The Ultimate 3-Day Gatlinburg Trip: What to Do, See, and Explore

You’ve got three days to spend in friendly Gatlinburg. Use this handy itinerary to see the best views, visit the top attractions, and get a real feel for Appalachian life–all in one long weekend! 

Day One: National Park Highlights

Start with the forested Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Along this 5.5-mile loop, watch for black bears among the trees, and abundant wildflowers along the nearby creek. Stretch your legs with a hike to Grotto Falls, accessible from the motor trail.

Next, drive about 20 miles to Newfound Gap–with breathtaking views along the way. When you reach the spectacular Gap, linger over a picnic lunch. 

From Newfound Gap, a five-mile drive takes you to Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), the highest point in the national park. Make the half-mile walk from the parking area to the observation tower and you’re rewarded with spectacular views. You can see up to 100 miles away on clear days! 

Day Two: Downtown Gatlinburg

Pancakes are a delicious Southern tradition, so head for Pancake Pantry, a favorite of locals for more than 60 years, and fuel up for the day ahead.

Arrive at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies when it opens, so you get maximum time to pet stingrays, watch penguins waddle through the halls, and see keepers feeding the sharks. 

Spend the afternoon on a mountaintop without having to leave the city. From the downtown Parkway grab a chairlift ride to Anakeesta, a nature-themed park with ziplines, a mountain coaster, kids’ activities, shops and restaurants.

Stay for dinner at Anakeesta’s Cliff Top Restaurant, then glide back down the mountain. In the evening, imbibe Tennessee history with a moonshine tasting tour. See our Gatlinburg moonshine guide, linked here. 

Day Three: Mountain Crafts

Appalachian handcrafts are a Gatlinburg specialty. Today, ramble through the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, America’s largest independent group of artisans. Their workshops cluster along a picturesque eight-mile loop road. Visit the artisans, watch them work, and try your hand at crafting souvenirs you’ll treasure.

Stop at the unique Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum on your way out of the arts community. This charming spot boasts 20,000 pairs of shakers from all over the world, in countless shapes and themes. 

Tomorrow you’ll say goodbye to Gatlinburg, but when you return, you’ll find so much more to do here. Plan your next trip now and reserve a private, luxurious Gatlinburg cabin today.