Things to Do in Gatlinburg

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline Tour

CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains delivers an exceptional zipline experience that consistently exceeds expectations, especially for first-timers. The guides are the true stars here—visitors rave about their perfect blend of professionalism, humor, and genuine care that transforms nervous beginners into enthusiastic zippers. The course features six platforms with spectacular mountain views, long and fast ziplines, and the occasional wildlife sighting (including bears spotted from the platforms).

Ramsey Cascades

100-ft. waterfall cascading into a small pool, reached by a strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike.

Lynn Camp Prong Cascades

Lynn Camp Prong Cascades earns high praise as an accessible hidden gem that delivers mountain beauty without the crowds of the park's famous waterfalls. Visitors consistently describe the walk along Middle Prong Trail as easy and scenic, following the river through stunning rock formations and wildflower-dotted cliffs. The cascades themselves appear at about three-quarters of a mile, though the trail continues beyond for those wanting a longer trek.

Gatlinburg Sign

This iconic welcome sign has become a must-snap photo opportunity that marks your arrival in Gatlinburg. Visitors love the nostalgic charm and the seasonal decorations—especially the Christmas setup. While it's not a destination unto itself, it's a quick, popular stop that gets busy throughout the day, with lines forming as everyone waits their turn for that perfect welcome-to-the-Smokies shot.

Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience

Speedwerkz delivers an unexpectedly thrilling experience for automotive enthusiasts, showcasing a jaw-dropping collection of supercars and hypercars that most visitors never expected to see in person. The friendly, welcoming staff and racing simulators add interactive fun beyond just viewing the vehicles. Guests consistently rave about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close with rare machines like Bugattis, McLarens, and Ferraris, with many planning return visits.

Indian Flats Falls

Indian Flats Falls is a rewarding 4.2-mile hike that follows a scenic creek with cascades nearly the entire way. Visitors consistently praise the beautiful waterfall and the relatively easy, gradual incline of the trail. The biggest challenge isn't the hike itself—it's finding the actual falls, as the unmarked side trail around the 4-mile mark is notoriously easy to miss, causing some hikers to turn back thinking they've arrived when they reach the bridge at the bottom.

Split Rail Eats

LeConte Tapas & Grill

Crockett's Breakfast Camp

Log Cabin Pancake House

New Orleans Sandwich Company

Trish's Mountain Diner

Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant

Little House of Pancakes

Myrtle Point

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.

Appalachian trail

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

Roaring Fork Interpretive Marker 1 Overlook

This scenic motor nature trail consistently delivers stunning mountain beauty with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors rave about the creek-side drive through dense woods, with bears spotted so frequently that seeing one is almost expected. The one-way loop takes about an hour and offers multiple pull-offs for waterfall viewing and short hikes, making it one of the area's most beloved scenic drives.

Ben Morton Overlook

Popular roadside overlook in Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring scenic sunset views.

Chimney Tops Overlook

Visitors consistently describe the Chimney Tops Overlook as breathtaking and well worth experiencing, with many calling it a once-in-a-lifetime view. The spot offers stunning mountain vistas and serves as an excellent vantage point for viewing the iconic Chimney Tops formation. While the scenery earns universal praise, travelers note that timing matters—traffic congestion can be an issue during peak periods, and winter weather occasionally closes Highway 441.

Charlies Bunion

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

Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point lives up to its name as a breathtaking viewpoint along the trail to Alum Cave and Mt. LeConte. Visitors consistently rave about the stunning mountain vistas and describe it as a pivotal moment that makes the uphill trek worthwhile. Most hikers appreciate this as an excellent halfway rest point where you can catch your breath and soak in the colorful mountain views. Just one visitor found it underwhelming, but the overwhelming majority consider it a must-see highlight of the tra

Grapeyard Ridge Trailhead

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.