Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN for Couples
- Laura
- Sep 30
- 6 min read
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Gatlinburg Tennessee is a small town full of attitude and charm with lots to offer couples in search of adventure. Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is surrounded by amazing scenery. Our article on the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN for couples will help you get to know this four-season southern playground.
Gatlinburg is well-known as a family friendly vacation destination. And, while its many ziplining, mini-golf, and rope courses are well suited to a younger crowd, the town has a lot to offer couples traveling without kids.
In addition to providing great access to the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is chock-full of opportunities for romantic dinners, strolls, and fireside chats. Our list of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN for couples includes hiking, heritage sites, mountain coasters, whiskey tastings, live music, scenic drives, amazing vistas, and more.
PIGEON FORGE & GATLINBURG TOURS
DIRECTIONS TO GATLINBURG TENNESSEE
Gatlinburg is located about 215 miles east of Nashville TN, 140 miles north of Atlanta GA, and 40 miles south of Knoxville TN. Find Gatlinburg at the intersection of US Routes 441 and 321. Most visitors will arrive in Gatlinburg by car.
Click this link for information regarding airfares to Gatlinburg.
Click this link for information regarding regional rental car prices.
GATLINBURG TROLLEY & HOW TO GET AROUND
The Gatlinburg Trolley is a free shuttle service that connects the downtown area to many attractions, hotels, and Pigeon Forge. Once in the downtown area, walking is the best way to navigate the Gatlinburg Parkway, and its adjacent blocks. Outside of trolley routes there is little public transportation and a personal vehicle is recommended.
GATLINBURG TN MAP
GATLINBURG TN HOTELS
To avoid the cost and stress of parking, find Gatlinburg TN hotels that are located on the Gatlinburg trolley route. Consider these well reviewed Gatlinburg hotels that are in-town or on the trolley line:
GATLINBURG WEATHER
Gatlinburg has four distinct seasons. Summers (June, July, August) in Gatlinburg are hot and humid with frequent showers and average temperatures in the mid-80s (F). Winter brings freezing nights with frequent rain and/or snow, and average temperatures in the 40’s (F). Spring and fall are transition seasons.
BEST TIME TO VISIT GATLINBURG TN
The best time to visit Gatlinburg is during the months of May, June, early-September, and late-October (skipping the peak foliage weeks). During these months, the weather is well-suited for outside activities and businesses are all open.
Avoid visiting Gatlinburg during school vacations, weekends, holidays, peak foliage weeks, peak summer weeks (July and August), and during popular events and festivals when the crowds can be overwhelming.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN GATLINBURG TN FOR COUPLES
Stroll and Shop Downtown Gatlinburg
Take a few hours to walk the spectacle of Gatlinburg’s main drag. The Gatlinburg Parkway extends about a half a mile from Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Restaurant to the Gatlinburg Space Needle. In this area there are many arcades, thrill rides, and souvenir shops. There is also loads of great shopping and food to discover. Don’t miss “The Village,” a pedestrianized shopping mall, and the lovely River Walk.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop & Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail
To experience the stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, drive (or bike) the Cades Cove Scenic Loop and Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail.
The Cades Cove Scenic Loop is a must-see 11 mile drive through a valley full of historic churches, log cabins, cemeteries, mountain vistas, and wildlife. The Roaring Forks Motor Trail is a 6 mile paved road that twists through a mossy forest thick with waterfalls and streams. Both routes are easily accessed from Gatlinburg. Try one of these tours: Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tour or Smoky Mountains Roaring Forks Jeep Tour.
Tip: On Wednesdays from May until September the Cades Cove loop is open to bikers and hikers (but not cars).
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TOURS
Explore the Arts & Crafts Route
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community publishes a free map that outlines an 8 mile loop that includes the shops and studios of over 80 Appalachian artists and craftsmen. Along the route shop for baskets, candles, pottery, jewelry, wood carvings, fine art, and more. Attend a workshop, meet the artists, and take home a treasure.
Discover Newfound Gap & Clingman’s Dome
Wait for a clear day to drive US-441 (also known as the Newfound Gap Road) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stop at the “Newfound Gap” overlook on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina for panoramic photos of the Appalachian Mountains. Take this Clingman's Dome Self-Guided Audio Tour.
Then, drive on to the Kuwohi (Clingman’s Dome) Visitor Center. From the Visitor Center hike a 1 mile trail to an observation tower atop Kuwohi Mountain. The tower offers exceptional views from one of the highest points in the national park.
Spend Some Time at Anakeesta
The 70 acre Anakeesta Theme Park entrance is on the Gatlinburg Parkway. To access Anakeesta’s rides and attractions, visitors ride a chairlift to the mountaintop park. At the summit there are 5 “lands” full of attractions and several restaurants with phenomenal mountain views.
At the park, enjoy climbing the Anavista Tower, a TreeTop Skywalk, two excellent mountain coasters, gorgeous gardens, zip lining, and Astra Lumina – an enchanted light and musical night show. The park has a laidback, outdoorsy vibe. It also has some beautiful mountaintop restaurants and bars.
Imbibe in a Taste of the South
Gatlinburg is a beehive of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Treat yourself to a tour and/or tasting (or two!). In the Downtown Gatlinburg area find the Gatlinburg Brewing Co., Sugarlands Distilling Co., Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Tennessee Cider Co., Bootleggers Homemade Wines, Smokin’ Banjo Wine Co., and more.
Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A trek through the woods is one of the most popular activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is home to over 848 miles of trails. There are hikes for all abilities. Here we have listed a few of our favorite trails in the easy to moderate range that last from 2-3 hours.
Little River Trail 2.5 miles
Laurel Falls Trail 2.6 miles
Alum Cave Bluffs 4.6 mile
Scenic Drive to Wears Valley
This was one of our favorite drives while in Gatlinburg. To get to the Wears Valley, take the Wears Valley Road (US Hwy 321) from Pigeon Forge to Townsend, TN. Along the 15-20 mile route get great views of the Great Smoky Mountains, family farms, antique stores, and second-hand shops. Pass woodcarvers, cafes, and authentic Americana.
Views from the Gatlinburg SkyPark or Ober Gatlinburg
In downtown, the Gatlinburg SkyPark is located at the top of Crockett Mountain. Take a chairlift ride from the Parkway to the summit and walk the longest pedestrian bridge in North America. Next, hike a 1.5 mile trail and ascend Tulip Tower for exceptional views. Then, relax around a fire pit and enjoy the mountain vistas.
At Ober Gatlinburg, by the end of the Parkway, take the aerial tramway to the top of Ober Mountain. The tram runs in the winter when the mountain is full of skiers and snowboarders, and in the summer when visitors can enjoy an alpine slide, amusement rides, and downhill mountain biking.
Dinner Show and the Island-in-Pigeon-Forge
This evening, drive 7 miles into Pigeon Forge and treat yourself to a dinner show. Some of the more popular shows are the Dolly Parton Stampede, Pirates Voyage, Hatfields and McCoy, and Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud. Later, drive to the Island-in-Pigeon-Forge complex. Find 23 acres of family entertainment including live music, fireworks, light and fountain shows, and shops.
Visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
Those who love to game will adore Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. From Gatlinburg, drive the Newfound Gap Road to Cherokee, North Carolina. There, find a 21 story casino and resort with onsite gaming, sports betting, bowling, golf, live performances, video games, celebrity-chef restaurants, high-end shopping, and more. While at the casino visit the Museum of the Cherokee People.
Live Music Downtown Gatlinburg
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red and Jason Aldeen’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar bookend Gatlinburg Parkway. Live music can be found at these establishments almost every night as well as at the many bars in between. Listen to music over dinner or rock out at a club. Enjoy a few drinks and ride the free trolley home.
Cya in Gatlinburg, Laura and Randy
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