When you plan a destination vacation, you do not want to be holed up inside somewhere, wondering what it looks like outdoors. Instead, get out and explore the area around you! This holds true when you travel to Gatlinburg, whether it’s for the first or 100th time. Gatlinburg offers up a variety of outdoor attractions that provide a thrilling experience so you can enjoy the weather and views. Take a look at the top outdoor attractions in Gatlinburg:
Anakeesta
For incredible outdoor fun there is nothing better than a visit to Anakeesta. This outdoor theme park is the perfect spot to easily spend the day having fun outdoors. Anakeesta is all about having your own adventure, as it includes exciting activities such as gondola rides, zip lining courses, a giant treetop play area, a garden walk, an observation tower, and so much more. This is the largest outdoor attraction in the Smoky Mountains and does not disappoint when you visit. Make sure to visit Anakeesta during each return trip to Gatlinburg, as they are always adding new additions to the park such as their outdoor coasters.
Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
Speaking of coasters, you will have an absolute blast when you visit Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster during your next visit. This outdoor roller coaster features single cars so you can ride on your own as you zip around the many turns. You will be thrust into a forested area with beautiful views all around you. Experience the thrill of speed from start to finish. Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is great for all ages and even has a nighttime ride!
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Seattle is not the only city with its own Space Needle observation tower. That’s right, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is right here in the city and is a great outdoor observation tower to visit. Ride up to the top, where you will be 407 feet above the ground on an outdoor observation area. Visiting the Gatlinburg Space Needle is a great way to get a 360 view of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
The views of Gatlinburg only get better the higher up you go. During your next visit, make sure to head over to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park for a truly adventurous time. The namesake of the park is the SkyLift, a gigantic ski lift that will take you over 1,000 feet up in elevation to an observation area. The views up here truly remarkable and can be considered one of the best places for a quick photo shoot. One of the more recent additions to SkyLift Park is the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country. This long bridge even features glass panels out in the middle of the bridge so you can look down right below you. Don’t let your fear of heights make you avoid this once in a lifetime opportunity found only at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park.
Ober Gatlinburg
Don’t forget to stop by one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions, Ober Gatlinburg. This outdoor amusement park is full of fun and excitement for the whole family. Ober Gatlinburg features a wide variety of activities that change with the season. Ride on the aerial tramway for incredible views. Go rock climbing on the rock climbing walls. Take on a round of O’Bears Mini Golf with the family. Ice bumper cars are a family friendly activity along with ice skating. The Alpine Slide is possible the most famous activity here at Ober Gatlinburg, as guests can race each other down a sled-like slide. There is no end to the fun right here at Ober Gatlinburg.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Of course, when you come visit Gatlinburg, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This vast national park offers up something for everyone to see and do during your stay. Relax with a picnic by the riverside. Go hiking or mountain biking down on the many trails that winds up and down the park. Many of these trails will take you by lush waterfalls that feed into the rivers. Fishing is always a relaxing time here at the park, especially if you book a fly fishing charter to show you around. Keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife that call the park home including elk, turkeys, black bears, woodchucks, and many more; we recommend going wildlife viewing in the winter when all the trees have fallen making it easier to see!
Plenty of Outdoor Fun in Gatlinburg
There is no shortage to the amount of fun you can have here in Gatlinburg when you spend time outdoors. Make sure to plan for your stay by reserving one of our vacation rentals here in the area.
