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Known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg can either be as relaxing or adventure-filled as you’d like! Boasting beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous hikes, and many attractions appealing to all ages, this bustling mountain town has everything you’re looking for in your next vacation destination.
Known primarily for having access to the most-visited National Park in the country, the allure of hiking and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains draws most visitors to the city. Many visitors enjoy hiking to waterfalls or through wildflowers in the springtime, and many choose to take scenic drives through the beautiful mountains of Tennessee.
There are so many more ways to experience the great outdoors in Gatlinburg. Visit Anakeesta, a mountaintop park that packs in a ton of fun, dining, shopping, and even relaxation. Here, you can ride the world’s only Chondola, where you have your pick between an open-air chair or enclosed gondola cabin that take you up to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. Other activities include ziplining, riding the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, and more!
Other outdoor activities in Gatlinburg include whitewater rafting, fishing, biking, horseback riding—and the list goes on and on!
There’s more to explore than just the great outdoors when visiting Gatlinburg. There are plenty of museums and other attractions such as the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum, and eight Ripley’s attractions including Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies that offers a chance to have your very own encounter with penguins!
And of course, you can’t forget to mention, Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park that’s only a short drive away in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Here are some of our favorite deals on activities on Quest:
The best times to visit Gatlinburg are late spring and mid-to-late fall. During these times, chances are you’ll experience beautiful weather and catch Gatlinburg’s landscape at its prettiest.
If you’re visiting Gatlinburg in the spring, plan on going for a wildflower walk or two–don’t forget to bring your camera! Every spring, the park hosts the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage which includes special programing and guided walks.
Beginning in October, make sure you fit some time into your schedule to go for a scenic drive or hike to take in all of the beautiful autumn colors. Gatlinburg also hosts seasonal events in the fall such as the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, Craftsmen’s Fair, Oktoberfest, and more!
RCI always makes it easy to find available weeks in and around Gatlinburg. There are many beautiful hotels and resorts within the city limits, but don’t forget to look at the deals available on the 1000-Points-or-Less page. Sometimes, you can find deep discounts on quality accommodations in a neighboring town that’s only a short drive away, so keep your options open—you never know what you might be able to discover!
