11 Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg Tennessee is known as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains. This picturesque mountain town is a gem of a vacation destination, offering visitors the best in outdoor activities and fun family attractions. Surrounded on three sides by the natural beauty of the National Park, Gatlinburg prides itself in its mountain heritage, and the arts, crafts, and retail shops of the area reflect that heritage to a large extent. There are a variety of FREE things to do in Gatlinburg too, so a trip to the Smoky Mountains can be fun and budget-friendly.

1) Clingman’s Dome: At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The outdoor attraction is a short drive from Gatlinburg through the national park, and although there is a steep ½ mile hike to the top lookout, views can also be enjoyed from the base of the parking lot area. However, to fully experience the area, the hike is recommended.

2) Gatlinburg Festivals: The City of Gatlinburg presents a variety of festivals throughout the year, including Gatlinburg Winter Magic, Gatlinburg Springfest, Gatlinburg Fine Arts Fest and Gatlinburg Family Fest, among many other exciting festivals that are completely free.

3) Great Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts Community: This historic 8-mile loop is home to the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Established in 1937, this area has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Visitors will find artisans creating unique and treasured pieces, including pottery, glass, leather, paintings, candles and many other varied crafts. A visit to this Gatlinburg community is absolutely free, and only costs something if you decide to buy.

4) Shopping in the Smokies: Downtown Gatlinburg is home to over 400 shops and 5 malls. The area is reminiscent of old-style villages and the shops are stocked with unique treasures you can only find in the Smoky Mountains. Strolling through downtown Gatlinburg is fun and free. Of course, it might be hard to pass up some of the great deals and unique finds.

5) Cades Cove: Cades Cove is a scenic 11-mile one-way loop located in a lush valley that is surrounded by mountains. It features abundant wildlife, historic buildings that date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and hiking, biking and horseback riding facilities are available.

6) Newfound Gap Road: Newfound Gap Road is the only mountain route that completely traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 33-mile drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina takes visitors through the heart of the mountains and is one of the area’s top rated “auto-touring” routes.

7) Gatlinburg Space Needle: This attraction towers over downtown Gatlinburg at 407 feet and provides spectacular views of the mountain area. There is a small admission fee of $7.25 for adults and $3 for children.

8) Roaring Fork Motor Trail: This trail is located just outside of Gatlinburg and is another great “auto-touring opportunity. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well- preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. It is a favorite of Smoky Mountain visitors.

9) Hiking: There are more than 800 miles of hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, many of which lead to fantastic scenic views, historic homesteads, natural creations and splendid waterfalls that are simply breathtaking. With over 50 marked trails, visitors find something new to explore each time they visit. A few to choose from include Abrams Fall Trail, Chimney Tops Trail and Cove Mountain Trail.

10) Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill: This historic area is located about 30 miles outside of Gatlinburg and features a unique collection of farm buildings assembled from locations throughout the park. Visitors can explore a log farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse, and a working blacksmith shop to get a sense of how families may have lived 100 years ago.

11) 2nd Day Free at Dollywood: If you're in the area and visit Dollywood, located in neighboring Pigeon Forge, take advantage of the 2nd Day Free program. Guests that arrive after 3pm on the first day, get their next day FREE!

Dollywood Packages Save You Time and Money with Your Vacation

Dollywood is offering a great way to purchase your Dollywood tickets and Dollywood’s Splash Country tickets while saving on a variety of area hotels and lodging, including the family-favorite, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. These Dollywood Packages are available in a variety of combinations to fit any traveler's vacation and budget:

• Dollywood Smoky Mountain Splash & Play Combo Package
• Dollywood Vacation Package
• Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Package
• Dollywood & Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Vacation Package
• Dollywood’s Splash Country & Dixie Stampede Vacation Package
• Dollywood Park Combo & Dixie Stampede Vacation Package
  

These packages are not offered anywhere else but through Dollywood’s website, so make sure you book now and save.

Gatlinburg Offers Smoky Mountain Fun for Visitors

When the widow Martha Jane Huskey Ogle and her extended family arrived at the foot of east Tennessee's Smoky Mountains in the early days of the 19th century, things looked a little different. The majestic, verdant mountains, cut by numerous clearwater, boulder-strewn streams, and the host of wildlife living there were still the same, but the town of Gatlinburg was nonexistent.

Life was harsh but they persevered, eking out a living by farming and hunting. Daylight hours were spent clearing land for farming and felling trees for their Cherokee Indian-inspired log cabins. Evenings were spent resting on front porches serenaded by tree frogs and whippoorwills.


These days, Gatlinburg has become a hustling, bustling town full of souvenir shops, Appalachian arts and crafts, hotels, restaurants, museums and a plethora of flashy amusements. Attractions suitable for any age group can be found in any direction you look. So many couples get married here — second only to Las Vegas — that it's often called the Wedding Capital of the South. It's worth the trip here just to watch the never-ending stream of wide-eyed tourists wandering the city's sidewalks. If you tire of the countrified glitz and glamour of downtown, Mother Nature's wonders are mere minutes away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America's most popular national park.

Here is a sampling of attractions:

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: This 1.4 million-gallon aquarium of huge sharks, rays, moray eels, angelfish, snappers, jacks, giant sea turtles and thousands of other exotic sea creatures is a must-see for all ages. It boasts the world's longest underwater tunnel that allows you to experience the sensation of being underwater with these amazing creatures while staying dry (and without worrying about being eaten by one of the 12-foot sharks).

Aerial Tram: This 20-passenger tramway transports visitors from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg, an amusement park and ski resort 1,300 feet up the mountain. After a scenic 10-minute ride, visitors easily can spend a day enjoying Ober's indoor ice skating rink, game arcade, mini-golf, alpine water slide, and much more. If you haven't seen one of the area's ubiquitous bears yet, there are several here in the Black Bear Habitat Zoo. During winter months, there are eight ski slopes to choose from at the ski resort.

Arts and crafts community: Established in 1937 by a handful of local artisans, this 8-mile loop, 3 miles from downtown, is now home to the largest group of independent artists and craftsmen in the country. Its dozens of shops, studios, and galleries offer everything from oil paintings and wood carvings to pottery and dulcimers.

Hollywood Star Cars Museum: More than 30 cars featured in movies and TV shows are on display in re-created settings featuring sound and light systems. Found here are the General Lee, from "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Beverly Hillbillies" jalopy and "The Munsters" Drag-u-la.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This immense, 800-square-mile park straddling the Tennessee/North Carolina border has more than 1,200 campsites, 800 miles of hiking trails, 700 miles of trout-filled streams and 11 picnic grounds. There are at least 1,600 black bears roaming the park and thousands of white-tailed deer, along with reintroduced beavers, elk, peregrine falcons and river otters.

If you're not into hiking, biking or horseback riding, you still can enjoy some of the park's most scenic views, historic buildings, and wildlife, by car. Newfound Gap Road is 26 miles of spectacular views. Stretching from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, N.C., it rises to more than 5,000 feet at Newfound Gap, and a 7-mile side road continues upward to 6,643-foot Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smokies. Along the way are numerous places to park and look out over the Smokies, with many trailheads as well. The trails vary greatly in degree of difficulty, from very easy strolls through the woods to very difficult trails suitable only for the most fit hikers.

Perhaps the most beautiful drive of all is Roaring Fork Auto Trail, a 6-mile auto loop. The narrow, hilly road runs closely beside Roaring Fork Creek as it tumbles down from the mountains above. Moss-covered boulders decorate the stream, and its constant gurgling as it passes over numerous riffles and small falls blends with the birdsong falling from the trees. Chestnut oak, white oak, magnolia, maple, hemlock and tulip trees provide sun-dappled shade. Several 19th-century houses and tub mills have been preserved along the stream.

Also in the area, Dollywood, a family oriented theme park in Pigeon Forge, 5 miles north of Gatlinburg. If you're a fan of owner Dolly Parton, you'll love Dollywood, and even if you're not you'll find enough thrill rides to keep you and the kids happily occupied. Bluegrass and country music performers are scattered throughout the park, and you can thrill your taste buds with homemade candies, barbecue, beans, greens and ice cream.

If you go . . .

Gatlinburg is just outside the north entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 90 minutes from Knoxville, Tenn., or four hours from Atlanta. It is a year-round travel destination. In the early spring, wildflowers decorate the roadsides and trails with their vivid colors. Mountain laurel blooms in May, and red rhododendron blooms practically cover the hillsides in June and July. In summer, things shift into high gear as families converge on the area for their annual vacations. Autumn brings another rush of tourists who come for the spectacular colors of fall foliage, and the cooler weather makes hiking and other outdoor activities even more enjoyable. In winter, things slow down and hotel prices plummet, although there is still a lot to do. If you're lucky enough to be here during a big snowfall, you'll be amazed at the winter-wonderland transformation that takes place. Even if there is no snow, you'll find plenty of man-made snow on Ober Gatlinburg's ski slopes.




Information courtesy of The Austin American Statesman

7 Ways to Save on your Gatlinburg Vacation

The summer season has arrived, ushered in with warm weather days and endless play for children throughout the country. Many families choose this time of year to hit the open road and enjoy the always needed family vacation. Even though gas prices are high, and budgets are tight, there is still one vacation destination making it easy for families to get away together. The Smoky Mountains, home to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, provide the perfect way for outdoor fun to combine with family entertainment, creating a one-stop, have-it-all type destination. So fill up the family car, stock your cooler with drinks and snacks and gear up for a vacation full of memories.

Here are 7 ways to save while visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

1) Use the Trolley System. The Pigeon Forge Trolley system has over 100 stops throughout Pigeon Forge and the Parkway, including Dollywood. It’s a good way to see all of Pigeon Forge’s attractions and sights, without having to pay for gas. The Trolley fare is only 50 cents. Plus, there is a new addition, connecting Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, a convenient connection making both destinations easily accessible.

2) Cut corners by cutting into Pigeon Forge Coupons. Coupons for Pigeon Forge are available, as well as Coupons for Gatlinburg, for restaurants and shopping. A few of the restaurant coupons featured are Hard Rock Café, Great American Buffet, Alamo Steakhouse and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. The shopping coupons include discounts at Tanger Outlet, Belz Outlet, The Old Mill and Christmas Place.

3) Discover our Direct Deals page on our websites ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com. There are discount Pigeon Forge tickets and discount Gatlinburg attractions available, including deals on Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show, The Track, Ripley’s Museum, RainForest Adventures and Ober Gatlinburg.

4) Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages and Gatlinburg Vacation Packages are also great ways to save on your family getaway. On ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com there are several discount packages available featuring Country Tonite, WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Tennessee Shindig.

5) Reserve a Dollywood Package. The 2008 Dollywood Adventure Packages allow guests to conveniently one-stop shop. Families can book their Dollywood Tickets, Splash Country Tickets and lodging all in place and one great price! Only Dollywood and ReserveDirect offer these great Dollywood deals!

6) Explore the Great Smoky Mountains! While in the area, discover the most visited National Park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains. Full of things to do for the whole family, take advantage of the hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic views and wildlife for a truly memorable experience. It’s a free and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and your family.

7) Take advantage of discount Pigeon Forge show tickets for children. Shows like Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show and Black Bear Jamboree are offering deals where children get in free with a paying adult! With prices like that, families can’t afford not to go!

Free Things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

In the breathtaking state of Tennessee you’ll find the picturesque Smoky Mountains. Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are great places to visit for fantastic indoor and outdoor fun! A vacation to the Smoky Mountains is perfect too, because there are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Even better, there are plenty of FREE things to do in the Smoky Mountains!
The natural outdoor allure of the Smoky Mountain destinations of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is easy to understand. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as their backyard, these two vacation destinations allow guests to discover what they’ve been missing…refreshing, all natural fun!

-Cades Cove: This is a great area for a scenic drive! There is an 11 mile one way loop that winds around the valley, complete with wildlife, campgrounds, bike rentals, spectacular foliage in autumn, and facilities for horseback riding.

-Sugarlands Visitor Center: A free 20-minute orientation motion picture provides an in-depth look at the Smokies and the enormous diversity of plant and animal life in the Park. Natural history exhibits include mounted specimens of park animals in recreations of their habitats and reproductions of journals kept by the first park naturalists are also on display. Ranger talks and slide shows are presented daily from spring through fall. You’ll also want to visit Laurel Falls, a beautiful waterfall located off Little Rover Road near the Sugarlands Center.

-Mills Park: Located in Gatlinburg, this park’s facilities include a softball field, horseshoe pits, playground, tennis courts, football field and basketball court. It’s a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors!

-Mynatt Park: A beautiful park complete with picnic area by the river, bbq grills, and recreation opportunities such as baseball and basketball.

-Tennessee Heritage Trails: Our Heritage Trails link attractions in three categories - History, Arts & Crafts and Music - to showcase the distinctive character and talents of Tennessee trails and to connect both well-known and obscure attractions under a common theme.

-Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Craft Community: The largest group of independent artisans in North America. This historic 8-mile loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Established in 1937, these artisans create unique and treasured pieces.

-Newfound Gap Road: The 33-mile drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee North Carolina along Newfound Gap Road is the only route that completely traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an abbreviated experience of everything the Park has to offer, without necessarily trekking far from your automobile.

-Hiking: Enjoy a hike on any of the more than 800 miles of trails through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. With over fifty trails available to hike, you’ll discover a new treasure each time you explore.

-Douglas Lake: Beautiful Douglas Lake extends its 33,000 lake acres and 513 miles of shoreline to the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, attracting nearly 2 million visitors each year. Favorite activities at Douglas Lake include fishing, boating, rafting, swimming, camping, and bird watching.

-Shopping in the Smokies: Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a shopper’s dream and it doesn’t cost a thing to look! There are several Outlet malls, such as Belz Factory Outlet Mall, as well as hundreds of unique shops to explore.

-Festivals: Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a haven for festivals. Many of these, such as the Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, have free admission and concerts!

Plus, at Dollywood you can get your next day FREE if you arrive at the park after 3 pm!
With so many things to see and do in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, you and your family are sure to experience the vacation of a lifetime!