Gatlinburg is a resort town in Tennessee and one of the most exciting places to visit if you plan a trip to Tennessee. Besides the widely popular Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is home to various activities, making it one of the best vacation spots throughout Tennessee. Furthermore, one of the many attractions which makes the town of Gatlinburg special is that it is home to the only ski resort in the entire state of Tennessee, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in skiing or other snow-related sports. Let us discuss this in greater detail, talking about one of the best places you can visit with your family while visiting the beautiful town of Gatlinburg.
Places to Visit
1. The Smoky Mountains National Park
Known throughout the country as one of the best national parks, the Smoky Mountains National Park should be at the top of your list in Gatlinburg. This park hosts various historical buildings, exciting wildlife, and the beautiful mountains’ allure, which provides visitors with a breathtaking view. Even though the best time to visit the park is winter, you would still have an amazing time with your family if you plan to go there during other weather. Choose any hiking trails in the park, such as the Laurel Falls trail and Alum Cave Trail, to explore the mountains and come across exciting points of interest, along with scenic beauty throughout the hike. However, it is advised to be equipped with all necessary equipment before hiking. Depending on the weather conditions, the pathways might be layered with ice resulting in an incredibly slippery trail. Not only hiking but there are special spots throughout the park where you can set up camp, with some famous ones being Smokemont and Cades Cove. The national park also holds great historical significance, with over 90 preserved historic buildings spread throughout the park for viewers to explore, making the place a treat for all the history buffs out there.
2. The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
The best way to reach the smoky mountains is through this tramway, which consists of a 2.1-mile ride to the mountains, with the tramway soaring through the clouds at an astounding elevation of 1,472 feet and at the highest point, being approximately 2,800 feet above sea level. The tramway’s counterbalanced cars are responsible for taking you to the mountains. The ride is incredibly beautiful, providing a glimpse of the mountains across the horizon, resulting in an incredibly photogenic view. This aerial tramway was made in 1973 and is one of the most convenient and safest ways to reach the ski area; it is frequently used for transporting more than 3,000 guests regularly.
3. The Sugarlands Distillery
A trip to Gatlinburg is not considered complete without visiting one of the famous distilleries within the smoky mountains, which is a great place to look at how moonshine is produced firsthand. The Sugarlands distillery is one of the most famous spots throughout the smoky mountains. Not only is it a great place to view the distilling process and learn how it works, but you can also try their precisely distilled and produced flavors right from the source. Situated within a barn house, the distillery is a great place to taste some delectable flavors, such as the Butterscotch Gold and the famous Silver Cloud Tennessee Mash. Enjoy some live music playing in the tasting area. You can easily access the distillery by taking part in their free guided tour, where an experienced expert will guide you across the various rooms of the distillery, allowing visitors to watch the entire distilling process from start to finish.
4. The Gatlinburg Ghost Tour
Unlike other cities, Gatlinburg embraces its supernatural side, offering a unique ghost tour to experience the spooky part of the town. This spooky tour comprises a two-hour session where a guide takes you on a walk around several parts of town known for their role in the town’s mysterious history. The tour starts from the lobby of the Smoky Mountain Resort. The journey involves a walk through many city streets, accompanied by bone-chilling spooky stories across several stops throughout the tour. Not only that, but the tour ends with an exciting and interactive activity, where you are handed ghost-hunting equipment and allowed to track down and spot supernatural spirits.
5. Ober Ski Mountain
If you are visiting Gatlinburg during winter time, you should visit the Ober Ski Mountain resort, especially if you are a fan of skiing or winter sports. This ski resort would be teeming with skiing enthusiasts during the winter. It is the top winter destination throughout Gatlinburg, offering activities such as snow tubing, snowboarding, and skiing for visitors to enjoy throughout their winter trip. The Ober Ski Mountain has various skiing trails to accommodate many visitors and a surface lift for convenient transportation. Make sure to visit any time from December to March for the best skiing experience, as that is when the skiing season kicks off.
Where to Stay
Choosing the right accommodation is key to a great experience when going on your Gatlinburg Getaway across the mountains. Due to the abundance of resorts and other cabin hotels, this has become a tricky choice and can often cost a lot. However, with the Rosedale Mountain Retreat, you can say goodbye to all those troubles, as they offer great accommodation at great prices and many other services, such as exploring the mountain trails using their ATV services. Contact us now to learn more.