How to Spend a Weekend in Gatlinburg for Every Type of Traveler

If you’re traveling with an all-ages crew, aim for a mix of relaxing nature and easygoing activities, with just enough adventure to keep everyone happy! Start at Ober Mountain and ride the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway to the top for stunning views. Once there, try the alpine slide or let the kids run around the amusement area.

Afterwards, head to Anakeesta. Children love the TreeVenture course - think: rope bridges, climbing nets, and treehouses. Adults can enjoy a meal at one of the mountaintop restaurants, walk around the plaza, or relax in the gardens. In the evening, take a slow drive through the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The one-way scenic driving loop offers views of rushing mountain streams and old-growth forests with opportunities to pull off and explore historic sites.

Pro Tip: Check out Gatlinburg’s webcam page to see spots in real time and get the whole family psyched up for your next adventure!

A solo trip to Gatlinburg can be rejuvenating and deeply satisfying. To start, enjoy a solo hike along the Gatlinburg Trail, which is just under 2 miles long and follows the Little Pigeon River. If you want a more challenging hike, try the Alum Cave Trail, where you’ll find several longer trails, including the 10-mile loop to the top of Mount LeConte.

If you’re looking for some local culture, grab a coffee downtown, then take the trolley to the Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop of independent studios and galleries. Midday, take a chairlift ride (whether at Gatlinburg SkyPark, Ober, or Anakeesta) for a peaceful time in the trees and a different perspective atop the mountains.

In the evening, pull off to one of the scenic overlooks along Newfound Gap Road before enjoying a nightcap at one of Gatlinburg’s friendly breweries or distilleries.

Start your romantic weekend with a stroll through the Village Shops, where you can pick up pastries, browse small boutiques, and enjoy the quieter corners of downtown Gatlinburg.

In the early afternoon, sit down for a tasting at Sugarlands Distilling Company or Ole Smoky Moonshine—both usually offer live music on weekends. Later, take a lift to Anakeesta to capture a mountaintop sunset or share a drink at their mountain-view bar.

And for the outdoorsy couple, there’s no shortage of trails to explore—great for slow nature walks, bike rides, birdwatching, and more. Kuwohi Trail, for example, is a short, rewarding hike with a stunning lookout over the Smokies.

If you’re all about heart-pumping, outdoor thrills, Gatlinburg delivers. Begin by burning off some energy with a hike: the Rainbow Falls Trail is a 5.4-mile round trip that ends at a powerful 80-foot waterfall. For something less-traveled, try the Baskins Creek Trail, which leads to a secluded two-tiered waterfall—just be ready for some rough ground and steeper climbs!

For a punch of excitement, hit one of the area’s ziplines or enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like mountain coasters and winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. In the spring and summer, feel the power of the river and book a tour with a local white water rafting outfitter.

Other adventure-oriented activities around Gatlinburg include horseback riding in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, fishing in local streams and rivers, exploring Gatlinburg SkyPark, or hitting the many mountain biking trails across the region.