Showing 20 top-rated tourist attractions • Updated October 2026
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CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline Tour
Guides who learn every guest's name, and often hand out nicknames, set the tone at this Gatlinburg zipline tour, where six platforms deliver long, fast runs over Smoky Mountain scenery. Patient, never-pushy staff make it a strong pick for families with kids and nervous first-timers, while adventure seekers get plenty of speed and views.
Gatlinburg
Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience
Visitors keep talking about standing right next to cars they never expected to see in person, from a Bugatti to rare McLarens and Ferraris, with the interiors in full view. Racing simulators and photo ops in the cars add hands-on fun. It suits car lovers, families with kids, and anyone wanting a rainy-day stop on the Parkway.
Gatlinburg
Ramsey Cascades
A 100-foot waterfall, the tallest in the Smokies, waits at the end of an 8-mile roundtrip trail that climbs steadily over rocks, roots, and steep steps after an easy first stretch on an old road. Hikers pass huge old-growth trees and rushing streams along the way. It suits fit, well-prepared hikers ready to spend 4 to 6 hours on the trail.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Sign
Visitors often find a short line of people waiting their turn to pose at this classic welcome sign on the Parkway, which is dressed up with decorations at Christmas. Set in front of a hotel and shopping center in the city center, it suits families and first-time visitors after a quick souvenir photo, and early mornings are the quietest time to go.
Gatlinburg
The Place of a Thousand Drips
Water spills down a rock wall in dozens of thin streams right beside the road on the final stretch of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and it flows hardest after rain and in spring. The small pull-off fits only about three cars, so photographers and families should come at dawn or take a quick picture from the car.
Gatlinburg
Huskey Branch Falls
A wide gravel path hugs the Little River the whole way to Huskey Branch Falls, a gentle 4-mile round trip that even toddlers can manage. It suits families and history buffs curious about old cabin remains, though the falls run strongest after recent rain and can thin to a trickle in dry spells.
Gatlinburg
Arch Rock
A stone stairway climbs directly through a natural arch here, the photo stop hikers rave about along Alum Cave Trail, reached after footbridges and streamside river views. It suits intermediate hikers, families with kids 6 and up, and photographers, but beyond the arch the climb turns steep. Arrive early; parking fills fast.
Gatlinburg
Mount Harrison
Visitors say the panoramic views from the top of Mount Harrison are more striking than any photo can show, and some have spotted bears on the way up. With recently upgraded facilities and scenic overlooks, it suits hikers, photographers and families planning an outdoor day trip from Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg
The Sinks
A deep, cold pool below a waterfall created by an old logging-era dynamite blast draws swimmers and cliff jumpers, and you can see the falls just steps from your car. The Sinks suits families on hot summer days, quick roadside stops, and hikers heading onto the trails that branch from the site. Parking is tight, the bank is steep, and the rocks are slippery.
Gatlinburg
Meigs Creek Cascade
Reaching Meigs Creek Cascade takes about 2 miles of trail: an uphill first mile, then several mostly shallow creek crossings without footbridges. Many hikers have the path to themselves. It suits sure-footed families, experienced hikers and photographers who care more about solitude than a big waterfall.
Gatlinburg
Astra Lumina
Glowing planets, laser beams and space-themed soundscapes line a sloped gravel trail at Astra Lumina, a nighttime walk on the Anakeesta mountaintop that costs extra on top of park entry. It suits couples looking for a dreamy date night and families with kids over 8 who can handle dark, uneven ground.
Gatlinburg
Mannis Branch Falls
Clear, cold creek water greets visitors who follow the informal paths down from the parking area, with the falls spilling from a rock formation on the far bank. Families and nature lovers come to wade and spot butterflies, while adventure seekers can try the swift, sometimes thigh-deep crossing for a closer look.
Gatlinburg
Rainbow Falls
Hikers remember the climb as much as the cascade: roughly 5 miles round trip on rocky, root-laced trail, with views back toward Gatlinburg and, on sunny days, rainbows in the falls' mist. It suits fit hikers, photographers, and prepared families with kids 8 and up. Start before sunrise to dodge the crowds.
Gatlinburg
The Tulip Tower
Panoramic views over the Smokies and downtown Gatlinburg reward the short, flat walk out to the Tulip Tower, where signs cover local history, wildlife, and the 2016 fire recovery. It suits families, first-timers, and nature lovers after a quieter stop, though the tower and its bridges sway enough to unsettle anyone uneasy with heights.
Gatlinburg
SkyTrail
The suspension bridge is the star at SkyTrail, swinging noticeably when the wind picks up and lit end to end once night falls. Panoramic Smoky Mountain views and an easy, non-strenuous walking trail make it a strong pick for photographers, casual hikers, and families looking to step away from the downtown Gatlinburg bustle.
Gatlinburg
SkyCenter
Glass-bottom panels halfway across North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge give SkyCenter its signature thrill, reached by a steep chairlift with wide views over Gatlinburg and the Smokies. It suits families, photographers, and sunset chasers, though some visitors find the ticket price steep.
Gatlinburg
Baskins Creek Falls
Hikers say the best view of Baskins Creek Falls comes from crossing the creek to the far side, where the falls feel remote compared with Gatlinburg's busier trails. The rooty, rocky path is steep and slippery near the falls, with a tough uphill climb back. It suits experienced hikers, nature lovers hoping to spot wildlife, and families with older kids.
Gatlinburg
Skybridge
A clear glass section midway across the bridge lets you look straight down into the valley, and it's the moment most visitors talk about afterward. A chairlift carries you up past views of Gatlinburg, with food and a gift shop waiting at the top. It suits families, first-timers, and photo hunters, by day or under the bridge lights at night.
Gatlinburg
Cataract Falls
Wooden footbridges, creek views and a mostly flat path of about a mile lead from Sugarlands Visitor Center to this small woodland waterfall. Reviewers say even 4-year-olds manage it easily, making it a fit for families, first-time Smokies visitors and anyone wanting a low-effort waterfall hike.
Gatlinburg
Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini-Golf
Animated frontier critters and a wide variety of holes keep things lively across two 18-hole courses, one of them built around a fort. It suits families with kids, groups of friends and repeat visitors who make a round here a Gatlinburg tradition. A cheap upgrade to play the second course adds to the value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tourist attractions in Gatlinburg?
CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline Tour currently tops our ranking of tourist attractions in Gatlinburg.
How many tourist attractions are there in Gatlinburg?
We currently track 20 Tourist attractions in Gatlinburg, all rated and reviewed by real visitors. Our list is updated regularly as new businesses open and reviews come in.
When is the best time to visit tourist attractions in Gatlinburg?
The best time depends on your trip style. Peak weekends bring the most demand, while weekdays and shoulder seasons are usually easier for parking, reservations, and better lodging value.
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