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Beyond unforgettable, these adventures will spark wonder
Moments so memorable they stay with you forever await in Gatlinburg this fall. Reminding us of treasured times and places, core memories are those distinct scenes we play on repeat. Here are a few of our favorite memory-making ways to get outside and savor Gatlinburg’s natural beauty this season.
You don’t have to trek far to take in waterfall splendor in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of these stunning waterfalls are accessible via short hikes or drives. Grotto Falls invites you to literally step behind the spilling water – an unforgettable multisensory experience. Laurel Falls, at 80 feet high, is an awe-inspiring sight just a short drive from town.
It’s hard to top the bucket-list novelty of sleeping outside under starry Smoky Mountain skies. Whether you’re more of a camper or a glamper, Gatlinburg has accommodations at the ready. Fewer destinations in the U.S. offer unspoiled wilderness as close to amenities as Gatlinburg. For upscale and novelty stays, Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort and Treehouse Grove are hard to beat.
There’s so much to do atop the Smoky Mountain ridges surrounding Gatlinburg – making for literal mountaintop moments. Autumn ups the ante with its colorful treetop show, etching memories that will last forever. Hit the slopes at Ober Mountain, or literally climb a mountain with the assistance of a local guide. Mobility limitations won’t keep you down in Gatlinburg, with lifts, buses and trams available for mountaintop transport.
Jumpstart your vacation with a swift descent in Gatlinburg. Safety first, of course! Zipline and ride a mountain coaster at Anakeesta – then shoot down Ober’s Ski Mountain Coaster or Alpine slide. The young and the youthful will delight in these classic only-in-Gatlinburg adventures. Gatlinburg’s Sky Park offers the same flying sensation from the safety of a seat, with a SkyLift transporting guests up 1,800 feet above sea level.
Fall is festival season in the mountains, offering guests an immersion in the best of local culture. From spooky to splendid, there's something here for everyone. Consider the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, Boo Bash at Gatlinburg Skypark, Bear-varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta or Ripley’s Fright Nights. Each beckoning guests with their uniquely delightful and frightful features.
By embracing the season’s invitation to expand and explore, we guarantee you’ll go home with memories to last a lifetime.