This Is Tennessee's Quirkiest Little Town
Situated near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just about anyone in Tennessee will recommend Gatlinburg as a basecamp for exploring the Smokies. What many don’t realize, however, is how much the town itself has to offer. Between its public trolley system, impressive aquarium, and large indoor arcade, Gatlinburg has plenty of quirky attractions. Travelers hoping to explore its nature, meanwhile, will find some seriously unique ways to do so, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain coasters. Even if you are already familiar with Gatlinburg, many of these attractions will likely surprise you!
Gatlinburg’s History
Native Americans and Europeans alike have been attracted to the Gatlinburg area for centuries. The Cherokee once used the land for hunting, following the Indian Gap Trail, a route that connected several present-day towns, as they roamed the mountains and riverbanks. European settlers started to arrive in the early 19th century, calling the area a “Land of Paradise.” In the following decades, the Smokies attracted waves of loggers, with logging becoming one of the town’s key industries. However, that changed in 1934 with the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, following congressional legislation to protect natural areas. In just one year, annual park visitation soared from 40,000 to 500,000!
Today, Gatlinburg continues to be an important basecamp for the national park’s 14 million annual visitors. But beyond its role as a gateway to the Smokies, Gatlinburg has a quirky spirit of its own that is equally deserving of exploration.
Gatlinburg Trolley
Some cities have buses, while others have trains. Gatlinburg, however, has trolleys! The Gatlinburg trolley service runs daily, serving the community 365 days a year. The best part? It is free! There are never fares or fees to take the trolley, meaning that you can hop on and off as much as you want. It is also a great option for those heading downtown who want to avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot. Gatlinburg’s trolley system dates back to 1980, when the town established six trolleys to increase public transportation in the area. Today, there are over 20 trolleys in the network. Visitors can stop by the Gatlinburg Welcome Center for a free trolley map or download one from the official Gatlinburg tourism website.
Adventure Sports
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoying the outdoors in Gatlinburg is a given. But if you are looking for a quirkier way to explore the town’s natural surroundings, consider trying a more adventurous sport! Travelers wanting to embark on an adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting expedition can do so with one of Gatlinburg’s local outfitters, such as the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which has been a leading whitewater rafting agency in the area for more than 50 years.
To see the mountains from above, make sure to plan a day at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg’s premier adventure park. In the park, guests will find the iconic TreeTop Skywalk, a series of bridges that span over 800 feet, hanging roughly 50 to 60 feet in the air. At the park’s AnaVista Tower, meanwhile, visitors can view Gatlinburg from the highest point in town! Finish off your experience at Anakeesta with the Hellbender Mountain Coaster, a newly opened ride with twists, drops, and beautiful mountain views.
Craving something a little bit more slow-paced? You may be interested in a horseback riding excursion with Sugarlands Riding Stables. These stables offer guided horseback riding tours with no more than 9 riders per excursion and are suitable for riders of all levels, taking visitors through trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each trail ride lasts approximately two hours.
Indoor Attractions
After exploring the outdoors, make sure to set aside a day or two to explore some of the quirky indoor attractions around Gatlinburg. The Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies makes a good first stop. This aquarium features all sorts of marine life, like sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and thousands of fish and other sea creatures. Visitors can also participate in interactive exhibits, having the opportunity to touch jellyfish and stingrays! Programmed activities during the day include penguin parades, feeding shows, glass bottom boat rides through the Shark Lagoon, a penguin encounter, and more.
Fannie Farkle’s is another Gatlinburg favorite, operating in the community for over 40 years and perfect for anyone who loves good food and classic games. Here, visitors will find an elaborate arcade, home to some of the latest games as well as some of the classics. Just a few of the games that guests may be able to play include Skee Ball, Pac-Man, Ticket Time, Robot Storm, and Sink It. At the end, guests can trade their points for all kinds of prizes, including stuffed animals, Disney figurines, bicycles, and even PlayStation systems. Between all of the arcade games, enjoy some of Fannie Farkle’s classic eats, such as the Legendary Ogle Dog, a beloved snack made from a secret recipe that pays tribute to one of the town’s founders.
Final Thoughts
While Gatlinburg has all of the traditional tourist activities to check out, it has just as many eccentric ones. Regardless of your age, you can have fun in town whitewater rafting, horseback riding, visiting the aquarium, or playing at Fannie Farkle’s arcade. For unforgettable views of the mountains, places like Anakeesta allow you to see the area from a unique perspective. As you begin to plan your summer travels, make sure to keep Gatlinburg on your radar for something different!
