Location: Gatlinburg
Top Things to do in Gatlinburg
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (TN)
Gatlinburg, at the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is an ideal base for a family looking to explore the park's numerous offerings. After you've gone hiking, fishing, rafting or horseback riding, ride an elevator 342 feet to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for stunning views of the Smokies. There's also an amusement center next door with nifty rides and games.
Restaurants in Gatlinburg
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,217 reviews
Reviewed By V8732FEjohnd - Riverview, United States
Excellent hiking trails - Hiked the Rainbow Falls 1st day - very nice, scenic, runs along a river and finishes at a nice waterfall - rougher trial - took 4 - 4 1/2 hrs round trip - did grotto falls second - much smoother trial but steeper than rainbow - took maybe 3 hrs round trip - both excellent - very scenic would return
2. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,673 reviews
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN, is literally teeming with life - over 10,000 exotic sea creatures in 350 individual species. There are more fish in this aquarium than there are people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg!
Reviewed By MatthewR498 - Hershey, United States
We were a little wary of this given the expensive entrance fees but our son had his heart set on going so we did and I am so happy we did - it was absolutely worth the cost. You see so many amazing animals, all the little info placards have some truly fascinating facts/trivia, and the big shark tank/moving cave was an amazing experience. I loved seeing all the "weird" animals that fit with Ripley's brand (Mantis Shrimp, Flamboyant Cuttlefish, etc) and my son watched the penguins for a good 20 minutes - only bummer was the tubes to "get in" with them were blocked but with Covid I 100% get why/agree with that choice. Also it's a little thing but I really appreciated that the gift shop had a big selection of books - so many places just have toys/candy/clothes (which makes sense) so it was really great to get to buy my son some books about all the crazy sea creatures he had just seen.
3. Mynatt Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Spikekay
Lovely little park with picnic tables where you can stop and eat your lunch on a picnic table by a stream.
4. Mills Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By 1Poppy1 - Las Vegas, United States
Although not a huge place it was great!. Beautiful. Water, picnic tables, grills & playground. Quiet too. We went early and walked around with out dogs. They also enjoyed it. Especially the water and playground.
5. Pop Culture Gourmet Popcorn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
A wide variety of gourmet popcorn made daily on site using organic corn and natural ingredients and candied nuts.
Reviewed By marcaaronguest - Phoenix, United States
Delicious popcorn and other snacks - we always stop by when we are in town for the different flavors.
6. Freenotes Harmony Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By daisyferret1 - Bear, United States
Last year we stumbled upon this little music park adjacent the Historic Ogle Cabin, water fountain and restrooms. Our kids had so much fun playing here. This year when we went back to Gatlinburg, they immediately asked to go here again. Several times throughout our week long vacation, the kids asked if they could go play in the music park. We probably visited this park at least 3 times during the week. Kids would probably spend 10-15 minutes playing with the instruments. IF the cabin is open, you can easily take a peek while you are there. IF it is hot out, you can get wet in the water fountain. There are restrooms on location IF needed, which always seems to be the case with little kids. There is even a trolley stop right out front by the cabin. Overall, we have had great visits with this little park. The kids LOVE it here so much that they said it is their FAVORITE thing they did all week. Best part is that it didn't cost a penny or even take that much time!
7. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8,117 reviews
From downtown Gatlinburg, hop on to the 120 passenger aerial tramway for a ride to this ski area with a 600-foot vertical drop, nine beautiful trails and an amusement park complete with indoor ice skating, wildlife encounter, Alpine Slide, water rides and more.
Reviewed By Nandup_13 - Singapore, Singapore
The tram operator Mike was so good and the information he was sharing all through the ride was very interesting. One has to pay for parking . It'll be good if we get a waiver for those who take the ride.
8. Herbert Holt Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By 560randyj - Tallahassee, United States
Lots of parents bring their kids here to fish since it is a kids only fishing area. Some adults abuse this privilege and overcrowd the fishing area. The little playground is nice and the kids love it.
9. Ober Gatlinburg's Wildlife Encounter
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By efranks218 - Asheville, United States
This is a nice little zoo for the price. The animals seem well taken care of and have nice enclosures. There was a snapping turtle that had a very small enclosure though. Felt bad for it. We saw bears, otters, raccoons, owls, snakes, lizards, turtles, an eagle, bobcats, and a few others. The otters were adorable and funny. We went back twice while we were up there because our five and seven year old boys like them so much.
10. Abandoned Park
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