sunrise over Gatlinburg, Tennessee

4 of the Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN

firefly village anakeesta
October 8, 2025

Gatlinburg is one of the best and most beautiful places to visit during any time of the year, and there are so many things for you to do in Gatlinburg when you stay with us here at Sidney James Mountain Lodge! To help you make the most of your vacation to the area, we wanted to go ahead and share some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN, so let’s get started:

1. Anakeesta

anakeesta zipline (1)

First up, we have Anakeesta, which is a mountaintop adventure park that certainly belongs on this list of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN! They offer unique experiences for guests, such as their Treetop Skywalk that lets you explore the forest canopy, and their exciting dueling zipline adventure, which will allow you to soar through the air alongside friends or family. These activities and so many more make Anakeesta a great spot to visit during your time here in town.

2. The Gatlinburg SkyPark

Another of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN is to visit the Gatlinburg SkyPark, which is home to the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America! The SkyPark is located at the summit of Crockett Mountain, which you will reach by riding the signature chairlift, and there are plenty of fun things to do at the top. Whether you want to grab a photo with friends or family, enjoy a meal at the SkyDeck, or just relax and take in the views, this is the spot for you.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

national park sign

Of course, when you come to visit the area, another of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN is to check out Great Smoky Mountains National Park! There are lots of ways for you to discover the natural beauty of the park, from easy hikes like the Gatlinburg Trail, which starts at the end of the downtown strip, to driving through the Cades Cove Loop to see animals, historic buildings, and more. There are also tons of ideal spots for a picnic at the park, so make sure to bring some snacks along when you head out to enjoy nature here in the area.

4. The Gatlinburg Space Needle

If you’ve ever visited Gatlinburg before, you’ve certainly noticed its most iconic landmark, which is, of course, the Gatlinburg Space Needle! This structure towers 400 feet over the downtown strip, and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. To get to the top, you will step into a glass elevator so you can watch as the ground shrinks and the views grow! You can even learn some interesting facts about the area with the exhibits that are located at the top.

Now that you know more about some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN, you are one step closer to having a blast on your vacation and enjoying everything that the area has to offer. If you are ready to plan your next trip today, you can go ahead and browse the lodging options at our Gatlinburg TN hotel right here! We can’t wait to welcome you.