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4 Outdoor Activities in Gatlinburg for Teenagers

Planning a vacation can be stressful when you have kids, especially when you have teenagers. You may be worried that your vacation destination won’t have enough activities and attractions to keep your kids entertained. Luckily for you, Gatlinburg is filled with fun things to do for everyone. Here are 4 outdoor activities in Gatlinburg that your teenager will love:

1. White Water Rafting

raftingIf you’ve raised a kid who loves looking for adventure, then you’ve come to the right place! Gatlinburg and the Smokies are filled with tons of thrilling activities that are sure to give your kids an adrenaline rush. One activity we recommend is trying out white water rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors! Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers various trips for the whole family. If your teenager wants to take a more relaxed ride down the river, you can try the Lower Pigeon River Rafting Trip. However, if they’re really looking to face the elements, try the Extreme Upper River Rafting trip, with class 3 and 4 rapids!

2. A Round of Mini Golf

When your family explores downtown Gatlinburg, make sure to swing by Gatlin’s Fun Center and try their award-winning mini golf courses! If your kids love some friendly competition, then they will get a kick out of the 45 holes of fun offered at Gatlin’s! These courses are set in a unique, scenic hillside, despite being conveniently located downtown. Throughout the course, you’ll learn about the rich Appalachian history of the area, making this a fun and educational activity kids of all ages will love!

3. Exploring Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg Winter SignA trip to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without spending a day at Ober! This amazing amusement park and ski area offers awesome activities all year round making it one of the best outdoor activities in Gatlinburg for your teenagers! They can ski and snowboard in the Winter or try out the Ski Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide and Summer Tubing in the warmer months. You can even ride the chair lifts up to Ober from downtown Gatlinburg, giving you a 360 degree view of the beautiful Smoky Mountain area. We recommend taking this ride in the Fall so you can see all the beautiful Autumn colors come to life!

4. Horseback Riding

Explore the Smokies from a whole new perspective as you ride on the back of one of the beautiful horses at Sugarlands Riding Stables. Ride through the trials in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as experienced guides lead you and your horse through the wooded terrain. Take in the views and look for local wildlife during this unique family-friendly experience. Your teenagers will love getting to explore all the national park has to offer, all while feeling like a certified cowboy on the back of their horse. This is an experience they will never forget and will cherish as they grow older!

Now that you know about all the awesome outdoor activities in Gatlinburg for your teenagers, you can start planning your next trip to the Smokies. Looking for something a little different? Check out all of the fun things to do in the Smoky Mountain area! We look forward to seeing you!