2015 Best Gatlinburg Attractions by iTrip Vacations®
From hiking to video game arcades, Gatlinburg offers dozens of attractions and things to do for the whole family. Outdoor lovers find places to explore, while those looking to relax can ride their way over the entire city. We’re proud to announce our selections for annual best Gatlinburg attractions for 2015. Here are the picks:
Best Gatlinburg Attractions: Walk In The Woods
Explore the Beauty of the Smoky Mountains
Grab hiking gear, and head out into the Great Smoky Mountains with A Walk in the Woods, a tour guide service dedicated to giving people the best of the mountains. Since 1998, the TripAdvisor recipient has provided tours and services for thousands of visitors.
Not a hiker? No problem.
The outfitter offers activities for all interests and skill levels. Nature hikes give guests a way to relax and see nature, while the Mt. LeConte adventure keeps feet on trails for 10 to 12 hours. Other options include: Where the Big Trees Are, Old Growth Waterfall Hike and Extreme Adventure Hike, a challenging 17-mile hike.
Attraction Location
Address: 4413 Scenic Drive East
*Depending on your hike, you may meet at a designated location instead of the office.
Phone: (865) 436-8283
Website: http://www.awalkinthewoods.com
Best Gatlinburg Attractions: Ober Gatlinburg
Glide Over the Smoky Mountains
Photo: James Thompson
Ober Gatlinburg is a top attraction, providing visitors of all ages places to play and lots to do. The aerial tramway, a cable car, gives a bird’s-eye view of the Smokies with a 2.1-mile tour. The scenic chairlift offers a romantic couple’s activity and family adventure. Once you hop out, slide down the mountain on the Alpine slide.
Additionally, kids love wildlife encounters, ice skating, the indoor carousel and arcade. Outdoor attractions include a chair swing, kiddie land with rides, a maze and mini golf. Fun for the whole family, Ober is a must if vacationing in Gatlinburg.
Attraction Location
Address: 1001 Parkway Suite 2
Phone: (865) 436-5423
Website: http://www.obergatlinburg.com
Best Gatlinburg Attractions: Smoky Mountain Rafting
Hit the Rapids
Photo: Razvan Orendovici
Gatlinburg’s location and proximity to rivers give adventurists a playground of their own. Top rated on TripAdvisor, this adventure outfitter offers whitewater rafting, hiking and ziplining.
Smoky Mountain Rafting is located on the Pigeon River, with upper and lower river rafting, kayaking, and the upper Pigeon extreme. For groups, a Pigeon River combo package satisfies groups, as it offers rafting on class 3 and 4 rapids, with breaks for lunch. After lunch, pick between a relaxing guided tour or hopping in a kayak. For added adventure, zipliners will find nine lines and three sky bridges to explore.
Attraction Location
Address: 453 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg, TN
Phone: (800) 771-7238
Website: http://www.smokymountainrafting.com
Best Gatlinburg Attractions: ZipGatlinburg
Ride Ziplines
Photo: Chuck Sutherland
Those looking to stay dry may prefer ziplining through the trees with ZipGatlinburg, where even children as young as 5 can ride by themselves. First-timers or experts are welcome to try nine lines, which touch the ground four times.
Visitors looking for thrills should try the 27-obstacle tree trek, complete with trapezes and sky bridges. A major attraction in Gatlinburg, ZipGatlinburg also offers a net course for bouncing fun, especially those too young to zipline. Packages and add-ons vary.
Attraction Location
Address: 125 Historic Nature Trail
Phone: (865) 430-9475
Website: http://ziplinesfamilyadventures.com/
Best Gatlinburg Attractions: Gatlinburg Space Needle
Enjoy Amazing Views
Ride your way to the top of the space needle. Photo: Valerie Everett
With two elevators holding 20 people each, this observation tower gives onlookers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg. This attraction also provides an educational experience with higher-learning exhibits.
While visiting, guests enjoy Arcadia, a two-story playground with video and redemption games. The Space Needle also has laser tag, and those wanting to see shows should visit the on-site Iris Theater.
Attraction Location
Address: 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
Phone: (865) 436-4629
Website: http://www.gatlinburgspaceneedle.com
What’s Your Pick for the Best Gatlinburg Attractions?
Tell us what you think! If you enjoy Gatlinburg as much as we do, let us know about your favorite Gatlinburg attraction!
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