If you are looking for ways to make your weekend trip to Gatlinburg unforgettable, you’ve come to the right place. It is a place perfect for all travelers, solo, couples, or families.
With a wide range of fun activities, places to visit, tasty food, and so much more, it is the perfect weekend destination for most. We can start by breaking the weekend into two days and then further outline what can be done in those two days to explore this mountain resort town better.
Gatlinburg is one of the most famous places to unwind if you’re visiting Tennessee. Did you know this town attracts more than 11 million visitors a year? Aren’t those shocking numbers?
Gatlinburg also prides itself as an excellent spot for art, crafts, and shops that reflect that tradition. Known as the doorstep of the Smokys, this mountain resort city offers more than 140 trails, magnificent views, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.
But, before you start exploring this great town, you must book accommodation. We would suggest checking out Gatlinburg cabins to avoid any logistical issues you might face when you reach.
Why? Because these cabins offer all the necessary amenities, you must make your stay unforgettable and safe.
With that settled, some places you can visit to make the most of your weekend trip to Gatlinburg are as follows.
- CLIMB Works Zip Line Tour
The ClimbWorks Zipline Tour will be a guided tour fully immersed in nature and information. This tour lasts 2 hours and has been the number-one-rated zip line in Tennessee for nine years.
You can even opt for an ATV ride at the start of the tour, as six zip lines run side by side so you can enjoy the experience with your family and friends.
You will also experience four aerial bridges at a controlled speed along the 2-hour tour. Since it is closed on Sundays, you can visit this from Mondays to Saturdays.
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park
As John Muir says, “into the mountains I go to lose my mind and find my soul” visiting mountains always makes you see the beauty of nature, and spending time in nature is known to improve mood levels and remove stress.
You need this for a weekend getaway with gushing waterfalls, wildlife, and thousands of acres of breathtaking views.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks. You can hit the trails or visit the waterfalls, but bring your binoculars for a one-on-one with wildlife.
- Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg
There is a history of ghosts and ghouls at Gatlinburg; you can learn all about it in this 2-hour long journey into the dark past of supernatural beings. This is not a typical haunted house experience, but you will visit places where historical events, mixed with legends, have occurred.
The storytelling sessions are engaging; you will go home with fantastic tales and experiences with supernatural beings to tell other people.
- Moonshine Mountain Coaster Ride
A fun mountain coaster adventure will kick-start your weekend’s last day at Gatlinburg. The total duration for this ride would be 5 minutes, out of which you will experience 3 minutes going up the hill and 2 minutes going down.
You might even see a bear or two as you ride down the Smoky Mountains. Although certain heights, age, and weight restrictions ensure a safe ride, visit the website FAQ section.
- Ober Gatlinburg – Amusement Park and Ski Area
After a peaceful ride down the Smoky Mountains, this is the perfect place to visit and explore during your last day. Ober Gatlinburg has many indoor activities, including Ice skating, Ice Bumper Cars, a Carousel, and Outdoor activities.
These include chairlifts, wildlife encounters, rock climbing, rafting, ski mountain coaster, and one of America’s largest aerial tramways.
They offer exciting activities for all four seasons, dining, and shopping experiences from where you can collect souvenirs. They also have an annual OKTOBERFEST falling in September and October.
- Anakeesta Mountain
End your last day at Gatlinburg with this mesmerizing experience. The operating hours for this place are usually 9 in the morning till nine at night. Still, it is recommended to visit it at nighttime, so you don’t miss out on the relaxing sunset or the cozy firepit.
It is Astra Lumina, which is an enchanting night walk amongst the stars. They have various other events happening throughout the year, so visit their website beforehand to know what thrilling experiences you’re in for.
Conclusion
Gatlinburg is the perfect weekend getaway for everyone due to its large variety of activities. You can start your day by checking into your lodging, followed by a visit to the Climbworks Zip-line tour, after which you can visit the Great Smoky Mountain National park for trekking, waterfall sightseeing, or even a picnic with friends and family.
You can finish your first day off with a storytelling tour of Gatlinburg’s ghosts and haunts, so you have many exciting tales to tell people after you go home. Starting your second with a smooth 5-minute coaster ride into the Smoky Mountains seems like a good option, after which you can visit Ober Amusement Park for some fun outdoor and indoor activities to do
Shop and collect souvenirs, try different food stalls, and end your trip with a mesmerizing night walk at Anakeesta Mountain. They have so much to offer, with various events happening throughout the year.
Before returning to the old life, enjoy a relaxing sunset, sit next to the fire pit, and experience Astra Lumina, a walk amongst the stars.
Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
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