By Vickie Ferguson
Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a popular vacation destination in the south. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city provides numerous seasonal attractions for singles, seniors and family visitors. From whitewater rafting and trout fishing to snowboarding and ice-skating, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this scenic city surrounded by majestic mountains and 900 miles of streams and rivers.
Attractions
Observe the panorama of sites and the city below on the Scenic Chairlift or Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram taking visitors directly to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski resort and Amusement Park. The amusement park is open year-round with an ice-skating arena, arcade, rides and wildlife encounter center. Additional attractions in Gatlinburg include the Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley's Aquarium.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-436-5423)
Hollywood Wax Museum
903 Parkway, Suite 103
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-430-1800)
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-430-8808)
Water Activities
Experience the rush of whitewater rafting or a leisurely float down the Pigeon River using the guides from Nantahala Outdoor Center or Rafting in the Smokies. At Wildwater LTD, rafting takes place on class III and IV rapids and at Smoky Mountain Outdoors. Two-hour rafting tours are available. Water activities are seasonal with weather permitting.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
951 East Parkway Suite 21
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Rafting in the Smokies
2470 East Parkway (Hwy 321 N)
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (800-776-7238)
Smoky Mountain Outdoors
453 Brookside Village Way
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (800-771-7238)
Wildwater LTD
145 Parkway #1
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (888-272-3842)
Park Activities
Hiking, backpacking, camping and fishing along with bird watching, viewing wildlife in their natural habitats and observing more than 1600 species of plants and flowers are activities at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most areas of the park are open year-round.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-436-1200)
Outdoor Activities
Inhale fresh mountain air and observe local wildlife while enjoying a leisurely horseback ride down the trails and through the streams. Both the Smoky Mountain Stables and Sugarlands Riding Stables are open March through November and offer safe, guided rides to beginners as well as experienced riders.
Smoky Mountain Stables
1720 East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-436-5634)
Sugarlands Riding Stables
Hwy 441
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-436-3535)
Fishing
Fishing in the well-stocked streams is a popular vacation activity in Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountain Angler center provides equipment rentals, handcrafted flies, fishing license and guided service for local fishing destinations.
Smoky Mountain Angler
466 Brookside Village Way
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-436-8746)
Winter Activities
Tackle the slopes of Mount Harrison, located inside the Great Smoky Mountains, where eight skiing and snowboarding trails are available along with the Snow Tubing Park at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Winter activities are seasonal from mid-December through mid-April, weather permitting.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort
1339 Ski Mountain Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-436-5423)
Fairs
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair, held during the summer and fall, is a premier event for artists and features over 200 booths exhibiting handcrafted work by talented artisans from around the country.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
P.O. Box 70
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: (865-436-7479)
About the Author:
Ferguson began freelancing in 1998 and hasn't put the pen down since. Her editorial stints have included working as a reviewer, managing editor and senior managing editor. She writes for several websites and covers a range of topics, including travel guides, gardening, home decor, crafts, pets and wildlife. Ferguson specializes in flower craft articles and has worked in the flower craft business for some time.
Photo Credits:
Jean Ilderton
