Attractions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The sprawling landscape encompasses lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. An observation tower tops Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, offering scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.

At Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, our mission is to provide a top quality, world-class, marine life facility that fosters environmental education, conservation and research while simultaneously providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Anakeesta is a Cherokee Indian word referring to high ground, literally meaning “the place of the balsams.”

Today, the word is most often associated with a massive rock layer known as the Anakeesta Formation that encompasses many of the peaks in our part of the Smoky Mountains. You can see it high above Gatlinburg in Charlie’s Bunion, Chimney Tops, and Mount Kephart. We chose the name Anakeesta to capture the authentic Smokies heritage that our guests will experience among the treetops at the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. Anakeesta is located on 70 acres of pristine forested land nestled in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is an American franchise, founded by Robert Ripley, which deals in bizarre events and items so strange and unusual that readers might question the claims. Originally a newspaper panel, the Believe It or Not feature proved popular and was later adapted into a wide variety of formats, including radio, television, comic books, a chain of museums, and a book series.

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407′ observation tower that overlooks beautiful Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Our tower is served by two elevators with a capacity of 20 persons each. Ride our safe and comfortable glass elevators over 400’ to our observation deck for a 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.

The view from the Gatlinburg Space Needle is an unequaled panorama of beauty year round which is only enriched with our free view finders. But, it’s more than a view; it’s also an information-packed experience thanks to our Higher Learning exhibits, an educational feature rich in facts and history about Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

The Best Seat in Gatlinburg 1,800 FEET HIGH at the top of Crockett Mountain, experience breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Spectacular views of the lush forests and majestic mountains are enjoyed on the downhill ride since the area is surrounded on three sides by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Our main goal is to provide you with the best and latest on all-things downtown Gatlinburg. From hotels to attractions and just all-around advice on things to do in downtown Gatlinburg, we have you covered. So, check back often and soon for the best advice on what to do on your Gatlinburg vacation.

Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area offers mountaintop fun for visitors of all ages. Ice skating, outdoor activities, shopping & dining…plus Skiing, snowboarding & tubing (winter).

Dollywood’s Splash Country is the perfect mountain oasis for families to cool down and chill out this summer. Located adjacent to Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country features a variety of water attractions for both the thrill-seekers and pool-loungers in your family. Add in a private retreat and a delicious poolside treat, and you crew is set for the perfect day of togetherness in the Smoky Mountain sunshine.

Dollywood is a theme park jointly owned by entertainer Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. It is located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains metroplex in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Roller coaster through forest terrain, featuring individual cars with brakes & night-ride options.