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Top Outdoor Things To Do In Gatlinburg

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No matter what the season, you’ll never run out of outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg! Here is a Gatlinburg vacation guide to give you your best options.

With some of the best hiking, rafting, and scenic views in the USA, Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains offer endless recreational opportunities for every outdoor enthusiast.

Outdoor Things To Do In Gatlinburg
Outdoor Things To Do In Gatlinburg

If you’re looking for outdoor fun during your vacation to Gatlinburg, you’ll find no shortage of activities to keep you busy.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is right at your doorstep, which is the perfect place to spend a few days in nature. You can also go downtown for more exciting discoveries.

So without further adieu, let’s check out the best outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg, Tn!

Book 5 Bedroom Cabin Gatlinburg

Is it better to go to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer unique attractions and experiences, making it difficult to definitively state which is better.

Pigeon Forge is renowned for its family-friendly attractions, such as the Dollywood theme park and the Titanic Museum. The city also offers a variety of shopping and dining options.

To help you decide where to stay, head to our post: Is It Better To Stay In Pigeon Forge Or Gatlinburg?

On the other hand, Gatlinburg is located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

The downtown area of Gatlinburg is walkable and contains unique shops and eateries.

Is Gatlinburg Walkable?

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. The main downtown area is compact and easy to get around on foot. There are also plenty of sidewalks and paved trails that wind through the city, making it easy to explore everything Gatlinburg has to offer.

Even if you’re staying outside of downtown, most of the attractions in Gatlinburg are within a few blocks of each other, so you can easily walk from one to the next.

The only time you might need a car is if you’re planning on hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is just a short drive from Gatlinburg.

Outdoor Things To Do In Gatlinburg
Outdoor Things To Do In Gatlinburg

Walking is a convenient way to explore the town during the peak season when traffic and parking can be difficult. If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to get around Gatlinburg, walking is definitely the way to go!

Outdoor Things To Do In Gatlinburg

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and enjoy some time in nature, be sure to check out this list of outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary

I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!

  • Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
  • You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
  • The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
  • Packing Checklist for every season.
  • You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
  • Insider Tips!

Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.

  • Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
  • Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
  • Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
  • Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
  • Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
  • Day 6: Little River Road
  • Day6: Foothills Parkway

Get Our FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist Now!

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Wondering when to visit Gatlinburg and experince these outdoor adventures? Read on our guide on the Best Time To Visit Gatlinburg, Tn.

And while visiting don’ forget to pack a compact travel camera to document all the fun!

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