Unique Things To Do In Gatlinburg

Published March 4, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Gatlinburg is ideally matched for large adventures both inside and outside, and tucked away in its mountains are numerous activities and experiences to enjoy.

Families, couples, and friends visit Gatlinburg to experience everything it has to offer.

It’s one of America's top outdoor spots, offering zip lines, whitewater rafting, exceptional fishing, and golf, along with hiking trails of 800 miles.

Also, cycling, observing birds, and riding horses are additional activities to enjoy while you're in Gatlinburg.

Read on to discover the unique things to do in Gatlinburg!

Visit Hollywood Star Cars Museum

If you’re looking for an exciting activity in Gatlinburg, it's tough to overlook the chance to see the authentic 1966 Batmobile up close.

At the Hollywood StarCars Museum, step into Tinseltown backlot, featuring 40 genuine vehicles from movies such as “Fast & Furious”.

Then, in addition to the movie vehicles, this museum also features the previous cars of stars such as Elvis Presley and Paul McCartney.

Explore Ober Gatlinburg Park and Ski Area

This place is perfect for families and a must-see regardless of the season.

In the chilly winter months (usually from early December - mid-March), it'll become an enchanting destination for snowboarding and skiing, featuring indoor wildlife experiences and ice skating.

During summer and autumn, pick from several stunning hiking paths, along with water attractions and the Alpine Slide.

Even, you can access this mountaintop area by riding the Parkway's aerial tramway inside downtown Gatlinburg, giving you the chance to enjoy the stunning views during the journey of 2.1 miles.

Try Out Mini Golf

Hillbilly Golf's golf course is on a mountainside, necessitating a tram lift up the incline to reach the summit.

Scattered throughout the two courses are numerous stereotypical redneck and hillbilly decorations; moonshine stills, outhouses, and farming tools, to mention a few.

Try Snow Tubing

Soar and descend a 150-meter slope, where the peak elevation reaches an incline of 21 meters.

Afterward, enjoy hot chocolate to warm up at Sugar Bears Creamery and Café.

As summer arrives, Gatlinburg's snow tubing area transforms into an outside tubing hill, ensuring the enjoyment continues all year round.

At the Rowdy Bear Mountain, you can also enjoy mountain-inspired outdoor activities, such as axe throwing and the exciting Ski Lift Shoot-out Coaster — a coaster with suspended two-seat swing chairs.

Experience the excitement as you "plunge and glide" above Rowdy BearRidge.

Then, for younger kids, check out Rowdy Ridge Playground, which offers engaging activities including climbing nets and slides for children (two years is the least age and children must be supervised every time).

Visit the Escape Rooms

If you seek an exciting adventure, escape games are the ideal option.

An escape room is an engaging adventure challenge in which teams collaborate to accomplish a task and exit a room prior to the time expiring.

To advance in the game, you must uncover hints and decipher puzzles that’ll guide you to success.

With five distinct games available, such as The Depths, Prison Break (their toughest game), and an aquatic-themed room, there is something for everybody at Gatlinburg's Escape Rooms.

Challenge your own puzzle-solving skills and demonstrate the cleverest family member with a detective quest of 60 minutes in any of Gatlinburg’s engaging, consistently fun escape rooms.

Have Fun at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Featuring stunning and unparalleled vistas of the Smoky Mountains, this park is a must-visit location for every guest.

Its impressive SkyBridge holds the record for the longest North American suspension pedestrian bridge, featuring glass floor panels that will enhance your sense of adventure.

Also, its Sky Lift ascends 500 ft to Crockett Mountain’s summit, providing even more stunning views.

Without question, it’s part of the best activities to experience in Gatlinburg.

Explore Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

This is a Ripley-branded attraction located in the city that is prepared to frighten anyone daring enough to step through its entrance.

The live performers, eerie makeup, and terrifying special effects come together to create one of Tennessee's most frightening attractions.

If you are capable of handling it, obtain a fun pass that offers a tour inside this well-known haunted house year-round.

Taste Wines

With several local wineries, Gatlinburg offers a variety of wine-related activities to explore, including tastings, tours, and trails.

Feel free to enjoy a glass of the state's best blends at the Tennessee Homemade Wine.

Although this winery offers original blends, it is recognized for its smooth and delightful fruit wines, like the Proper Peach, Blueberry Bammer, and Fine Blackberry.

It also boasts its century-old recipe for Apple Orchard and Old Apple, created from locally sourced apples.

The watering hole remains available every day of the week, providing complimentary tastings all day.

Also, as you stroll from one location to another in Gatlinburg, you have the opportunity to taste free wines at every stop along your selected path.

Then, if you would rather have a local guide you, the wine tours of Gatlinburg take visitors to a classic moonshine distillery and two wineries.

Even if you are not a supporter of wines, it’s a fascinating pursuit.

Drive a Bumper Car

The Ice Bumper of Ober Gatlinburg is one of Gatlinburg's most fun activities for teenagers and kids.

Holding the joystick, riders are able to twirl around its rink and safely bump into friends before wrapping up and heading directly to Mountain Coaster or the Alpine Slide.

Watch Penguins

Just a short walk from Mysterious Mansion, Ripley’s Aquarium blends with the incredible interactive Ripley’s museum attractions.

It encompasses every one of the marine marvels of a standard aquarium, featuring more than 10000 exotic sea species distributed among 10 distinctly themed exhibits.

Here, you can engage with penguins and create art collaboratively.

Be sure to take a picture with your penguin friend and take home your artwork as a keepsake of the new bond.

Also, for something uniquely delightful, choose a ride on a boat with a glass bottom.

Explore Ripley’s Moving Theater

The Ripley’s theater is indeed in motion.

Elevate your traditional cinematic experience by securing yourself in one of its motion seats before allowing cutting-edge digital effects to enchant you.

After viewing either Winter Wipeout or Roadhoggers here, you will never perceive films in the same manner again.

Visit the Mysterious Mansion

Recognized as Gatlinburg’s eeriest and oldest haunted house, the three-story River Road Victorian estate has been receiving courageous guests for more than 35 years.

Featuring hidden passageways, twisting stairways, and eerily dim hallways, this is a perfect location if you intend to let out any pent-up screams.

Remember to stay alert as eerie surprises lurk at every turn in the mansion.

Climb the Space Needle

At Gatlinburg's Space Needle, you can experience the city's elegance and stunning landscapes from an elevated perspective, all while enclosed by a safeguarding mountain range.

Offering panoramic views of downtown Gatlinburg and the stunning Smoky Mountains below, this 407-foot Space Needle serves as the top observation deck in the city.

Ensure you don't choose between the bright day or shimmering night sights; go to the summit right before the sun sets for the ultimate experience of both.

Also, while riding their glass elevator, pause to appreciate the lush greenery and vibrant colorful villages beneath.

Tour the Forests

You can discover Gatlinburg and the adjacent Smoky Mountains in an exciting, distinctive manner by driving a specialty vehicle through the forests.

These vehicles can navigate the rugged off-road landscape effortlessly, enabling you to explore regions unvisited by most tourists and locals.

Companies such as Mountain Life and KanamFun offer six-, four-, and two-seater UTVs that feature the stylish Polaris Slingshot.

You can explore the forests independently or choose a guided UTV tour off the road.

Rupture the trails, kick up dirt, traverse streams, and attempt one or two wheelspins in the wilderness.

Likewise, hire a UTV also from the Rocky Top Adventures for 2 hours or longer, and speed through their suggested trails such as Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove.

Note that certain Gatlinburg roads prohibit UTVs, but there’s no need to worry as Rocky Top rental company offers Jeeps, Slingshots, Vanderhalls, and Rykers that you can hire to navigate these areas instead.

Then also, OffRoad Gatlinburg focuses on off-road adventures, offering tours in various locations.

ATV tours also come with these advantages and their quads can accommodate two riders.

Taste Home-Brews

A visit to Gatlinburg wouldn't be complete without sampling its notorious moonshine also referred to as homemade brew or hooch.

Although many brews exist, the finest selections are undoubtedly available at Ole Smoky, the most frequented distillery, along with the acclaimed rustic Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Also, if you're interested in exploring the background and discovering the brews’ historical importance and distillation process, join the walking tour.

Numerous visitors claim it’s a memorable experience though this can vary based on your alcohol intake.

Practice Ice Skating

Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced skater, the large skating rink located in Ober Gatlinburg’s indoor mall heart is a perfect way for anybody to enjoy one hour.

Also, skate lessons and rentals are offered here so just show up with a positive mindset and yourself.

In case your visit coincides with the holidays, consult your calendar for their yearly Christmas Ice events.

Have Fun at the Axe House

Bring your whole team to this Axe House in downtown Gatlinburg’s center for axe throwing and aiming at targets.

Managed by a passionate individual and skilled competitor who has participated in renowned international tournaments, this entertaining venue ensures quick success in landing the axe right on the target.

Here, you will receive assistance from skilled coaches affiliated with the World Axe Throwing League, an organization that brings together all organizations committed to this fierce sport.

Whether you seek enjoyment or aim to enhance your competitiveness, you have arrived at the perfect spot.

Gatlinburg's Axe House is secure and welcoming, and your pet is also invited to accompany you.

Check Out a Mirror Maze

You will be overwhelmed by options at Amazing Mirror Maze, a top-rated attraction for families in Gatlinburg.

Here, although you can purchase tickets individually, opt for a combo ticket to get the most value for your money.

Also, for additional intriguing escapades, Ripley’s Mirror Maze offers a delight.

Venturing into what appears to be limitless corridors and chambers producing numerous reflections, maze navigators attempt to find their path through a myriad of mirrors and blinking LED lights

Gaze upward to spot a ceiling adorned with twinkling stars and trace the red, winding illuminated paths to find your way out from the maze.

Hike Stunning Trails

Although there are plenty of activities available within the city limits of Gatlinburg, the real attraction of the city lies in its closeness to some country’s most stunning natural hiking paths.

Adjacent to the stunning Great Smoky National Park, the finest trails wind through the hilly terrain.

Conquer 1500 elevation feet on Rainbow Falls’ Trail and at the end, enjoy a breathtaking waterfall as your reward.

Also, climb the fairly simple 3-quarter-mile path to Mingo Waterfalls or trek the Alum Cave's Trail to Mountain LeConte, which can take as long as six hours — featuring stunning views and landscapes throughout the journey.

Additionally, measuring four miles for a round-trip, this Gatlinburg Trail remains among the easier paths to hike, beginning at the park's edge and featuring no elevation gain.

It’s an excellent option for those looking for a tranquil walk in the wilderness.

Having a pair of binoculars increases your chances of spotting a deer, bear, or other wildlife.

You can likewise set up a tent for camping overnight or have a picnic, so bring along all the equipment you require for your selected adventure.

Then, an alternative choice is to leave behind your shoes and rather, take a picturesque drive through the Park.

Visit Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community

Featuring more than 100 craftsmen and artists along its pathways, this Arts and Crafts Community holds the title of the largest artisan independent organization in the nation.

Travel along the eight-mile road to find weavers, watercolor creators, soap artisans, potters, and numerous other distinctive vendors offering an ideal assortment of Appalachian, handcrafted keepsakes.

Try Out Ripley Mountain Coaster

Enjoy the excitement of Gatlinburg while soaking in the scenery on this Mountain Coaster.

Buckle inside a gravity-driven cart that is crafted to shine and glide on a solo track, and journey via the mountains surrounded by plentiful nature around you.

The unique coaster carts allow passengers to manage the wheel, giving you the ability to decide how quickly or slowly you want to travel while going down through the mountain.

Even, you can select from double and single coasters.

Note that here, children must have an adult with them, although kids who are 10 years old and above can ride alone if they exceed 1.3 m in height.

Ride in 7D Dark

Merging roller coasters with extraordinary effects, this attraction must be taken part in to be fully appreciated.

It's easy to feel the excitement in the family-oriented attraction, which provides a variety of practical simulated experiences and rides.

Also, the team is impressively warm and kind, which is always a plus.

Have Fun at an Adventure Park

Anakeesta, one of Gatlinburg's most sought-after adventure parks, offers a diverse range of exciting activities.

Soar along its zipline, enjoy a soothing gondola journey, snap selfies with a bear, or navigate challenges in their treetop adventure zone.

Also, experience the Great Smoky Mountains’ panoramic view from the summit of the AnaVista Tower which is 60 feet, the highest point in downtown.

This mountaintop paradise offers a delightful and invigorating setting for dining, shopping, and unwinding — featuring the vibrant botanical gardens and forest that shelter over 3000 plant species.

Regardless of how intense your desire for adventure is, it's an excellent experience for the entire family and part of Gatlinburg's most enjoyable activities.

Visit the Soaky Mountain Water-park

This captivating 50-acre waterpark located inside of Sevierville is approximately a 40-minute drive from the downtown of Gatlinburg.

While here, get ready to tackle “Edge Watercoaster”, a combo slide offering a nearly 200-meter-long experience.

Also, prepare to plunge from a 70 ft height that sends you swirling through vibrant slides.

Then, for an extraordinary adventure, board the group raft and navigate their Rainbow Revenge using clear tubes that produce various colors as you're descending.

Don't forget to reserve season passes in order for the whole family to enjoy even more thrilling slides.

Watch the Iris Theater Magic Show

Prepare to be astounded by Gatlinburg's top show, the incredible performance of Erik Dobell, a world-famous magician.

This adored magic show blends comedic chaos with visual tricks.

Taking place in a cozy, small theater, it features plenty of audience engagement.

Also, annually, the Tennessee-based professional and mentalist performer conducts over two hundred shows at this Iris Theater located inside downtown Gatlinburg.

Ensure you gather everyone (including the kids) for this amazing show, and make sure to book your seats early as they fill up quickly.

Enjoy a Coaster Ride on the Mountains

Have you experienced a coaster ride before?

Among the best ways to explore Gatlinburg activities, Moonshine Mountain Coaster stands out as a top unique attraction.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you’re secured in a coaster cart that is hand-controlled and accommodates two riders.

You will start your drop from the mountain's summit, racing through the local landscape at speeds of up to almost 50 km per hour.

If fortune is on your side and you're not yelling or snapping pictures, you could potentially catch a glimpse of a grizzly.

Start at the mountain foot and first ascend to the hill summit at a height of 76 m, then race down the 1-kilometer path.

The journey down this mountain takes a total of five minutes. It's incredibly enjoyable for everyone and the place is suitable for families.

Kids aged three and older, who are taller than 96 centimeters, can ride the mountain coaster with an adult.

Conclusion

From a plethora of thrilling outdoor escapades to the quirkiest and most delightful experiences, the activities available in the city of Gatlinburg are limitless.

In fact, you’ll require a minimum of 2 days to completely savor and explore everything this southern destination provides.