Are you an outdoorsy, hike and bike kind of a soul or a dive into shopping, artsy type? Maybe you like waterparks with thrilling slides or cozy cabins with a fireplace. Perhaps you enjoy a little bit of everything or are undecided and just looking for a good time. No matter your style, Gatlinburg has activities and attractions that will appeal to you.

Visiting Gatlinburg is a must if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, family-friendly fun, or a romantic getaway. With plenty to do in the region, deciding what’s most important may be difficult. Here are a handful of reasons to visit Gatlinburg this year.

The Smoky Mountains are Calling

The charming town of Gatlinburg is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and makes a fantastic place to begin your mountain adventure. The national park is home to hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. You can also find ranger-led programs like walks and talks, Junior Ranger activities, and campfire sing-alongs.

In Gatlinburg, you can also ride on the Aerial Tramway to get breathtaking views of the mountains and the city. Or hike to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smokies. You’ll have no trouble finding things to do in this lovely mountain hamlet.

Family-Friendly Fun

Gatlinburg is a great place to bring the kids with plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained. Take a trip to see over 12,000 sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or Ober Gatlinburg, an amusement park and ski resort with rides, arcade games, and more.

Also, book Gatlinburg cabins in the Smoky Mountains for a relaxing mountain getaway. There are lots of little things to enjoy while you’re at a cabin. Some cabins have hot tubs, gaming rooms, and fireplaces to make your stay even more pleasurable.

Dollywood Time

No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to Dollywood, an amusement park named after country music legend Dolly Parton. The park features roller coasters, live entertainment, and food inspired by the Smoky Mountains.

You can also visit Dollywood’s Splash Country, a water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river. With so much to do, Dollywood is a great place to spend a day or two, indulge in some southern hospitality, and have a lot of fun.

Spot a Black Bear

What the what?!! Can you see a black bear in Gatlinburg? For real? Yes, for real! There are around 1500 mighty-black bears that live in the Smoky Mountains. (Zolpidem)

You might even spot one right from your cabin if your luck is with you. Just keep your distance if you do see one, as they are wild animals, after all.

The best time to spot bears enjoying their natural habitats is during the early morning or evening hours. So, if you’re up for a little bear watching, head to the Ober Gatlinburg Wildfire Encounter or Cades Cove. Hey, but just stay calm, all right?

Love is Always in the Air

Gatlinburg is a popular destination for couples looking to get away from it all and enjoy quality time together. Gatlinburg is the perfect place to rekindle your love with its scenic mountain views and romantic cabins.

Take a stroll down the Parkway, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride, or enjoy a romantic dinner for two. There are all kinds of things to do when you’re in Gatlinburg with your special someone. What can we say, as a popular wedding destination, even the tough Smoky Mountain town just oozes love.

Pancake Party Packed with Flavor

The town of Gatlinburg has a thing for fluffy pancakes. Gatlinburg could probably live on syrup and syrup alone, with every corner boasting a flapjack house. We don’t doubt it; we embrace it because oatmeal is terrible.

The Pancake Pantry is one of Gatlinburg’s most well-known pancake eateries. They’ve been serving up pancakes since 1960 and have over 25 different flavors to choose from.

Buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip, peach, pumpkin spice – you name it, they’ve got it. You’ll be drooling before you know it after trying these delectable flapjacks! They’re more delicious than they look. With a perfectly crisp exterior and fluffy inside, they’ll melt in your mouth! Prepare to go crazy for pancakes once again. You may make them with either ricotta or cottage cheese, although our choice is ricotta!

Arts and Crafts Run in the Family

Gatlinburg is big on arts and crafts. So big that the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community ages back to 1937! That’s right, that’s before some of you were born.

The Arts and Crafts loop is an eight-mile stretch with over 100 galleries, studios, outlets, and shops for you to explore. You can find everything from hand-blown glass and pottery to wood carvings and handmade jewelry.

It’s a sight to see all those dipped-in-talent artists and crafters working away in their natural habitat. So, if you’re ever feeling artsy or just want to support local businesses, take a drive down the Arts and Crafts loop.

Missing Some Spirits?

Gatlinburg is also home to the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, the first legal moonshine distillery in Tennessee. You can tour the distillery, see how moonshine is made, and try some for yourself.

The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery isn’t the only place in Gatlinburg where you can find spirits. There are several wine tasting rooms and breweries where you can sample the local flavors. And it’s no longer just wine and beer; now, you can find cider, mead, and even plain old moonshine. So, no matter what your poison is, Gatlinburg has you covered.

The Magical how by the Fireflies:

Have you ever seen hundreds of fireflies come together and light up the night sky? Well, you can in Gatlinburg! Fireflies put on a spectacular show every summer as they light up synchronously.

The best place to see this natural phenomenon is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So, if you’re in Gatlinburg during the summer months, you can’t miss this one for the world. Just bring a camera because it’s truly a magical sight.

The Peace and Quiet of Nature

Away from the loud and crowded Parkway, Gatlinburg is home to some of Tennessee’s most beautiful nature trails. If you’re looking to escape the chaos and craziness of the city, take a hike on one of Gatlinburg’s many trails.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, there’s a trail for everyone in Gatlinburg. So, get out there and explore! Keep a water bottle, sunscreen, and hiking shoes with you. And don’t forget to take in the stunning views while you’re at it!

Summing Up:

The beauty and versatility of Gatlinburg make it the perfect destination for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a cute romantic getaway or a family vacation. With so much to do and see, Gatlinburg will make lasting memories for years to come!