Best Outdoor Activities in Gatlinburg

Myrtle Point delivers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Smokies, but you'll earn them through a challenging 11-mile round-trip trek. Hikers consistently rave about the spectacular mountain vistas and consider the strenuous 6-10 hour journey absolutely worth the effort. Most access the point via the popular Alum Cave Trail, often combining it with a stop at Mt. LeConte Lodge.

Charlie's Bunion consistently earns rave reviews for its spectacular panoramic views that hikers agree make the challenging 8-mile round trip worthwhile. This section of the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap features a moderately difficult ascent of about 1,800 feet, with rocky terrain and uneven footing that will leave you feeling it the next day. While the hike demands reasonable fitness and proper footwear, visitors from novice hikers to experienced trekkers report the breathtaking summit e

Iconic mountain range footpath stretching 2,100+ miles across 14 states from Maine to Georgia.

Dog-friendly park featuring a wooded 3.8-mi. roundtrip path with river views & a footbridge.

Scenic roadway winding past old-growth forest, log cabins & a rushing mountain stream.

A 3-mile trail runs through forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Trailhead for a steep 4-mi. Smoky Mountain hiking route over streams & ridges with dramatic vistas.

Trailhead near Sugarlands Visitor Center with a shady path & a short walk to Cataract Falls.

The Tree Canopy Walk at Anakeesta consistently earns high marks from visitors who appreciate the thrill of walking among—and above—the treetops on progressively challenging suspension bridges. The experience offers stunning mountain views and is included with Anakeesta admission, making it a solid value. However, the narrow bridges can create bottlenecks when nervous visitors freeze mid-crossing, so patience may be required during busy times.

Moderate 2.7-mi uphill route through a forest with an access path to a picturesque waterfall.

Elkmont Nature Trail consistently delights visitors as an easy, accessible loop that's perfect for a quick nature fix. The trail follows Little River with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the water, and most hikers complete the roughly one-mile loop in under an hour. Reviewers emphasize the gentle, mostly flat terrain and peaceful forest setting, with many noting it's ideal for mixed-ability groups. The area also offers river access, picnic facilities, and well-maintained restrooms.

Flat, paved 0.5-mile loop through the forest, plus streams & historic stone chimneys en route.

Starting point for a well-traveled 3.7-mile forest route passing by remains of old abandoned houses.

Parking lot & origin point for a moderately strenuous, 7.5-mi forest path with old settlement ruins.

Grapeyard Ridge Trail delivers exactly what crowd-weary hikers crave: genuine solitude in the Smokies. Visitors consistently praise this route for its peaceful, secluded atmosphere and beautiful scenery, with many reporting they encountered no other hikers along the way. The trail connects Greenbrier to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail through shaded coves and alongside small streams, though getting there requires navigating narrow mountain roads that can be tricky to find.

Rocky hiking trail runs 3 miles round-trip from parking lot through forests to a 25-ft. waterfall.

Porters Creek Trail earns consistent praise as one of the Smokies' hidden gems, offering a less-crowded alternative with genuine rewards. The hike begins on an easy gravel road before transitioning to a rockier, root-filled path that climbs steadily toward Fern Branch Falls at the 2-mile mark. What sets this trail apart is the journey itself—visitors rave about the stunning old-growth forest, historic settlement ruins including a cemetery, and the beautiful creek that accompanies much of the rou

Treehouse Village delivers an adventure that brings out the kid in adults while making children feel like explorers. Visitors consistently rave about the stunning mountain views and the sheer fun factor of the experience. The attraction appeals to a wide range of visitors, from families seeking adventure to couples looking for a romantic outing. One visitor did note some maintenance concerns with zip ties used in place of proper hardware, which may worry those already nervous about heights.

Alum Cave Trail earns enthusiastic praise for its stunning views and well-maintained path that steadily rewards hikers as they climb. The hike features varying terrain—from riverside walking to dramatic sections through Arch Rock—with scenery that gets progressively better. However, the trail's popularity creates significant parking challenges, with lots often full by 7:15am even on weekdays, and some visitors feel the 'cave' itself (actually a rock bluff) doesn't live up to its billing.

Bullhead Quiet Walkway delivers exactly what its name promises: a short, peaceful stroll along the Little Pigeon River that's perfect when you want natural beauty without the commitment of a long hike. Most visitors rave about the quick access to scenic riverside spots ideal for simply sitting and soaking in the surroundings. The trail itself is intentionally wild and less manicured than typical park paths, which some find charming and others find confusing, though the general consensus is you s

Short, moderate loop winding through a hardwood forest with stream crossings & old-growth trees.

Fighting Creek Nature Trail earns consistent praise as an accessible, well-maintained path that's perfect for a quick nature fix. Most visitors appreciate the easy terrain and the bonus of Cataract Falls at the end, though there's some disagreement about difficulty—while many find it flat and leisurely, at least one hiker warns of unexpected elevation changes that proved challenging for an elderly parent. The trail connects to the convention center and Sugarlands Visitor Center, making it a conv

Graveyard Ridge Trail earns consistent praise for its natural beauty and unique historical attraction. The 7.6-mile trail connecting Greenbrier to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is particularly popular for the old coal fire train engine that sits in Engine Creek, just about a mile from the Greenbrier trailhead. Visitors appreciate the scenic drive and the chance to spot wildlife, including black bears with cubs.

Easy, well-traveled 4.5-mile round-trip trail through the woods, with a preserved 1880s cabin.

This hidden gem offers quick, rewarding access to the Oconaluftee River without the typical Smokies crowds. Visitors consistently praise the short but steep descent that leads to a beautiful riverside setting lined with massive boulders—perfect for picnicking, wading, or simply relaxing by the water. The trail's proximity to Newfound Gap Road makes it an easy stop, though the steep grade means you'll need to plan for a more challenging climb back up.

Riders control this mountain coaster with sleds that run along a track surrounded by forest.

Huskey Gap Trail delivers a quieter, more secluded Smokies experience that rewards those seeking solitude over dramatic vistas. Hikers consistently praise how quickly the trail escapes road noise, and many report encountering few or no other visitors—a rarity in the park. The trade-off is a relentlessly uphill first half and frequent maintenance issues, including fallen trees and overgrown sections that require some bushwhacking and careful navigation.

Indoor/outdoor aquatic park on a mountain theme, with heated pools, a lazy river & a casual grill.

Grotto Falls delivers a rewarding 1.6-mile hike to a charming waterfall that visitors consistently describe as beautiful and worth the effort. The trail itself is relatively easy and mostly flat, making it accessible for most hikers. However, parking is the Achilles' heel of this location—the lot has roughly 20 spaces and fills quickly, forcing many visitors to park a mile or more down the road or circle the one-way loop road for an hour without success, especially during peak season.

Big outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area & other fun.

This mountainside amusement park features skiing, mini-golf, wildlife encounters, a mall & more.