Soak Up the Seasons
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Gatlinburg is a study in splendor 365 days of the year, situated at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains Natural Park. Time in nature is a natural, undeniable mood-booster, free for all and yours for the taking in Gatlinburg.
Every season holds something new to discover here in the great outdoors, and within each season you’ll find various phases of wonder. Whether you’re a keen observer or a natural adventurer, some of our favorite ways to get happy outdoors in Gatlinburg include chasing waterfalls, considering the wildflowers, and literally taking a hike.
Waterfalls abound in Gatlinburg, and catching a glimpse of them is always refreshing. To optimize your waterfall chasing, do your homework. Peak experiences are yours to have, with a little advance planning. Consider stepping behind a waterfall’s flow or, when winter rolls around, catching a glimpse of a frozen midair mist.
Wildflowers remind us of beauty everywhere, and some folks call the Smokies “Wildflower National Park.” With more than 1,500 wildflower varieties in peak blooming season every spring, you don’t have to look hard to catch sight of these mini mood boosters at every turn!
Wander Gatlinburg’s trails at your own pace, whether you’re an avid hiker or just finding your footing. Immersion in nature keeps you grounded in the present moment, a well-known driver of contentment and well-being. More than 150 trails spanning 800 miles means you won’t run out of ground to cover!
Make Magical Memories
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Mountaintop experiences are plentiful in Gatlinburg, where lifelong memories are born from magical moments. Bring your people together for festive mountain merriment! There’s so much for children to enjoy in Gatlinburg, and you’re never too old to experience something unforgettable
Both Fannie Farkles and Arcadia maximize the game experience with hundreds of popular arcade and video games, and immersive simulations. Guests of all ages will be happy winning luxury name-brand prizes from their stellar redemption center!
High-flying destinations are well within reach all around Gatlinburg, including familiar spots families have called their happy places for years. Powder-topped Ober Mountain is heavy on retro lodge vibes and the peak Gatlinburg ski and snow sports experience. Anakeesta thrills kids and youthful spirits, with its whimsical life-sized birdhouses and treehouses, unbeatable vistas, zipline courses, and so much more. Up the adrenaline at Gatlinburg SkyPark and get your heart pumping on its record-breaking SkyBridge and take in the surrounding views riding on the iconic chairlift to the top.
Westgate Wild Bear Falls Water Park packs a punch of pure delight, with a 60,000-square-foot retractable-roof water park, spa, zipline, mini golf, and so much more. Just minutes away from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this is a great spot for making core memories to last a lifetime! Take the water fun indoors with Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies with their underwater tunnel and immerse yourself among thousands of awe-inspiring aquatic animals and get closer than ever before with interactive, hands-on experiences.
Treat Your Tastebuds
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Gatlinburg’s edible delights go far beyond candy apples and mountain taffy, but they’re a great way to start! Several of the candy shops and confectioners of Gatlinburg’s olden day are still here, setting the bar high for crowd-pleasing treats. Gatlinburg’s food scene has grown to include all the dining joys you could dream of in an Appalachian town, from down-home casual to fine-dining cuisine.
Craving candy? It’s hard to be sad eating rock candy, homemade fudge and all manner of mountain sweets! Gatlinburg has no shortage of supply or makers, and the people behind the counters are just as delightful as the goods they make and sell. Aunt Mahalia’s has crafted old fashioned candy since 1939, including bubbling caramel and salt water taffy to write home about. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is a family-owned operation opened 1952, known far and wide for specialty taffy, chocolate brown bears, and peanut brittles.
Chow down on comfort at the cozy spots lining the Parkway and every street in this town. You might have noticed that Gatlinburg is big on putting folks at ease. That includes the food on the table, meant to give you a taste of home while you’re in this neck of the woods. Happy times stack up quick at pancake houses like Log Cabin Pancake House, Pancake Pantry, and Little House of Pancakes. Try to not smile after dining on a burger and fries from Mountain Edge Grill, Smith & Son Corner Kitchen, Howard’s Restaurant, or Split Rail Eats. We can’t forget BBQ, being in good ole Rocky Top Tennessee! Myron Mixon Barbecue Co., and Bennett’s Pit BBQ will leave your belly full and your spirits high!
Feeling fancy? Fine dining Appalachian-style is less about putting on airs and more about an authentically delicious experience. Think: Top-quality food, excellent ambience, and superior service. We don’t do snooty in Gatlinburg, but we do know how to indulge in a culinary experience to write home about! Two local favorites are The Heirloom Room: Creekside Restaurant & Bar and The Greenbrier Restaurant, renowned for delectable flavors steeped in story. For a classic steak dinner, look no further than Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse or The Peddler Steakhouse.
Take home memories
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No trip is complete without a little treasure hunting, and shopping in Gatlinburg is an experience all its own. Strolling the Parkway or wandering through The Village Shops feels less like running errands and more like stepping into a storybook. Quaint storefronts, handmade goods, and the scent of fresh fudge drifting through the air make it easy to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re browsing cozy boutiques or popping into long-standing local favorites, there’s a special kind of joy in finding something that brings a piece of Gatlinburg home with you.
From handcrafted pottery and Appalachian art to locally made candles, jams, and keepsakes, Gatlinburg’s shops are filled with items that carry the spirit of the mountains. You’ll find one-of-a-kind souvenirs you won’t see anywhere else, along with playful stops for kids and nostalgic treats for grown-ups. Take your time, chat with local makers, and enjoy the simple pleasure of discovering something unexpected. Long after your trip ends, these little finds have a way of bringing that Gatlinburg happiness right back to you.
