Gatlinburg is a seamless hybrid of urban buzz and rural escapes. Situated on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city has all the conveniences of a major city. It prides itself on being the main entry point to one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It also boasts vibrant nightlife for party animals, an abundance of adventure activities for outdoor enthusiasts, a plethora of spectacular nearby beaches for beach lovers, and affordable options for budget travelers. With such a vast array of things to do and places to see, it is pretty easy to be ‘sleepless’ in Gatlinburg. Here are ten free activities to do in the city.
10 Find Incredible Mountain Views
Gatlinburg rewards visitors with expansive views and dramatic landscapes. Visitors can take a scenic drive at the overlooks on the Gatlinburg Bypass that face toward the towering face of Mt. LeConte. Visitors can head straight to Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to catch a glimpse of mountains for miles and miles. Visitors should not forget to carry a camera to capture the Instagrammable views of the sunrise or sunset in the Smokies.
9 Picnic At Mynatt Park
Visitors can’t go wrong with a classic picnic at Mynatt Park, nestled on the banks of LeConte Creek, a spitting distance from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is stunningly beautiful and a perfect spot for an afternoon while enjoying the contrast of the tranquil park with the incredible heights of the surrounding mountain. The park offers picnickers with exceptional amenities such as picnic tables, grills, basketball goals, tennis courts, and restrooms.
8 Drive The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Vacationers craving more adventure but don’t feel like walking can enjoy a breathtaking drive along the Roaring Motor Nature Trail without necessarily leaving their vehicles. The six-mile, one-way loop road rewards visitors with a chance to experience various historical home sites such as the Noah ‘Bud’ Ogle cabin, the Roaring Fork Cemetery, and the remains of the early settler’s villages that housed various families for more than 15 decades.
7 Go On Free Distillery & Winery Tours
Gatlinburg is a wine lovers’ haven that shouldn't miss on the bucket list. Whether one is a wine novice or a veteran of the vineyard world, Gatlinburg’s wineries and distilleries have something for everyone. These are the kind of tours where visitors can learn how wines and spirits are prepared. They also narrate the rich heritage of making moonshine and muscadine wine in the Smokies. Gatlinburg’s most famous wineries and distilleries include; Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, The Ole Smoky Whiskey Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Company, Doc Collier Moonshine, and Sugarland Cellars.
6 Stroll Through The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community has been operating for more than seven decades. This small section of Gatlinburg is undoubtedly worth a visit because of its incredible Arts & Crafts exhibited by skillful artisans and craftsmen. Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community has talented glass workers, sculptors, painters, broom makers, leatherworkers, and more. Visitors who appreciate art can get many handmade goods to carry back home after their remarkable Smoky Mountain vacation.
5 Discover Cades Cove
History buffs will need to spare several hours to tour and learn the history of the early settlers to the cove. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this western valley keeps a historical and cultural preserve of farmhouses, cabins, churches, and other structures. Cades Cove is also home to diverse wildlife, including deer, bears, turkeys, owls, and foxes.
4 Tour Arrowmont School Of Arts & Crafts
Established in 1912, Tour Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts used to be referred to as Pi Beta Phi Settlement school. Here, the early settlers of the Gatlinburg Community accessed formal education. Today, it is a renowned institution offering arts and crafts. The school has transformed pretty drastically in the last few years and has acquired global recognition for its continued devotion and education in the art community. Guests will marvel at the incredible galleries situated on the school’s 14-acre campus. The school also has a gift shop where visitors can find their favorite art.
3 Hiking At The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Visitors looking for an excuse to visit Gatlinburg should venture further to Smoky Mountains National Park. Although it is one of Gatlinburg’s most sought-after attractions, it doesn’t have an entrance fee. The several easy hikes close to Gatlinburg immerses hikers in this fun-filled activity while catching a glimpse of the charming intrinsic scenery and historic cabins. The Gatlinburg Trail starts in Downtown Gatlinburg and possesses a spectacular stretch of the Little Pigeon River. The park also boasts The Rolling Fork Motor Trail, which starts and ends in Gatlinburg.
2 Stroll River Road By The Little Pigeon River
The Little Pigeon River is the ultimate definition of tranquility. Visitors can take a nature walk along the riverwalk while enjoying the breathtaking swift river flows ahead. Visitors can also feed the ducks, watch fishers do their magic, or marvel at the stunning array of flowers.
1 Enjoy Live Music At Gatlinburg Tunes & Tales
Music is integral to most people’s lives, but in Gatlinburg, it is visually up-front and center. Gatlinburg Tunes & Tales is where visitors can visit to enjoy a variety of local musicians, storytellers, and artisans showcasing their talents. Additionally, performers will entertain guests with conventional costumes that pay tribute to early times, even the 1800s.