Things to Do in Gatlinburg

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Split Rail Eats

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Crockett's Breakfast Camp

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Log Cabin Pancake House

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Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant

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New Orleans Sandwich Company

LeConte Tapas & Grill

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The Baht - Thai Restaurant & Bar

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Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar

Myrtle Point

Hikers who push 0.2 miles past Mt. LeConte reach Myrtle Point, where sweeping Smoky Mountain views and shifting cloud formations open up all around. The roughly 11-mile round trip from the Alum Cave trailhead takes 6 to 10 hours. It suits fit day hikers and sunrise photographers who are willing to start early to get parking and some quiet.

Inspiration Point

Roughly two miles up the Alum Cave Trail, Inspiration Point opens onto rock outcroppings with views across tree-covered ridges toward Mt. LeConte. Hikers treat it as the natural halfway rest before the final push, and a 7:30 a.m. start usually means having the ledge to yourself. Best for couples, small families, and nature lovers who don't mind a steady uphill climb.

Roaring Fork Interpretive Marker 1 Overlook

Black bears and wild turkeys often wander near this first stop on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, where a short path climbs into fragrant woods above the road. The hour-long, creek-side drive near downtown Gatlinburg suits families, nature lovers and photographers, though parking fills fast, so arrive early on a weekday.

Chimney Tops Overlook

Visitors pull off US-441 here for a clear look at the rocky Chimney Tops pinnacles, and the nearby trail is known for its relentless stone stairs and steep climbs. It suits photographers, scenery lovers and fit hikers ready for a workout. Parking fills fast, so arrive early or on a weekday, and expect fog some mornings.

Ben Morton Overlook

Visitors come for the west-facing panorama at 4,826 feet, where the sun drops between ridgelines in bands of orange and purple. Interpretive signs along the turnout explain park history and the biodiversity below, and the pull-off is easy to enter straight off US-441. It suits sunset photographers, couples, and first-time Smokies visitors.

Charlies Bunion

Panoramic Smoky Mountain views from jagged rock outcroppings reward hikers at the end of this 8-mile round trip on the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap. The 1,800-foot climb is gradual but rocky and often muddy. It suits reasonably fit beginners, groups and nature lovers who have sturdy boots and a clear forecast.

Grapeyard Ridge Trailhead

Rhododendron tunnels, shaded coves and several stream crossings line this quiet route linking Greenbrier to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, with a historic steam engine wreck along the way. It suits moderate hikers who want solitude and a bit of history. Bring waterproof boots, and expect narrow roads on the way to the trailhead.

Old Sugarlands Trail Trailhead

Hikers here often go an hour without passing anyone, even with the Sugarlands Visitor Center just down the road. The wide former road grade stays level beside the West Prong Little Pigeon River for 1.5 miles, then climbs moderately toward Bullhead Branch; rhododendrons bloom by late June. Good for families drawn to the settlement history and casual hikers seeking quiet.