There is no shortage of things to see in Gatlinburg, TN! Our Smoky Mountain city combines breathtaking natural beauty with some of the very best attractions in the Southeast. To help you plan your vacation to the area, Great Outdoor Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to five Gatlinburg points of interest that you don’t want to miss:
1. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook offers one of the most beautiful views in East Tennessee. From this spot located on the Gatlinburg Bypass, you can see the downtown Gatlinburg skyline and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. What makes this vista so special is the dramatic contrast between the city and the mountains. The downtown area is at an elevation of about 1,300 feet, while the highest point in the national park, Mount LeConte, is 6,593 feet tall. The vertical mile difference between the city and Mount Leconte is the largest contrast in elevation in the eastern part of the nation!
2. Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Distillery
Known as “The Holler”, the Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Distillery in downtown Gatlinburg is the most visited distillery in the country! Making moonshine used to be an illicit activity done in the backwoods under the light of the moon, but these days, it is a respected (and legal) part of Gatlinburg’s heritage. For a small fee, visitors to The Holler can sample some of Ole Smoky’s unique moonshine flavors, such as Apple Pie, Lemon Drop, and Blackberry. Of course, you can also purchase a jar to take home!
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies ranks among the top ten aquariums in the United States on TripAdvisor. With over 10,000 sea creatures, Ripley’s has more animals than Gatlinburg has residents! One of the most popular parts of the aquarium is Shark Lagoon, where a 100 yard moving sidewalk takes visitors through an underwater tunnel that is swimming with sharks, eels, and other fearsome deep sea predators. Another highlight of the aquarium is the Penguin Playhouse, which consists of both an indoor and outdoor style habitat for some adorable African penguins. It’s easy to see why Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most popular Gatlinburg points of interest!
4. Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
If you’re looking for handcrafted souvenirs from Gatlinburg, you can’t beat the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This 8 mile loop full of studios, galleries, and shops houses work from the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Visitors to the Arts & Crafts Community will find paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, candles, baskets, quilts, dolls, brooms, wood carvings, and so much more.
5. Gatlinburg Sky Lift
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is an exciting way to enjoy aerial views of the downtown area. This fun chair lift ride leaves from The Strip and climbs 1,800 feet to reach the peak of Crockett Mountain. At the top of the mountain, guests will find a scenic overlook with binoculars, a gift shop with snacks, and the chance to have a souvenir photo taken on the Sky Lift. For a romantic experience, take the Gatlinburg Sky Lift at night to see the city’s glittering lights.
Great Outdoor Cabin Rentals offers an excellent collection of properties that are just a short drive from these wonderful Gatlinburg points of interest. Featuring mountain views, fully furnished kitchens, and all of the best amenities, our cabins have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. To start planning your getaway, check out our complete selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals!
