By Emily Beach
Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Located in southeastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is considered the gateway to the Smoky Mountains. This year-round vacation destination boasts family-friendly fun and plenty of Southern hospitality. In the winter, visitors arrive for great skiing and holiday events. In summer, guests can enjoy a visit to the Dollywood theme park or explore the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From the beauty of nature to the charm of a southern small town, Gatlinburg has activities to please people of all ages.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to more than 800 miles of maintained trails and hiking routes. Visitors can choose from hikes ranging from less then a mile to strenuous overnight paths. Along the way, they can expect many wildlife viewing opportunities, from deer to elk. Over 1,500 bears live in the park as well, making them a popular draw for animal enthusiasts. Park rangers offer free daily guided tours, and plant lovers will appreciate the thousands of wildflowers and flora. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to comfortable cabins, though all campers are required to make reservations and pay a small fee. Visitors will enjoy this taste of Appalachian culture and natural beauty.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-1200
Dollywood
Dollywood is a down-home amusement park covering 125 acres in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is home to a selection of roller coasters, dozens of family rides and several shows featuring country, bluegrass and rock music. Guests can choose between the original Dollywood park or the Splashdown Water Park next door, which features a selection of slides, pools and water rides. Don't miss the famous Dixie Land Stampede, a nightly show that features cattle roping, singing and dancing. Another popular attraction here is the live crafts shows hosted by native craftsmen. Guests can watch blacksmithing, glass blowing, leather making or cooking in the park's sweet shop. Like Gatlinburg itself, Dollywood caters to family-friendly fun with a Southern twist.
Dollywood
1020 Dollywood Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Tel: (865) 428-9488
Ober Gatlinburg
The Ober Gatlinburg resort is an entertainment mecca which welcomes visitors year-round. In the winter, guests come for great skiing, ice skating, carriage rides and sledding. In summer, they come to experience cable car rides through the mountains, hiking the nature trails and riding the park's alpine slide, which is one of only a few remaining in the country. Year-round, visitors can also enjoy the indoor amusement park and shopping center. There are dozens of rides, ranging from thrilling coasters to gentle rides for kids. There is also an indoor skating rink to keep visitors cool even in the summer. Kids will love the mini golf course and large indoor arcade.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg TN, 37738
(865) 436-5423
Resources
About the Author:
Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.
Photo Credits:
Wiki Commons
