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 runs that leave guests wanting more.

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.

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.

Lynn Camp Prong Cascades

Lynn Camp Prong Cascades in Gatlinburg Lynn Camp Prong Cascades is recognized for its accessibility and offers 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 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.

Ramsey Cascades

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

Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience

Speedwerkz offers an immersive experience for automotive enthusiasts, showcasing a stunning collection of supercars and hypercars.

Split Rail Eats

Log Cabin Pancake House

LeConte Tapas & Grill

Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant

New Orleans Sandwich Company

Crockett's Breakfast Camp

Trish's Mountain Diner

The Baht - Thai Restaurant & Bar

Myrtle Point

<p>Myrtle Point features views in the Smokies, accessible via an 11-mile round-trip hike. Hikers often mention the mountain scenery and consider the strenuous 6-10 hour trek worthwhile. Most take the Alum Cave Trail, frequently stopping at Mt. LeConte Lodge along the way.</p>

Charlies Bunion

<p>Charlie’s Bunion offers great views that hikers say make the challenging 8-mile round trip worth it. 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. The hike requires reasonable fitness and proper footwear, and visitors from novice hikers to experienced trekkers report the impressive summit experience.</p>

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 remarkable and well worth experiencing, with many calling it a unique view. The spot offers impressive mountain views 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.

Appalachian trail

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

Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point lives up to its name as a viewpoint along the trail to Alum Cave and Mt. LeConte. Visitors consistently rave about the mountain views 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 enjoy the colorful mountain scenery. Just one visitor found it underwhelming, but the overwhelming majority consider it a highlight of the trail.

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.

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.