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Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (and Pigeon Forge)
1. Ride the Coasters at Dollywood
This iconic Appalachian theme park, co-owned by Dolly Parton, is a must-visit for families and thrill seekers alike. Even though we went with a small child, we still took turns on the Lightning Rod coaster, one of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the world. To satisfy our more timid park visitor, we also spent ample time riding the flying elephants at the County Fair portion. Aside from rides, there are also plenty of places to grab a taste of classic Americana meets fair food (think cupcakes the size of your head and pulled pork BBQ).
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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3. Stroll and Sip at Anakeesta’s Mountaintop Village
Considering we visited in the middle of June, Splash Country was the first thing we had on our itinerary. And it’s not hard to see why it’s a mecca for families. There are wave pools, a lazy river, and the kid-friendly Frog Hopper splash zone. I spent most of my time there, while my husband flocked to the mega Fire Tower Falls water slide. Tucked away into the lush trees surrounding the Smokies, it feels like a lightyear away from the bustle of town.
5. The Island in Pigeon Forge
A tad overstimulating but a favorite for families, this sprawling entertainment complex features a giant observation wheel, live music, souvenir shops, and Southern-fried restaurants. Attractions abound here, including the Escape Game and the Show Fountain, a choreographed water and light show. We went at night, and are so glad we did. Not only was it a little cooler (and less crowded), but the lights sparkled in the moonlight, creating a rather magical evening.
6. Tour Gatlinburg SkyPark & SkyBridge
You can’t visit Gatlinburg without a stop to the Skybridge. Here, you can walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass panels that reveal the 500-foot drop below. It took a little coercing to get our daughter over it, but once she was, she couldn’t stop ooing and awing ove the view. The panoramic mountain vistas from SkyBridge are simply unforgettable, especially at sunset. One thing we didn’t realize was you can also take scenic chairlift rides for even better views of the mountains.
7. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Rated among the top aquariums in the country, Ripley’s actually blew me away. We loved the immersive exhibits like the underwater shark tunnel, which featured a moving walkway to truly experience it. From sharks to fish, you can soak up 180-degree views of the incredible wildlife. The lively penguin habit is immersive as well, with cute photo opps at every turn. My daughter loved the hands-on climbing gym and discovery zone. It’s good to note, however, that there’s only one way to climb up and it spans 3 floors, so it’s best to have one parent or family member up top and one below.
8. Explore the Ripley’s Attractions
For a truly unforgettable view of the Smokies, book a helicopter tour with companies like Smoky Mountain Helicopters. Tours range from $150 to $300 per person, offering breathtaking aerial views of mountains, valleys, and rivers. These tours are best suited for ages 6 and up due to safety regulations and weight requirements.
10. Go Moonshine Tasting
Touted as the highest point in Tennessee, a hike to Clingman’s Dome offers sweeping views of the Smokies from a 360-degree observation tower. On clear days, you can see for up to 100 miles across the Smokies. The hike can be strenuous at parts, so make sure to pack sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and breathable clothes.
12. Ride the Alpine Coasters
As a Titanic aficionado, this was the number one thing I wanted to do when we found out we were visiting. The Museum, which is shaped like the iconic ship, is with over 400 genuine artifacts from the actual voyage. As soon as you enter, you get a boarding pass with a real passenger’s name and get to follow their harrowing journey through the ship’s replicated rooms. It was even more emotional than i could have imagined, but still such an incredible way to learn more about this famed ship.
14. Wander through Downtown Gatlinburg
Like a trip through Mayberry (with a bit more of a tourist twang) a walk through Gatlinburg’s main strip will welcome you with plenty of places to buy anything you could imagine — from candy to pancakes to fudge, local wine, and more. The vibe is kitchy and touristy, but fun, especially if you stroll with a cone of homemade ice cream from Kilwin’s or The Donut Friar. Don’t miss unique souvenirs at shops like Smoky Mountain Trinkets or Mountain Made Gallery, where you can find more authentic things to take home.
15. Check out Parrot Mountain & Gardens
As a certified adrenaline junkie, a zipline through the Smokies is the first thing I’m doing when we come back sans kiddo. With staggering views of the treetops and plenty of bear sightings to be had, it’s an incredible way to get up close and personal with the beautiful nature surrounding Gatilingburg. Local companies like CLIMB Works and Legacy Mountain offer multi-line tours with suspension bridges and sweeping forest views.
17. Spend a Night at a Cabin
Even though they have these everywhere, they’re a real fun stop for kids.The wax museum in Pigeon Forge has incredibly lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities, like President Obama to Madonna. Pose with everyone from Elvis to modern movie stars, and enjoy a variety of playful photo opportunities. Admission typically runs around $30 for adults and $20 for children.
19. Watch a Dinner Show
Another great way to take in the views, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile one-way loop that winds through dense forest, past rushing streams, and several small waterfalls like Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind the cascade. Along the route, you’ll spot historic log cabins and old mill sites preserved from early settlers, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
21. Experience Ober Mountain
If the sweet wine and moonshine is too much for you, grab a sip of a local brew or cider. The Smoky Mountain Apple and Blackberry Cider was a favorite of mine at the Tennessee Cider Company. My husband, who is more of a beer and whiskey fan, loved the Smoky Mountain Brewery’s English Porter and crisp Mountain Lager. Both spots have laid-back, rustic vibes with outdoor patios, which made them easy to bring an energy-filled kid to.
23. Stroll the Gatlinburg Trail
Just a few minutes from town on the Gatlinburg Bypass, this overlook offers immaculate views of the town nestled among the mountains. To get there, take the Gatlinburg Bypass (TN-448) west from downtown Gatlinburg and look for the clearly marked parking area. Bring a camera to really capture the colors of the sky as the sun sets behind the peaks.
25. Sample All the Fudge
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