30 Things To Do In Gatlinburg This Summer

This trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclist and is one of two walking paths which visitors can walk dogs. The trail stretches 1.9 miles from the sugarlands visitors center to the outskirts of the City of Gatlinburg, It is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

The moderate 1.8 mile trek taking you to the national parks highest grassy bald, Andrews Bald

Named for the mountain laurel that grows abundantly in this area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Laurel Falls trail leads to the 80-foot Laurel Falls waterfall. The Laurel Falls Trail extends 2.6 miles and is the longest of four paved trails in the national park. The elevation gain during the hike is a manageable 314 feet, which is an easy 273 feet per mile. At the end of this easy 1.3 miles hike along a paved trail. you'll see the breathtaking site of this double drop falls.

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Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a hiking trail in Sevier County, Tennessee. It is within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is 0.5 miles long and begins at 1,531 feet altitude. Traveling the entire trail is 0.9 miles with a total elevation gain of 93 feet. Near the trailhead there is parking.

Today, there are hundreds upon hundreds of cabins in Gatlinburg, but in 1807, there was only one. The Ogle family was the first group of European Americans to make their home in Gatlinburg, or as it was known back then, “White Oak Flats.” William Ogle ventured into the area around 1802 and decided to lay the groundwork for a new life in the Smokies. Ogle cut down some local timber and fashioned it into logs for a cabin before returning home to South Carolina to collect his wife and seven children.

The schools were mainly one-room wooden structures. Few of the teachers had ever attended high school and were teaching at the same level they had completed (never above the fifth grade). Abject poverty was the norm and living conditions were rugged. The cabins were small and overcrowded; the sanitary facilities were primitive. The area was deprived of the benefits of higher education, household economics, health care and scientific farming. Several sites, including one at Wears Valley, were considered.

In May 1911, Gatlinburg was chosen as the school site because it was felt that Pi Phi could truly make a difference in the lives of its residents. An appropriation of $500 from the Fraternity’s Endowment Fund set the plan in motion.

The church was the first building constructed in 1835 and was called the White Oaks Baptist Church, even though settlers were primarily Presbyterian. The Baptist missionaries in the area convinced them to create a Baptist church before any other. A school was finished in 1867 but only remained open during three months out of the year.

The SkyLift Park has offered Gatlinburg's best views and most memorable experience since 1954, and will get even better this spring with the opening of new SkyBridge - the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America - and the spectacular new SkyDeck overlooking Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The scenic and exciting four-seasons world of Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. A mountaintop of fun, excitement and beauty high above Gatlinburg, TN, is waiting for you!

Voted Best U.S. Aquarium! Marvel at 12-foot sharks, a giant sea turtle, thousands of exotic sea creatures and playful penguins in State-of-the-Art Underwater Tunnels! Touch Horseshoe Crabs, Jellyfish & Stingrays! Hourly Dive/Feeding Shows and more!

Experience Sleeping With the Sharks, Behind the Scenes Tours, Educational Programs, Splashing With the Stingrays, Penguin Encounter and Painting programs! Marvel at 12-foot sharks, a giant sea turtle, thousands of exotic sea creatures and playful penguins as you enjoy the Most Spectacular, State-of-the-Art Underwater Tunnels!

The iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407′ observation tower that overlooks downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Ride our glass elevators to our observation deck for a 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.

9 Zipline Treetop Guided Treetop Canopy Tour. 14 Element self-guided TreeTrek. Light 10 downtown Gatlinburg next to National Park. Ages 5 to 85. A Family Adventure everyone can experience!

Gatlinburg’s wide variety of attractions have visitors coming back, year after year. No matter your age or what you like to do, there’s something for every member of your family in Gatlinburg. Whether you want to hike through the mountains, pitch a tent in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ride the Aerial Tramway or hang out downtown, Gatlinburg is your perfect travel destination.

The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a unique, family-friendly thrill ride that puts you in the driver's seat. Race through the Smoky Mountains on our unique, wide track with a brake system that puts you in control. And best of all, our tubular rails guarantee a smooth, comfortable ride every time!

Ripley's Haunted Adventure takes haunted houses to the next level. Live actors lurk behind every corner of this creepy renovated mansion, just waiting to "welcome" you to their home. That high pitched scream you hear...yea that's you. But remember, you must be at least 6 years old to enter, if you dare

The new SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and the most spectacular and awe-inspiring experience in the Smokies.

From the top of the Gatlinburg SkyLift, the SkyBridge quite literally crosses the sky as it stretches 680 feet across a deep valley. Guests will be able to walk across at their own pace, taking in the views and enjoying the spectacular setting before walking back when they're ready. With a height of 140 feet at its midpoint, the SkyBridge is an absolutely spectacular but easily attainable experience you'll remember for a lifetime - especially as you cross the glass-floor panels in the middle of the span.

Thousands of people flock to NOC on a warm summer day to kayak or raft down the river. The shimmering Nantahala River offers whitewater rafting through rapids that are mild but exciting. Nantahala rafting features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls. Both guided and self-guided trips are available - either on rafts or ducks (inflatable kayaks). Miss the big crowds in May, September and October (great way to see fall color!)

You want the best for your vacation in the Smokies, we know! All our rafting trips include certified and trained guides for your safety and comfort. Our guides love the great outdoors and are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Our office staff works together with our rafting and zip line guides to ensure your total experience is the best it can be – from the moment you contact us about a trip.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) with one of our many white water rafting adventures in Tennessee. We’ve been setting the bar high for whitewater rafting service, safety and fun since 1993.

Experience whitewater rafting in Tennessee and be assured of an exciting adventure as you romp through some of our class III and class IV rapids this rafting season!

Bootleggers Homemade Wine began with two country winemakers who just happen to be sisters. To create the finest homegrown Appalachian wines, we start from scratch using the best fruit and the same small-batch recipes folks in these parts perfected long ago.

There are no machines or fancy equipment, just the stuff you’d find in kitchens throughout the South. We even bottle each batch by hand. It ain’t California or France — just great homemade wine — and when you pop open a bottle you’ll surely know it came from the mountains!

A visit to Ole Smoky Distillery is the true moonshine experience. As you approach the entrance, the distinct smell of cooking and fermenting grains takes over your senses. Here, you’ll see authentic-working moonshine stills and take in the entire process - from beginning to end. Our distillers like to visit with folks. They’ll be glad to answer your questions about the history and lore of moonshining in East Tennessee.

After you see, smell and hear about the process, treat yourself to $5 samplings of our homegrown shine!

A taste of the winemaster's finest art awaits you at the Oldest Winery in East Tennessee. Mention fine wines to anyone who has ever traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains and they will tell you about the Smoky Mountain Winery. Since opening our doors, we have produced wines which have received hundreds of regional, national and international awards.

Sugarland Cellars offers tours and complimentary limited wine tastings seven days a week, and our gift shop is a great experience filled with plenty of wine-related gifts and Smoky Mountain memories. Our rich mountain history is showcased on our labels and explained by our tour guides. We are located at the Gatlinburg entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Traffic Light #10

Since 1996, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has been entertaining guests with a charming down-home style that's a hit with eaters around the globe. Our menu offers a number of items for the shrimp lover in all of us. Boasting creative seafood dishes inspired straight from the movie Forrest Gump and a fun family atmosphere, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. will have you running to the nearest location you can find!

This is not your average pizza pie! At the heart of Big Daddy's is a 550 degree, wood-fired flame inside of a one-of-a-kind brick oven. Our pizza starts with handcrafted, homemade dough that is pulled by our own "pizzeoli". It is then topped with one of our homemade sauces and fresh ingredients. We're so committed to that freshness that there isn't a freezer on the premises. The end product pays homage to the pizza's classic Neapolitan roots with a deliciously, crispy crust.

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Do you LOVE pancake houses? If so, Gatlinburg will seem like a slice of heaven to you. Our little mountain town has dozens of quality breakfast eateries guaranteed to please! With so many incredible breakfast spots, it takes a special place to warrant multiple visits and rise above the rest – Log Cabin Pancake House is the spot

Since 1960 when the Pancake Pantry became Tennessee's first pancake house, visitors to Gatlinburg have made dining with us a tradition. What keeps them coming back? It's the real butter, the honest-to-goodness fresh whipped cream and everything made from scratch. And it's also the warm atmosphere of century-old brick, rich oak and rustic copper.

Becoming a tradition requires a special quality, a commitment to excellence, a willingness to experiment, test and develop new dishes for your pleasure and delight, while retaining the favorites from years past.

Whether you join us for an early breakfast, midday brunch or afternoon snack, your visits will be enhanced by fast courteous service and delicious food, all at a reasonable price.

Outstanding views high above Gatlinburg. Offering lunch and dinner daily with seasonal entertainment. Celebrate Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg with Bavarian music, food, brews, dancing and shows daily throughout October!

Located at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg TN, The Peddler Steakhouse is literally built upon tradition. Families continue to return from one generation to the next. We invite you to start a new dining tradition with us.

This cozy little shopping district just off the parkway features 27 specialty boutiques and eateries. Some of the stores include The Day Hiker where you can stock up on the latest hiking equipment before going into the park, the Silver Tree for all you fine silver jewelry lovers, and Tervis, which carry their special indestructible double-walled cups.

The store, like its name, is a “what you see is what you get” type of thing. Their beautifully hand-crafted wood signs are perfect for just about any occasion and can be used to note just about anything. Whether you’re thinking an indoor, or an outdoor mount these signs hold up for years and are the perfect wedding, Christmas, or birthday gift.

One of the finest wine markets in the Smoky Mountains. If you’re a wine connoisseur, stop by and take home some locally-made wine. Their extensive collection will impress even the heartiest of wone snobs.

The place to shop if you’re into gourmet foods and kitchen gadgets. Daily samples range from barbeque sauces, salsa’s, jams and jellies, salad dressings, gourmet peanut butter and much more. With over 150 samples daily, try it before you buy it.

New Ski Mountain Grind Haus coffee shop, 6 distinctive shops & the LeConte Deli, homemade candy & fudge, Native American Pottery & Jewelry, old time photos, clothing, souvenirs and more!

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If your plans include day hiking, don’t hit the trails unprepared. Make ‘The Day Hiker’ your first stop. We carry a variety of essential day hiking items, camping novelties and outdoor gifts.

Gatlinburg’s wide variety of attractions have visitors coming back, year after year. No matter your age or what you like to do, there’s something for every member of your family in Gatlinburg. Whether you want to hike through the mountains, pitch a tent in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ride the Aerial Tramway or hang out downtown, Gatlinburg is your perfect travel destination.

Gatlinburg’s largest selection of technical outdoor gear, apparel, footwear, local gifts, and guidance for your Smokies adventures. Indoor climbing wall, whitewater rafting, and fun activities for the whole family!

NOC Gatlinburg is a must-see retail attraction and your source for outdoor adventure expertise. Located at Stoplight 10 at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, visit NOC to book guided whitewater trips, hiking excursions and fly fishing adventures.

A ‘One-Stop-Shop” for eveything spicy, Pepper Palace offers hot wing sauces, salsas, barbeque sauces, seasonings, dip mixes, and marinades to sample and purchase. Their overwhelming choice of hot sauces will blow your mind and please your palate!

See taffy, candy apples and other candies made daily. Also hand dipped chocolates and Holiday gifts available. Shipping available in U.S.A. The black bear’s favorite.

Incredible homemade donuts and funnel cakes, hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve ice cream, cotton candy and even shaved-ice! All the sweet treats you want in one place. Outdoor seating by the river.

Welcome to Cookie Dough Bliss, where all your cookie dough dreams come true. We make premium, small batch, ready to eat cookie dough, all delicious and safe to eat without baking.

Featuring over 15 different shops, Ober Gatlinburg’s Shops featuring clothing, outerwear, footwear, accessories and so much more!

Paula Deen has brought her unique vision of the Southern lifestyle to downtown Gatlinburg with cookware, food products, apparel, recipes, décor and more.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is everything a mountain resort should be. The casual-luxe atmosphere and gracious service transport you to an island state of mind, nature's backdrop renews your mind and spirit, and breath-taking adventures call you to try something new and push your boundaries. A great home base for outdoor adventures, the resort is minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, across from Anakeesta, an outdoor theme park and within walking distance to the attractions, shops and, restaurants in the village.

The Lodge at Buckberry Creek recaptures the rustic elegance of retreats from the era and combines it with the pristine beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Whether it is a romantic weekend for two, a family gathering or a corporate retreat, we are eager to exceed your expectations by offering an unrivaled experience in the Smokies. Nestled in the majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains atop 26 forested mountain acres, Buckberry Lodge offers the perfect blend of natural landscape and impeccable accommodations.

Whether you select the intimate charm of a Historic or Estate Room, the legendary elegance of a spacious Singing Brook, Farmstead Cottage, or Holly Glade Suite, the luxurious comforts of a Hill Cottage, the sweeping views of a Carriage House Suite, or the privacy of a Home, Blackberry Farm's accommodations offer a haven of carefree comfort. From heavenly beds adorned with sumptuous linens to plush robes and luxurious amenities, your accommodations reflect a meticulous attention to detail.

Quite simply, Gatlinburg Falls is the newest, most elegant, amenity-filled development in the Smokies. Spectacular cabins nestled in heavily-wooded lots offer privacy and luxury like you've only dreamed about. Offering one to nine bedrooms with room to sleep up to 38, the "cabins" are perfect for families and friends looking for a memorable vacation or honeymooners looking for the perfect way to celebrate their new union.

Since 1972 Mountain Laurel Chalets has served as the premier Gatlinburg cabin rental company. Nestled next to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, our reputation is one of service, friendliness, family and giving back to the community.

If you are considering taking a vacation in Gatlinburg, then you have found the perfect place to secure the type of accommodations you, your family and friends deserve!

Looking for a mountain escape? Book your Gatlinburg lodgings today! Whether you’re staying in an upscale hotel downtown, a cozy mountain cabin or a luxurious chalet in the Smokies, you’re in for a fun and relaxing vacation. The mountains are waiting to welcome you, no matter what kind of accommodation you choose!

Luxury 10 bedroom cabin, 30 seat home theater, hot tubs, arcade games, pool table, & amazing views! Convenient to downtown Gatlinburg. Perfect for business or church retreats, & family reunions.

Enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains while enjoying our luxurious Mansion in the Sky! Our cabin offers every convenience for you to enjoyment. We provide arcade games, pool tables, hot tubs, home theaters, and private video game room with Xbox and Playstation 4. All of our cabins are designed to make your stay fun and relaxing! Mansion in the Sky has spacious rooms with king-sized beds, fireplaces, and flat screen TV’s. We know you will enjoy your stay at our beautiful cabin!

Premier cabins and chalets to suit every taste and budget. From romantic getaways to family vacations, we have it covered. View photos and amenities of all our units online!

Your vacation is a special time for making precious memories to last forever. Let us be a part of those memories. We offer some of the finest accommodations in the Smokies…beautiful cabins and chalets just minutes from all the area attractions, shopping, entertainment, restaurants and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Pet Friendly, incredible views of Mt LeConte! Immaculate luxury! 4 King Bedrooms, 2 Queen sleeper sofas, 3 bath. Sleeps 8 adults and 4 children/ teens. Pool table, large hot tub, rocking chair L Shaped porch, outdoor seating. High chair, Pack N Play, oversize grill.

Looking for a mountain escape? Book your Gatlinburg lodgings today! Whether you’re staying in an upscale hotel downtown, a cozy mountain cabin or a luxurious chalet in the Smokies, you’re in for a fun and relaxing vacation. The mountains are waiting to welcome you, no matter what kind of accommodation you choose!

It’s your vacation, put us to work! We’ll find the mountain cabin or chalet that is perfect for you. Our goal, exceed your expectations. Our hope, that you’ll come back.

Peaceful settings unwind you. Splashing brooks, open vistas, wooded cathedrals, starry nights… Activities reward you. Snow skiing, ice skating, shopping, fine dining, world-class hiking, fishing, exploring… Appointments pamper you. Hot Tubs, saunas, fireplaces, rocking chairs… Family entertainment brings you back. Theatre, artisans, craftsmen, musicians… Hike for miles, read a book by the fire, splash in a crisp mountain stream, or just sit and gaze… Memories and all the stuff they’re made of. Stay with us and discover why generations of families choose Gatlinburg as their vacation destination and Stony Brook their host.

Our family of five cabins are truly 2nd To None in the Smokies! Only minutes away from downtown Gatlinburg and the National Park. Hot tubs, WIFI, fireplaces, grills, and all the comforts of home.

Looking for a mountain escape? Book your Gatlinburg lodgings today! Whether you’re staying in an upscale hotel downtown, a cozy mountain cabin or a luxurious chalet in the Smokies, you’re in for a fun and relaxing vacation. The mountains are waiting to welcome you, no matter what kind of accommodation you choose!

Find the perfect cabin rental (1-12 bedrooms) for your family vacation, romantic getaway, or group gathering. Enjoy stunning mountain views, hot tubs, theater rooms, free Wi-Fi, pet friendly cabins, and much more!

Discover a better way to get away in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains! Find the perfect 1-12 bedroom cabin for your family vacation, romantic getaway, or large group gathering. Get the privacy you need, all of the resort-like amenities you want, and be close to the dining and entertainment of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Centrally located across from Gatlinburg Convention Center and minutes to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Within walking distance to downtown specialty shops, Ripley’s Attractions, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery and Gatlinburg Space Needle. Just a short drive to Rocky Top Sports World, Dollywood and Dixie Stampede. Ride the tram to Ober Gatlinburg or enjoy the day hiking one of the many beautiful trails in the park. Located on the Gatlinburg Trolley Route and minutes from the Arts and Crafts Community, your next trip will be filled with lasting memories! Whether visiting for a convention, on business or for pleasure, our spacious guestrooms featuring free Wi-Fi, spacious work desks, luxury bedding and mini-refrigerators will be exactly what you are looking for! While enjoying your stay, check out The Bistro - Eat. Drink. Connect. and satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering breakfast and dinner options located in our state-of-the-art lobby where you will find many other hotel amenities.

The Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg hotel in Tennessee is conveniently located downtown on River Road. Only 100 yards from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the hotel is within walking distance to the Gatlinburg Convention Center as well as all the attractions the city has to offer. Our hotel in Gatlinburg, TN offers the natural attraction of the mountains and sounds of the nearby creeks. Enjoy your stay at the first in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified hotel in Tennessee, with many 'green' features such as an indoor chemical-free saltwater pool and whirlpool.

Laurel Falls Hiking Trail located in the Elkmont Area Area off of Little River Road the trail is 2.3 miles long round trip with an elevation gain of 314' with an easy trail rating for hiking abilities and fitness level required. The picturesque 80' waterfall is beautiful in any season with the foliage different any time of the year that you take the hike. The trail leading to the waterfall has several steep drop offs that are manageable for families with small children but will want to be cautious.

Grotto Falls Hiking Trail located in the Mt. LeConte Area off of Roaring Fork Motor Trail the trail is 2.6 miles long round trip with an elevation gain of 585' with easy trail rating for hiking abilities and fitness level required. Starting on the Trillium Gap Trail that will have a junction to link you to the Grotto Falls. The trail includes several bridges, streams, and flowering foliage on the way to the waterfall. The waterfall has a trail leading behind it allowing you to pass under the falls. If you chose to extend your hike there are other trails that lead off from junctions that will provide the name and length.

Abrams Falls Hiking Trail located in the Cades Cove Area the trail is 5 miles long round trip with an elevation gain of 340' with an easy to fairly moderate trail rating for hiking abilities and fitness level required. Begin at Field stop #10 on Cades Cove Loop Road, continue 5 miles to a parking area located near the start of the trail. The trail leads around the mountain side ridges following closely to Abrams creek to the final destination of the 20' waterfall that has a large volume of water flow which pools at the base area attracting many swimmers in the summer but is cautioned due to the strong currents and undertow.

Porters Creek Hiking Trail located in the Cosby Area off of Greenbrier Road the trail is 4.4 miles long round trip with an elevation gain of 1125' with moderate difficulty rating for hiking abilities and fitness level required. The trail starts out on an old gravel road that leads to a footbridge where the trail leads nearby the remnants of an old farm and homestead that has several buildings still standing as a memory to what was a way of life settling in the mountains. Other highlights of this trail is the multiple footbridges, an abundance of flowering plant life such as yellow trillium and wild geranium, trailing near a stream, and a grand finale of the 60' Fern Branch Falls.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the nation and one of the most popular hikes in the park is the Ramsey Cascades Trail. This incredible trail leads to one of the the tallest waterfalls in the park, Ramsey Cascades.

Hikers can expect to travel approximately eight-miles round trip through the picturesque Smoky Mountains on the way to the falls. The trail follows wild mountain streams and rivers as it gains nearly 2,200 feet in elevation before you reach the highlight – the incredible Ramsey Cascades!