Planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains is exciting, but let's be real: trying to navigate the endless options for things to do in Gatlinburg can feel like a full-time job. How do you know which attractions are worth the time, the parking fee, and the line? We’ve got you covered.
As the authorities in mountain adventure and home to the highest and longest ziplines in the region, we’ve got a unique, sky-high perspective on what makes this area special. We’ve cut through the noise to bring you a locals-savvy, Top 10 Attractions in Gatlinburg guide designed for families and couples who want to save time and money. Our criteria is simple: views, value, family-fit, and the genuine "wow" factor.
A Quick Note from the Top: We know you’re looking for top attractions in Gatlinburg, and we deliver. But here's the deal: The biggest, baddest adventure—Legacy Mountain Ziplines—is technically 20 minutes outside of Gatlinburg in Sevierville. We’re so huge, we needed our own mountain! So, while we aren't on this list of top Gatlinburg proper attractions, consider us your unmissable, next-day adventure. Here are 6 more incredible things to do once you get into town.
This experience starts with a scenic chairlift ride up Crockett Mountain, delivering you to the SkyDeck. From there, you conquer the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which is one of North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridges that boasts an unobstructed panorama of the town and the mountains beyond. Then stroll the new SkyTrail for more angles and photo opportunities. This is one of the quintessential Gatlinburg attractions and an absolute must-do for the views alone.
| Quick Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time | Golden hour (sunset) for spectacular mountain color; early mornings for lighter crowds and a quieter experience. |
| Plan | 1.5–2 hours (longer if you grab a snack and linger at the top). |
| Tickets | Select online which ticket option is best for you. Always check weather/wind advisories before you go. |
| Nearby Bite | Grab a burger or pizza right on the SkyDeck, or head down to the Parkway for a full dinner. |
The Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the best indoor attractions in Gatlinburg TN and a fantastic all-weather, all-ages crowd-pleaser. The showstopper is the Shark Lagoon tunnel where you glide beneath massive stingrays, sea turtles, and, yes, some truly intimidating sharks. Kids absolutely love the mesmerizing Penguin Playhouse and touch tanks. It’s clean, well-signed, and completely stroller-friendly.
This vibrant entertainment destination is basically a one-stop shop in the Smokies. You can literally eat, shop, play, and even stay at The Island in Pigeon Forge. The first thing you'll notice is the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a towering Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas that gives you incredible panoramic views of the mountains and all the action below. Then there's the popular Island Show Fountain, with its dazzling light and music show that dances to the beat every half hour and is totally mesmerizing.
Beyond those showstoppers, you'll find a ton of exciting rides for all ages, from family-friendly coasters to thrilling drop towers and a challenging ropes course. Need some retail therapy? Browse over 80 unique shops, grab a sweet treat or a delicious meal at a wide variety of restaurants (hello, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen and Margaritaville!), and live music. Plus, with free admission and free parking, it's super easy to pop in for an hour or stay all day and night.
Ripley's Attractions in Gatlinburg have pretty much cornered the market on unique, family-friendly fun in the Smokies. Start your adventure at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums around. Come face-to-fin with sharks, wave hello to playful penguins (you can even crawl through tunnels right into their habitat!), and touch a ray or a jellyfish.
Then enter the bizarre world of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, packed with real shrunken heads, incredible art, and mind-bending illusions. For a dose of frightful fun, brave Ripley's Haunted Adventure, or try to find your way out of the dizzying Ripley's Mirror Maze. There’s also mini golf, a roller coaster, laser tag, and even Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater. Needless to say, you could spend a day or two here, zigzagging your way through the unique attractions.
Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area isn't just a winter wonderland (though it totally transforms into one!), it's also a year-round hub for adventure and relaxation high in the Smokies.
You can start with the iconic Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, a scenic ride that offers breathtaking views as you glide up the mountain. Once at the top, in the warmer months, you can zoom down the Tennessee Flyer Mountain Coaster, get your thrills on the Alpine Slide, or even try downhill mountain biking. Don't miss the Wildlife Habitat to see native animals, or challenge yourself on the Rock Climbing Wall. You can even go summer tubing!
When the snow flies, Ober Mountain becomes Tennessee's only ski area, offering skiing, snowboarding, and super fun snow tubing lanes. Plus, year-round, you can glide across the ice at their indoor ice skating rink or have fun on the Ice Bumper Cars.
Head on over to Ole Smoky Moonshine and Distilleries to toast your vacation. These aren't just places to grab a bottle; they're lively, authentic experiences that whisk you into the heart of Appalachian heritage, all with a friendly, upbeat vibe. In Gatlinburg, there's The Holler, the original home of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine®, where you can see the whole moonshine-making process up close. Just a short walk away, The Barrelhouse specializes in their amazing whiskies. And over in Pigeon Forge, you'll find The Barn at The Island, which is another fantastic spot to join the fun.
At any of these locations, you can enjoy live music and dive into a tasting experience (for a small fee, of course, and if you're 21+!), sampling a huge variety of moonshine flavors like classic Original Corn Whiskey, Apple Pie, Peach, Blackberry, and even wilder options like Moonshine Pickles or Banana Pudding Cream. They've got specialty moonshine cocktails too, plus a great selection of whiskies. You can even do a "Hooch Hop" by visiting multiple locations and earn a cool t-shirt!
This region truly has something for every kind of traveler, from the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the adrenaline rush of ziplining, the family-friendly magic of Dollywood, the wonderfully weird world of Ripley's, and the list goes on. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your ultimate Smoky Mountain getaway today!
