G A T L I N B U R G - a Smoky Mountain Adventure Guide
Located in the Smoky Mountains is Gatlinburg, a tiny little town in Tennessee that has it all: The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, rivers to swim on, trails that lead to waterfalls, amusement parks, snow covered mountains to ski on and our favorite experience ever- getting to see black bears!!
We've visited over the past year as we worked on the Smoky Mountain Project and there hasn't been one visit that's passed without us seeing a bear. Seriously the coolest experience ever!
When we first arrived, we weren't too familiar with the town. But the more we traveled there to renovate, the easier it became to find stuff to do. Excited to share some of our favorites of the area with you!
A N A D V E N T U R E G U I D E :
T H I N G S T O D O I N
G A T L I N B U R G , T N
1. Explore Great Smoky Mountain National Park
image via Sean Fisher
Most popular trails include:
A L U M C A V E T R A I L
( R A T E D # 1 O F 5 1 H I K E S I N T H E S M O K Y M O U N T A I N N A T I O N A L P A R K )
Image via Benjamin Hans
Image via Alex White
image via George Mois
Trail Difficulty:
Extreme
Round Trip Hours: 8 Hrs
Round Trip Miles:
11.0 Mi
Elevation Gain:
2763 Ft
Tips: Choose footwear that is not only comfortable, but also designed to maximize your traction on rocks that may become slippery when wet. Once you reach Alum Cave, you may notice water dripping from the overhanging ledges. During winter, this water can form large icicles — some 2 to 3 feet long. Since falling icicles can be very dangerous and even deadly, bring a helmet to wear during cold weather.
Be aware of your surroundings along the trail and respect the wildlife indigenous to the area. Black bears are common along the Alum Cave Trail, specifically in the area between the trailhead and Arch Rock. Most will avoid human interaction, but be sure to follow bear safety protocols should you encounter one of these majestic beasts.
Address:
https://goo.gl/maps/nr3qD18BERp
C L I N G M A N S D O M E
( R A T E D # 2 O F 5 1 H I K E S I N T H E S M O K Y M O U N T A I N N A T I O N A L P A R K )
Misty, foggy and with scenery straight out of a fairytale book is Clingmans Dome: the highest point in all of the Smoky Mountains.
With an elevation of 6643 ft, it is not unusual for clouds to gather on this Smoky Mountain spot. We went two times within our trip and both times we got through our hike by walking through the clouds!
The boys climbed rocks, we stopped to admire their very unique pine trees that are most commonly found in Northern forests and were surprised with a heavenly weather of 60 degrees in July
(talk about dream temperature in the summer!)
On a clear day, panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains are visible from the observation tower located at the end of the trail. Now, both times we went we only got cloudy views but being we have never experienced being so high up in the clouds, the cloudy experience was even more magical to us.
DISTANCE:
Trail to the summit is only 0.5 mile making the roundtrip distance 1 mile.
DIFFICULTY:
The trail can be moderate to difficult because of its steep incline. The half-mile trail to the summit of Clingmans Dome is paved, but very steep. During the short hike, you will gain 332 feet, which makes the climb gradient almost 13%. The Clingmans Dome hike does feature several benches along the way if you need to catch your breath during the ascent.
TIPS:
Bring a rain jacket and layers. Temperature drops 20 degrees from surrounding areas so plan your layers according to season you visit. We went in the summer and a light jacket was needed.
ADDRESS:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Clingmans Dome Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
C H I M N E Y T O P S T R A I L
( R A T E D # 3 O F 5 1 H I K E S I N T H E S M O K Y M O U N T A I N N A T I O N A L P A R K )
image: Sean Fisher
Image: Sean Fisher
image: Andres Dugarte
Trail Difficulty
Moderate
Round Trip Hours
3 Hrs
Round Trip Miles
3.8 Mi
Elevation Gain
1487 Ft
What to Expect-
Expect a steep trail (without any switchbacks to ease the rapid elevation gain) that culminates in a challenging rock scramble. Your reward at the summit: one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Tips:
Despite the steep, strenuous trail, the Chimney Tops trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park during spring, summer and fall. Be prepared for plenty of company on the trail. The trailhead lots fill up quickly throughout the year, so plan to arrive early (before 9am) or try your luck late in the afternoon. If you hike to the top for sunset, plan to descend from the rock scramble before twilight fades.
Bring a headlamp for a safer descent. There are few hikers in winter when the snow and ice can make it too dangerous to summit the rock scramble.
Address
https://goo.gl/maps/WJZcicEwzJ12
2. Experience all that is Ober Gatlingburg
Image: Kristen Wasik
Located on the very top of Gatlinburg, Ober is a family amusement park and ski resort that literally has it all. From waterslides to indoor ice skating to snow skiing and tubing: one trip to Ober is all it took for this place to become our boys' favorite place in town.
There is snow and skiing in the winter
image surf tennessee
There's snow tubing from November to March
`````
Coolest thing about Ober may be how there is always something to do, snow, rain or shine.
Activities Include:
Skiing*
Snow Tubing*
Snow Boarding*
Mountain Coaster
Rock Wall Climbing
Indoor Ice Skating
Ice Bumper Cars
Scenic Chairlift
Wildlife Encounter
Mini Golf
Chair Swing
Amaze n Maze
Carousel
Arcade
Kiddie Land & Rides
*snow activities are seasonal. Check here to find out when slopes open!
Address:
Ober Gatlinburg
1310 Ski Mountain Rd
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
3. Head back to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
and experience what it's like to walk behind a waterfall at
G R O T T O F A L L S
image: Cammy Hursh
Image: Jaycie
Image: Larry Wolf
Image: Vezzani Photography
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Round Trip Hours
2 Hrs
Round Trip Miles
2.6 Mi
Elevation Gain
585 Ft
Address
Trillium Gap Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
4. Ride a cable car up to the little village of A N A K E E S T A and walk on a swinging
bridge 60 feet above the ground!
Others musts at Anakeesta include:
Having ice cream on top of a mountain!
5. See how taffy is made at the Ole Smoky Mountain Kitchen
Our favorite taffy flavor- vanilla!
Address:
744 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Well, that's some of our favorite spots in Gatlinburg!
The Smoky Mountain Condo
is listed through Airbnb
For availability, rates and to stay with us and experience all that
is the Great Smoky Mountains, click here
Thanks so much for reading!
love, Ray & Karla
