Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a veritable playground for families seeking unforgettable adventures. With its stunning natural beauty, thrilling attractions, hiking with kids and a wealth of budget-friendly activities, this mountain town is the perfect destination to create lasting memories with your little ones.
Embrace the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the crown jewel of Gatlinburg, offering a vast array of outdoor adventures that will captivate both young and old. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on family-friendly trails that wind through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along serene streams. Keep your eyes peeled for the region's diverse wildlife, from majestic black bears (there are 2 to every square mile in the Great Smokies) to beautiful white-tailed deer.
Great hikes for kids:
Alum Cave Bluff Trail -5 miles roundtrip - 1,200 feet elevation gain
This cave is really more of a cliff overhang. After a good rain, water is dripping from the top everywhere which is refreshing and beautiful to see. The hike is steady for the first mile and follows an amazing creek. Our 3 year old was able to do this part of the hike fairly well. It is well covered throughout this portion. The trail starts to get a bit steeper as you get closer to the cliff, nothing too wild but it will get the heart going. Keep an eye out for bears, they are everywhere and we saw many mommas with cubs.
Cade's Cover Loop Road - 10 miles via Driving Tour.
This is a remote part of the park and does take time to get to. From Gatlinburg city center, it is roughly 1.5 hours to get there given traffic. It is a unique part of the park and has lots of historic landmarks to check out. Wildlife viewing is the main attractor here. We were fortunate enough to catch a baby black bear 20 feet up in a tree. It is a nice road to bike on as well if you have the opportunity.
The downside of Cade's Cove: It does take a while to get to and the wildlife viewing is of course circumstantial. It is also a one way road in a loop with no shoulder. So traffic can back up for a long distance. The baby bear mentioned earlier stopped traffic for 2 miles while cars crawled through. By the time we reached the bear, it was not as magical due to kids in the back seat losing their minds, lol.
Grotto Falls Trail - 2.5 miles - 525 elevation gain
This is a popular trail to ascend. The parking is on a looped one way road and can be difficult to find a spot. We were lucky, but many had a descent walk just to hit the trailhead.
The elevation is low and the trail is nicely maintained. The tree cover is continuous the whole way so it is a good spot during warmer months. Water crossings and few switchbacks make for an excellent time for kids. It has enough challenge to give the kids something to work out and a nice pay off/goal at the end with an amazing 25 ft. waterfall.
The falls hangs off the rock and allows travelers to walk behind the falls along the trail. Hang out here for a lunch break before heading back.
Adrenaline-Fueled Attractions
Gatlinburg is home to a treasure trove of thrilling attractions that will have your little ones begging to return. Soar high above the treetops on the Anakeesta Adventure Park's scenic chairlift, or challenge your family to a friendly competition at the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium.
No visit to the Gatlinburg area is complete without a trip to the iconic Dollywood theme park, where you can ride heart-pounding roller coasters, meet your favorite Dolly Parton characters, and immerse yourselves in the rich Appalachian culture.
Budget-Friendly Family Fun
Gatlinburg offers a wealth of budget-friendly activities that will keep your wallet happy and your kids entertained. Explore the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, where you can watch skilled artisans at work and browse their one-of-a-kind creations. Embark on a scenic drive through the national park, stopping at picturesque overlooks and picnic spots along the way.
There are plenty of experiences to waste money on as well. Sifting through this can be a trial n error test. Word of warning about the Earthquake Ride in Gatlinburg. Skip this one entirely, super waste of money.
Pigeon Forge
Lots to do here. It honestly is a bit overwhelming. It is best described as a Family's Las Vegas destination. Every block is covered with something a kid wants to do. At one point it looks like there are 5 different Go-Kart tracks right next to each other. Which to chose, I have no idea.
We did do the Smokey Mountain Alpine Coaster. It was rated as the top Alpine Coaster in the area and it was well worth it. Very fast and a scenic trip through the trees.
We also did the Titanic Museum. We were excited for this, but I do have to say, taking younger kids to this is not the move. The museum is of course... a museum, with a lot of things to read and not necessarily touch. 8 and up can make it work, but below that, I'd recommend against it.
We thought the museum would bring the interior of the boat to life a bit more than it did. Much of the experience is bringing to light the personal stories of those on the boat. This is interesting, but just simply not what we expected. The exterior boat you see is neat, but you don't get up there, which I was hoping for. One and done for this one. Won't be back.
Culinary Delights and Local Charm
After a day of adventure, refuel at one of Gatlinburg's many kid-friendly restaurants, where you'll find everything from classic Southern comfort food to international cuisine. Indulge in a hearty helping of Tennessee barbecue, or savor the flavors of the region's signature moonshine at a local distillery.
As the sun sets, stroll through the charming streets of downtown Gatlinburg, browsing the eclectic shops and souvenir stores for the perfect keepsake to remember your family's mountain getaway.
Practical Tips for a Seamless Family Adventure
To ensure your Gatlinburg vacation is a resounding success, be sure to pack the essentials: comfortable hiking shoes, a ponytail trucker hat, weather-appropriate clothing (be ready for rain at any moment), and a reusable water bottle with storage to stay hydrated on the trail or sidewalk. Don't forget to research the best times to visit, as the town can get quite crowded during peak seasons.
When it comes to accommodations, consider staying in a cozy cabin or vacation rental, which can offer more space and amenities for your family. We stayed at Adventure Bound Campground . It has a 500 ft. waterslide built into a hill that kept the kids going for hours. The whole campground is covered with trees, has a creek and waterfall running through it, fishing pond, sand volleyball court, a pool, and more. It honestly is the best campsite we have been to.
We prefer to boondock because of the freedom and feeling like you are "in" the forest. This delivers that feeling, but with power and other amenities. We will return for sure!
Unlock the Wonders of Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a true gem in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, offering a wealth of unforgettable experiences for families seeking adventure, exploration, and quality time together. From adrenaline-fueled attractions to budget-friendly outdoor adventures, this mountain town is a must-visit destination that will leave your little ones begging to return.
So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to unlock the wonders of Gatlinburg – a family adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime.
