Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a beautiful mountain town full of adventure and fun! With its incredible scenery, spectacular attractions, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Gatlinburg is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country.
Although you can find plenty of traditional things to do in Gatlinburg, like hiking trails and museums, some unique activities are sure to make your visit even more memorable. From mega zips to winery tours to geocaching adventures, this guide will show you all the unusual things to do that are worth checking out while vacationing in Gatlinburg.
1. Walk Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge
Spanning 680 feet across the forest canopy and standing 140 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. It’s a remarkable feat of engineering and an amazing way to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The bridge is illuminated at night with LED lights, and you can even look through telescopes along the way.
Additionally, you can add extra excitement to your journey by choosing the Skybridge Glider, a zip line that takes you from one side of the bridge to the other.
2. Stay in Luxury Cabins
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Gatlinburg is known for its cozy mountain cabins, but you can stay in a truly unique one with luxury Gatlinburg cabin rentals. These cabins have all the modern amenities you could ever want, and some have truly unique designs, like being surrounded by trees or even having a private indoor pool.
You can also add special experiences like private spa treatments and in-cabin dining for a truly luxurious experience. If you are staying with a family, you can also experience the private theatre room, and some of these cabins even have access to an outdoor hot tub.
3. Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a great way to explore and discover the hidden gems in Gatlinburg. You use your smartphone to locate hidden containers called “geocaches” placed by other geocachers around the area. You can also leave your geocaches for others to find. It’s a fantastic way to get out and explore the beauty of Gatlinburg while having a unique and fun adventure.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something more challenging, you can try the Gatlinburg GeoTour, where you compete with other geocachers to complete a series of challenges and unlock special rewards.
4. Visit Wineries and Breweries
Gatlinburg is home to some great wineries and breweries that offer unique experiences. You can tour the facilities, sample some amazing wines and beers, or even sign up for a special wine-tasting or beer-making class. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can enter a home brewing competition to see who creates the best beer.
If you’re looking for even more unique experiences, you can also visit a distillery to learn how moonshine is made or take part in an outdoor cooking class to make delicious meals over a campfire.
5. Go on a Haunted Walking Tour
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If you’re looking for spooky fun, try one of Gatlinburg’s many haunted walking tours. On these tours, you’ll explore some of the town’s most mysterious and allegedly haunted places. You’ll hear tales of paranormal activity and ghostly apparitions that will send a chill down your spine.
You can also participate in one of the popular ghost-hunting classes, where you’ll learn how to use special equipment to detect paranormal activity.
However, if you’re seeking something a bit more extreme, you can also try the “Haunted Crawl,” where you explore Gatlinburg’s creepiest locations with the help of paranormal investigators.
6. Explore National Park Caves
Spend a day exploring the caves at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are more than 880 caves in the park, many of which you can explore on your own. However, if you want to explore some of the more remote caves, you can book a tour with an experienced local guide.
You can also take part in a bat-viewing program at the park, where you can watch bats emerge from their caves at dusk. It’s a fantastic experience that you won’t soon forget.
A park is also a place to some of the ancientest rocks in the US, dating back more than 500 million years. So take some time to explore the geological wonders of the park, and you’ll be sure to have a truly unique experience.
7. Explore Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a mountaintop theme park located in Gatlinburg. It’s an amazing place to spend a day with family or friends, and there’s something to do for everyone. You can explore the park’s tree-based walkways, zip lines, and aerial adventure courses. You can also take the family on a scenic ride up to the top of the mountain in the Anakeesta Chondola.
Once you reach the top, explore Anakeesta’s great restaurants, shops, and fun attractions like the Tree Canopy Walk and the Dueling Ziplines. You can even ride down the mountain on their family-friendly alpine coaster.
8. Ride a Mountain Coaster
If you’re looking for thrills, then a mountain coaster ride is just what you need. You can find several of these thrilling rides in Gatlinburg, including Ober Gatlinburg’s Mountain Coaster. This coaster takes you on a mile-long journey through the scenic woods. You’ll experience twists, turns, and even some dips as you make your way down the mountain.
You can also try an alpine coaster, similar to a mountain coaster but with more drops and curves. The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster at Ski Mountain offers excitement for thrill-seekers of all ages.
9. Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Space Needle is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It stands 407 feet tall, with a glass-enclosed observation deck that offers 360° views of the surrounding area. You can also enjoy a meal at the Sky Deck Restaurant or take in some amazing views from their outdoor deck.
The Space Needle also houses the Space Needle Arcade, which offers plenty of entertainment for gamers of all ages. However, don’t forget to climb up the 407 steps to reach the observation deck – it’s quite a workout!
Conclusion
If you find yourself in Gatlinburg, check out some of these unusual – but worth it – activities! From ziplining through the trees to visiting a real moonshine distillery, there’s something for everyone in this unique town. However, you don’t have to stick with the typical tourist activities – instead, try something a bit more unique for an unforgettable experience.
Gatlinburg has a lot to offer, so don’t pass up the chance to explore its many charms! Happy exploring!
