Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on three sides, Gatlinburg is the perfect basecamp for adventure this Spring. As the city blossoms to life, so does its endless list of things to do, springtime events, and breathtaking nature scenes. This season, take a walk through a wonder of wildflowers on over 800 miles of scenic trails or attend a variety of creative workshops with local artisans during Hands-On Gatlinburg.
Morning
Breakfast is a sweet staple in Gatlinburg. Home to six pancake houses, the rich tradition of serving up stacks of hot, buttery flapjacks has been perfected throughout the generations. Fuel up for a day’s worth of adventure at Pancake Pantry or Log Cabin Pancake House. Now that you have a full stomach, take a drive on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a local favorite, to enjoy some of nature’s hidden gems in Gatlinburg. Inside tip – located along the motor nature trail is Grotto Falls, a 25 foot-tall cascade that is the only waterfall in the Smokies that you can experience walking behind.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Gatlinburg’s Parkway. A time-honored tradition, experience the city’s walkability with endless options for daytime adventure. Located in the heart of downtown, stop by The Village Shoppes, featuring 27 unique boutique storefronts with everything from hiking gear to homemade soaps made locally. After, visit one of over 50 unique attractions that the city has to offer. Take a walk across America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park or enjoy a glass bottom boat ride at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Evening
Don’t miss Gatlinburg after dark. Explore the bright lights in the city at Anakeesta’s Astra Lumina. As the first of its kind in the United States, this immersive, cosmic experience brings the stars down to the Smokies for a truly extraterrestrial experience. Make sure to top the night off at one of Gatlinburg’s finest distilleries. Offering one of Appalachia’s best kept traditions, grab a quick nightcap at Ole Smoky Moonshine or Tennessee Shines.
Fun Fact
Gatlinburg is home to the largest organization of independent artisans and crafters, known as the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community.
