12 Things to Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places to Stay

They say the mountains are calling, and you won’t want to miss the great outdoor adventures that await you and your family in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

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This quaint city sits atop lush rolling hills nearby the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and wows visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

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Top Things to Do in Gatlinburg

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With three entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park right in Gatlinburg, there are plenty of trails to explore for novice hikers to advanced experts.

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2. Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle

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Self-Guided Tours

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3. Pet Stingrays at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

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12 Things to Do in Gatlinburg and the Best Places to Stay

They say the mountains are calling, and you won’t want to miss the great outdoor adventures that await you and your family in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

This quaint city sits atop lush rolling hills nearby the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and wows visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Top Things to Do in Gatlinburg

With three entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park right in Gatlinburg, there are plenty of trails to explore for novice hikers to advanced experts.

1. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2. Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle

For a view of nature like you’ve never seen before, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot observation tower where visitors can get a bird’s-eye-view of downtown Gatlinburg.

Self-Guided Tours

In addition, the observation deck provides an unbeatable 360-degree view. The Arcadia is an arcade room with over 200 video games in a 30,000 square-foot space up in the clouds!

3. Pet Stingrays at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Voted the Best Aquarium in North America by USA Today, you might be surprised to find so many aquatic creatures nowhere near the ocean!

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Find out the rest of the best things to do in Gatlinburg!

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