Gatlinburg, TN: A Top Southern Destination for Active Travel
From fly fishing and hiking to glamping and kayaking, there's no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in Gatlinburg. Here are some great ways to enjoy a warm-weather vacation in this East Tennessee paradise. Image: Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau
Updated May 2025 by Brianna Goebel
If you prefer a vacation with a more active spin rather than lounging by the pool, Gatlinburg, TN, should be at the top of your list. While it’s commonly known as a bustling destination with plenty of shopping and dining, Gatlinburg is also rich in outdoor adventures. Whether you’re traveling with friends or the whole family, everyone can enjoy Mother Nature here — be it by raft, foot, or car.
Anakeesta
Thrill-seekers, Anakeesta should be at the top of your Gatlinburg to-do list. As you take the 14-minute “chondola” ride 600 feet to the top of Anakeesta Mountain, you’ll be immersed in nature and magnificent panoramic views. Then, you’ll be ready to dig into the many activities that await, which could easily fill half a day — from dueling ziplines to the Treeventure Challenge Course, mountain coaster, and AnaVista Tower.
Plus, don’t miss Astra Lumina. The first event of its kind in the U.S., it invites guests to enjoy a breathtaking night walk that combines lighting, projections, and sounds.
And be sure to check out Anakeesta’s Stone Village expansion. In addition to a collection of European-inspired buildings, you’ll find BirdVenture, an aviary-inspired area that invites guests to imagine what life would be like as a bird in the Smokies.
Also part of Stone Village, adrenaline-seekers will love Hellbender — a twisting rollercoaster designed to resemble the local Smoky Mountain salamander species.
Where to Take a Break
When you need a break from all the action, find retail therapy at two different shops or grab a bite to eat. Cliff Top Restaurant in Black Bear Village has sweeping views of the Sugarlands, a section of the national park known for its Sugar Maple trees. A second restaurant in Black Bear Village, Kephart Café, offers gourmet hot dogs, flatbread pizza, and frozen yogurt. If you need to calm your nerves after all of the adventure, grab an adult beverage at the bar or the beer garden.
You can also grab a bite from The Smokehouse in Firefly Village, which serves house-smoked meats like pulled pork, chicken, and brisket. Enjoy your meal at one of the picnic tables and take in the stellar views.
You’ll also find a collection of outstanding restaurants outside of Anakeesta. Defined as “a Smoky Mountain culinary experience in the heart of Tennessee,” Heirloom Room is a newer restaurant in the area. Nestled along the Little Pigeon River, the eatery serves everything from oatmeal and an omelet for breakfast to lamb and a bone-in pork chop for dinner.
Meanwhile, Taco Trail Taqueria & Bar offers fun twists on tacos, including options inspired by a Smashburger, chicken and waffles, and Flaming Hot Cheetos.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
For those with zero fear of heights, head to Gatlinburg SkyPark via chairlift. This is where you’ll find the SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The five-foot-wide bridge spans 680 feet, and at its midpoint, it’s 140 feet above ground, which you can see via the glass panels.
For those who don’t wish to walk across the SkyBridge, take advantage of the Gatlinburg SkyTrail. This scenic walkway is just over one-third of a mile and connects the ends of the SkyBridge while still allowing guests to take in views of the Smokies below. With three distinct sections, the walkway is perfect for adults, children, and even pups.
The newest addition to Gatlinburg SkyPark is Smoky Mountain Smash, an eatery specializing in all things Smashburger. The menu also includes a few additional specialty burgers and chicken sandwiches.
On the Water
Whitewater rafting
Spend a fun-filled day on the Pigeon River, where you can load up a raft and take to the water for a guide-led adventure. Several whitewater outfitters are in the area, each of which will get you suited up and safety-checked. The upper Pigeon River offers Class III and IV rapids, suitable for ages eight and older, and the lower Pigeon River features Class I, II, and III rapids, which are calmer and approved for ages three and older.
When you’re ready to take to the water, check out Smoky Mountain Outdoors and Nantahala Outdoor Center, though there are plenty more options.
Fly fishing
Fly fishing is a fabulous way to spend a day on the river, and The Smoky Mountain Angler can get you prepped and lead your crew on a fun-filled day. Plus, they can point you to “kids only” fishing spots, increasing the odds of your youngest fishermen and fisherwomen catching something.
Located inside the Embassy Suites, Smoky Mountain Guides are another great resource. During your excursion, your guide will lead you through a four-, six-, or eight-hour tour. You can catch various trout, from rainbow to brown or brook species.
Fly fishing fans can also visit Herbert Holt Park to experience Tennessee’s only municipal trout farm. This park also offers “children only” fishing spots and is managed to maintain all types of trout, especially rainbow trout. (Note: There is no fishing on Thursdays.)
Into the Woods
Hiking
You can’t visit Gatlinburg without exploring the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most visited park in the U.S. National Park Service offers over 800 miles of trails, complete with wildflowers, streams, and abundant wildlife. To make the most of your exploration, enlist the help of experts at A Walk in the Woods or Smoky Mountain Guides.
SB Tip: Parking tags are required to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Auto Tours
For those with mobility challenges or who simply prefer exploring from the comfort of a car, you can still enjoy a nature-immersive experience in the Smokies. Take to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile loop that winds through the Smokies and offers a glimpse of historic buildings, mountain streams, and nature in a beautifully preserved state.
SB TIP: This narrow road is one-way only and quite winding, so those who struggle with carsickness may want to pop a Dramamine first. And be sure to check the website before you head that way to ensure the road is open.
If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, Smoky Mountain Guides also offers auto tours. While you ride in the comfort of a roomy Sprinter van, you can gaze at the stunning views of popular spots like Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome.
Cades Cove also offers a trail perfect for auto tours. A popular self-guided option, you can purchase a guide at the entrance of the one-way road. Then, sit back and relax as you enjoy 11 miles of beautiful winding roads.
Ober Mountain
Primarily known as a winter destination for skiing and tubing adventures, Ober Mountain is open year-round and offers plenty of outdoor activities for all ages, including the popular tubing hill (yes, you can tube any time of the year!). Take the 100-passenger Aerial Tram two miles to the summit of Ober Mountain, where you’ll find a host of activities available during the spring, summer, and fall months.
In addition to the Alpine Slide, rock climbing, and Ski Mountain Coaster, the attraction also offers mountain biking and whitewater rafting. No matter your skill level, there are mountain biking courses for all experience levels — including educational trails.
Unique Lodging Opportunities
After a day full of adventure, you’ll need a place to relax and unwind. Mountain Laurel Chalets and Cabins is a boutique rental company offering a series of high-end cabins for the whole family. Named part of The 100 Collection, which includes some of the best and most trusted vacation rentals, Mountain Laurel Chalet and Cabins offers getaways for groups of friends, large families, or couples.
Another fabulous boutique rental option is Treehouse Grove. As the only place that allows visitors to lodge on the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re invited to stay in one of the property’s 16 luxury treehouses — each designed by “Treehouse Master” Peter Nelson.
For a premier glamping experience, Camp LeConte Luxury Campground offers a variety of options, including a luxurious tree house, safari tent, retro camper, and RV and tent sites.
The Park Vista: A Doubletree by Hilton and Embassy Suites by Hilton are popular Gatlinburg hotels. In addition to sweeping views of the Smokies, take advantage of high-end amenities like luxury linens, swimming pools, and concierge services.
Recently renovated and now open, Rocky Waters Motor Inn is an intimate boutique hotel along the Little Pigeon River in Downtown Gatlinburg.
Annual Events to Plan For NOW!
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual event with a 70-plus-year history. Wildflower lovers enjoy professionally guided walks and exhibits that showcase the best of the region’s wildflowers and other natural resources. Through events and speakers, guests can learn about flora and fauna indigenous to the area, and then get out to see them in their natural habitat via guided hikes. While this year’s event has already passed, you can bookmark this page and check back often to see when next year’s pilgrimage registration opens. Sign up early — this is a wildly popular annual event!
Synchronized Lightning Bugs
An amazing phenomenon occurs when synchronized fireflies light up the forest every year. For up to two weeks each spring, male fireflies shine their lights in what appears to be synchronicity to attract female mates. To see this amazing display, guests must register for the parking pass lottery. If chosen, they can access this marvelous display during its limited run. You can also check in with Smoky Mountain Guides, as they offer Synchronized Lightning Bug tours via their website. Click HERE for more info.
And Just FYI …
When the sun goes down, there are still plenty of adventures to enjoy. Gatlin’s Family Fun Center features Gatlinburg’s only rooftop ropes course (among other things), which allows thrill-seekers to be harnessed and climb three stories up for a series of breathtaking challenges.
If the weather turns sour, go to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. From animal feedings to penguin parades and educational encounters, no one will even care about the rain — at least for a few hours.
For more interactive fun, visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, where many local shops offer create-your-own-class options!
When you’re ready to plan your adventure-filled vacation, head to gatlinburg.com.
This article is sponsored by the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Ashley Haugen
Ashley is a StyleBlueprint contributor who was born and raised in the South. She loves hiking, travel, photography, and spending time with family and friends.