If you’re searching for the best things to do in Gatlinburg, you’re in the right place! Between the smoky mountain views, the endless food smells drifting down the Parkway, and more fudge shops than you can count, you’ll never run out of things to do. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just passing through, these are my top five favorite Gatlinburg activities — the ones that actually live up to the hype.
(If you’ve got more than a day, check out my Spend a Week in Gatlinburg and Sevierville itinerary — it’s a full Smoky Mountain deep dive.)
If you’re visiting the Smokies and skip hiking, I’m pretty sure they revoke your visitor pass. Hiking is easily one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg, and it’s not hard to see why. Don’t worry — you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it here.
Start with Laurel Falls, an easy 2.6-mile round-trip paved trail that ends at an 80-foot waterfall. The bridge in the middle of the falls is perfect for photos (and for catching your breath while pretending you didn’t get winded).
For something even easier, try Cataract Falls, a quick walk near Sugarlands Visitor Center, or drive up to Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) — you get brag-worthy 360° views without committing to a full workout.
And if you’re in the mood for more of a challenge, Alum Cave Trail and Chimney Tops will give you all the mountain magic with just enough sweat to make that post-hike dessert feel earned.
Want more hiking options read My Favorite Easy Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for full trail details.
Just outside of Gatlinburg is River Rat Tubing, and if you’re here in summer, this is a must-do. It’s the kind of day that’s equal parts relaxing and ridiculous — picture yourself drifting down the river with a bunch of friends, tethered together in a lazy-day parade of inner tubes.
They’ve made it super easy: a shuttle picks you up at the end and brings you back so you can do it all over again. There are two options — River A for a calm, scenic float and River B for a little more excitement (aka a few rapids that’ll make you laugh-scream). River A takes about two hours; River B, about one.
A few tips from experience: book in advance so you don’t miss out, fill out your waiver online to save time, and definitely wear water shoes and sunscreen. Parking is free, lockers are available, and if you want photos, bring a GoPro — phones and rivers don’t always mix well.
It’s the perfect blend of sunshine, mountain air, and “I’m not doing anything productive today and that’s fine.”
I’ll be honest — I’m a big shopper. I can (and will) spend hours wandering stores if there’s even a hint of something cute, cozy, or delicious inside, and Gatlinburg is a gold mine for that. Shopping your way through downtown is one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg, especially if you love a mix of local charm and good snacks. The downtown strip is packed with everything from local boutiques to souvenir shops and fudge counters, and I swear there’s something new every time I visit.
My favorite spot is The Village, this adorable little cluster of brick walkways, fountains, and boutiques that feels like a European courtyard tucked behind the Parkway. Stop at The Donut Friar for fresh pastries and coffee (the smell alone is worth it), sample olive oils at Zi Olive, and poke around The Honey Pot for whimsical gifts you didn’t know you needed.
The Paula Deen Store is full of southern-style kitchenware and home décor — this place is dangerous in the best possible way, I want one of everything — and Byrd’s Famous Cookies and Goo Goo Cluster are the perfect snack stops for “just one more sample” moments. Shopping here isn’t just an activity; it’s a full experience.
If you like a good tasting, Gatlinburg’s distilleries are calling your name. Sampling local drinks (or treats) is one of the classic things to do in Gatlinburg, whether you’re sipping cider or eating your way down the Parkway. Start with Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery — it’s got live music, a fun crowd, and that classic Gatlinburg energy. Then wander over to Sugarlands Distilling Company for creative flavors and a peek at their behind-the-scenes setup, or stop into Tennessee Legend Distillery for smooth, small-batch spirits.
And don’t skip Tennessee Cider Company — their hard ciders are locally made, deliciously crisp, and perfect if you want something lighter (or just a break from moonshine). It’s a whole experience — even if you don’t know your way around a tasting flight.
But if you don’t drink, you can still join the fun — just turn it into a food crawl instead. Start with BBQ at Calhoun’s, grab a milkshake the size of your head at The Crazy Mason, and finish the night with a Heath Bar caramel apple from Chocolate Monkey. Calories don’t count in Gatlinburg, right?
Top Places to Eat in Gatlinburg for a full list of restaurants.
If you came for views, you’ll want to head up — literally. Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park where you can ride a scenic gondola, stroll the Treetop Skywalk, or zipline through the trees if you’re feeling brave. There’s shopping, dining, and even a mountaintop bar with panoramic views that make you want to stay until sunset.
And then there’s the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, home to the SkyBridge — the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Walking across it gives you sweeping Smoky Mountain views and, right in the middle, a few glass panels that let you look straight down 150 feet to the forest below. It’s breathtaking, a little nerve-wracking, and totally worth it.
(Pro tip: go at sunset — the mountain glow over downtown Gatlinburg is one of the best sights in Tennessee.)
Whether you spend your day hiking, floating, eating, shopping, or dangling over a mountain, Gatlinburg is one of those rare towns that gives you everything — small-town charm, big-time adventure, and plenty of stories to take home. No matter which of these things to do in Gatlinburg you pick, you’ll already be planning your next trip before you even leave.
It’s the perfect mix of mountain air, sugar highs, and southern hospitality. No matter how you spend your time here, you’ll already be planning your next trip before you even leave.
Spend a Week in Gatlinburg and Sevierville or Waterfall Hikes in the Smokies for longer trip ideas
No landmarks, no crowds, no souvenir shops. Otterberg is the everyday side of Germany 🇩🇪
It’s a small town just outside Kaiserslautern. Lunch at Putai inside the historic Das Blaue Haus means crispy chicken in coconut curry and spring rolls with homemade sweet chili sauce, then a slow walk past the old church and quiet streets. The Palatinate Forest and Humberg Tower views are close by. If you want a packed itinerary this isn’t your town, but if you like good food and nowhere to be, you’ll love it.
Save this for your Germany road trip!
Every 6 minutes a new round unlocks, and you can eat your way around the world for two hours. 🌍🍽️
Masons in Kaiserslautern: Korean BBQ, Jamaican jerk chicken, raclette potatoes, crispy baked ricotta from Monaco, and the Belgian cookie cheesecake you’ll still be talking about the next day. €39-45 per person. Bring a group and pace yourself, because they charge for leftovers.
Save this for your next trip to Germany
Sedona got me again 🌵
This was my second trip, and somehow I liked it even more. Every visit adds another trail, viewpoint, or restaurant to the list, and the list keeps getting longer. This time I stayed near Airport Mesa, with sunsets right outside my door and none of the crowds.
My Substack has everything I’d tell a first-time visitor: the lodge I’ve now stayed at twice, the experiences I’d do first, and the restaurants I’d plan my days around.
Subscribe for free so you don’t miss the next one. Link in bio ✨
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
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