Introduction:
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-standing explorer of the Smoky Mountains, it seems each year things are growing, changing and expanding out here. For families looking to enjoy a proper mix of fun and relaxation for all ages we’ve updated our recommendations to make sure you make the most of your vacation.
Gatlinburg serves as the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While it technically isn’t in the park, it serves as the most popular entrance and is nearly completely surrounded by the park. There are few places in the country that offer such sublime year-round beauty, great access to nature, and loads of family fun. The variety of activities that appeal to both kids and parents will keep you wanting to come back year after year. So whether you are coming for the outdoor thrills or downtown charm – here’s your guide to the best things to do!
1. Kick Off Your Trip at the Visitor Center
A great place to start your adventure is at the Gatlinburg Visitor Center or one of the other visitor centers that welcome you to the national park area. Here you can gather greater information on the park, hiking trails, and local activities. The visitor center sets the stage for your adventure, with stunning views just outside the door you’ll begin to see the wonders that lay in store for your family.
Take a minute to explore the facts and figures shared within the visitor center, there’s a reason that The Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited National Park in the country. Not only are there a staggering number of family-friendly activities to take part in, the Smokies boasts the claim of being one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. There’s no better way to dive into the mix of family-fun and nature than at CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains.
2. Mountaintop Adventure at CLIMB Works
CLIMB Works has grown a reputation across the country and beyond of being the ultimate providers of mountaintop adventures. As developers, designers, and builders for other activities in and out of Gatlinburg, their safety technology, riding experience, and attention to detail is second to none. These measures allow kids and parents alike to fly amidst the treetops from mountaintop to mountaintop on an adventure unlike any other.
Welcoming visitors as young as 5-years-old on the tour, entire families of little adventurers to thrill-seeking adults can experience panoramic views of the national park without the crowds. Not only are the views breathtaking, but CLIMB Works’ expert-trained tour guides educate and challenge your family in a fun way to master ziplining, learn the history of the area, and even inspire some epic poses for your zipline photoshoot. Believe us, by the end of the 2-hour tour, you’ll be amazed how much you accomplished.
CLIMB Works’ focus beyond the zipline tour really separates this mountaintop adventure from the other options in Gatlinburg. Visitors’ feet never touch ground for two hours as they go from towering platforms, sky bridges, floating staircases, and even a rappel. With CLIMB Works’ mission of CLIMB (Challenge, Learn, Inspire, Master, Believe) you know that your family is going to get the attention they deserve – these intimate tours give you the time to enjoy nature, thrills and one another’s company.
3. Explore Nature at Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains located just south of Townsend, Tennessee. With easy access from the Gatlinburg entrance, you and your family can enjoy a scenic drive through the park before arriving at the 11-mile one-way loop road encircling the valley. This loop provides access to hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and chances to explore the many historic homesites, cemeteries, and churches. The area also holds a visitor center, campground, picnic area, and riding stable.
Kids will love the open spaces, while parents can appreciate the peaceful beauty of the valley. It’s very common that you’ll be able to spot some wildlife while you’re in the park. The Smokies house the highest populations of many animal species, including salamanders and black bears! During busier times of the season the one-way road can get a little slow, so be prepared for a few hours journey with snacks in the car. If you end up exploring the trails or historical sites, plan for even longer.
4. Fun Downtown Gatlinburg
The lively downtown of Gatlinburg is the perfect spot for family strolls. With numerous restaurants, souvenir shops, and activities lining the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, you can easily find yourself entertained for an entire day. For most first time visitors to Gatlinburg, the downtown area can come as a bit of a shock. Its quirky mix of mountain town and amusement park often comes as a surprise – but it only makes visiting as a family easier.
From the main drag of downtown you can park and take chairlift, chondolla, or tram to various attractions and experiences in the mountains towering above the town. Some of the notable attractions offering these views include:
- Anakeesta accessed by Chairlift, Chondolla, or Shuttle
- Ober Mountain accessed by Tram
- Gatlinburg Skypark accessed by Chairlift
- Gatlinburg Space Needle accessed by glass elevator
Aside from these mountaintop adventures, you can also enjoy arcades, mini-golf, sweet shops, and the Ripley’s aquarium.
5. Anakeesta – A Bonus Adventure
Anakeesta is a great standalone family fun destination to spend a portion of your day in Gatlinburg. With its elevation above the downtown, you can escape from the hustle and bustle of mainstreet below and enjoy Gatlinburg’s scenic views. With playgrounds, gardens, and family-friendly dining the kids can tucker themselves out while you sip lemonade in a lounge chair.
If your kids are old enough for a later evening, we highly recommend spending a fun day at CLIMB Works and then heading down to experience Anakeesta’s Astra Lumina, a late night walk through the woods guided by extravagant choreographed light shows and matching soundscapes. Giving families a twist from the typical mountain experience, these two distinct mountaintop adventures give families magical moments of the real and imaginary world to forever make the Smokies a yearly visit.
Conclusion
From the mountaintop adventure of CLIMB Works to the natural wonders of Cades Cove and downtown’s family fun, Gatlinburg has all you need for a perfect family vacation. No matter where you head, you can guarantee you and your kids will find something to love in the Smoky Mountains. Kick off your family adventure today – book your zipline experience and explore all the Smokies have to offer.
Gatlinburg is waiting, make it your next family getaway!
