaks Flat Cemetery

White Oaks Flat Cemetery enshrines the memory of Gatlinburg’s founding families, with the graves of early settlers dating back to 1830. Stroll up the road adjacent to Fannie Farkle’s to take a walk-through Gatlinburg history in this burial ground unlike any other.

Many don’t realize that Gatlinburg as we know it has long been home to artists, artisans and makers of all stripes. When folks started traveling here to visit the Mountains, craftspeople around town sold hand-hewn wares – our first souvenirs. Those creative souls later packed up their shops and studios and moved operations to their homes in the Glades district, known today as the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. All across Gatlinburg, you’ll find makers creating one-of-a-kind wares.

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is not just special to Gatlinburg – it’s the largest independent organization of artists in the United States. This creative collective produces one-of-a-kind items, from fine art to leather goods, musical instruments to tableware. Create your own art at some studios and check out the equally inviting dining and lodging options in the area!

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts offers educational programming steeped in Gatlinburg history. Immerse yourself in learning a new medium or expanding your creativity, with more than 200 creative experiences per year onsite. 

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales entertainers elevate the mood throughout town with original live outdoor performances. It doesn’t get more Appalachian than picking, clogging and sharing stories of Smoky Mountain lore. With more than 70 locals putting on shows, there’s something new every performance.

Experience the flavor of the Smokies at Gatlinburg’s most distinctive dining and drinking establishments. There’s a taste of the mountains for everyone – young to old, homey to fancy! The food scene here is never boring, always inviting and consistently delicious. There are so many unique dining establishments to explore. Here’s a sampling:

Smoky Mountain School of Cooking

Smoky Mountain School of Cooking puts you in the kitchen, learning how to dish it out like a local in hands-on Appalachian cooking classes. Their gift shop stocks take-home treats including fresh fudge, jams and local crafts.

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp requires a hearty appetite, serving up mountainous piles of pancakes and stick-to-your-ribs Southern breakfast foods. Conveniently located on the Parkway and bearing the name of a Tennessee legend, this is classic Gatlinburg fare.

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is one of our classic Smoky Mountain sweet shops worth a stop. Step back in time, watching the confectioners make saltwater taffy, candy apples and other goodies daily.

Smoky Mountain Trout House

Smoky Mountain Trout House serves fresh local trout, along with steaks, chicken, catfish and shrimp dishes. Located in one of Gatlinburg’s oldest buildings since 1975, local owners and operators offer a true taste of the mountains.

Mountain Trail Grill & Pizza

Mountain Trail Grill & Pizza hits the spot when hunger strikes, dishing out no-nonsense hot breakfast platters, sandwiches and pizzas. Fuel up here for your active Gatlinburg adventure, with fresh homemade biscuits, croissants, waffles, pancakes and more.

Smoky Mountain Winery

Smoky Mountain Winery, East Tennessee’s oldest producer of local wines, is situated in a landmark castle-inspired building. Step into one of Gatlinburg’s most unique experiences, sipping award-winning wine from grapes grown on local soil.

Sugarlands Distilling Company

Sugarlands Distilling Company serves craft-distilled concoctions with Gatlinburg flair. From flavored moonshines to rye whiskey, Sugarlands creates new spirits onsite. The company launched a new vodka with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and his wife Amy. Worth a stop – and a sip!