5 of the Best Gatlinburg TN Attractions to Visit Year-Round
Gatlinburg is a four-season destination! While summer and fall are the two most popular times of the year for visitors, there are fun things to do throughout the whole year. Whether you want to visit during non-peak seasons to avoid the crowds, or you’d rather soak up the summer sun in Gatlinburg, you’ll always have plenty to do! To help you plan your vacation, we’ve made a list of 5 of the best Gatlinburg TN attractions to visit year-round.
1. Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain is known for its snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding. But, this Gatlinburg attraction has something to offer all throughout the year. Visit in the winter to hit the slopes, the fall to see the gorgeous foliage, the spring to see wildlife and the summer to try the summer tubing! A ride on the Aerial Tramway is a great experience during any time of year, offering gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains. Ober Mountain also has exciting mountain biking trails, a mountain coaster, an alpine slide, a scenic chairlift, a wildlife encounter and more! It’s one of the best places for the whole family to have fun no matter when you plan your vacation.
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most popular Gatlinburg TN attractions, and it’s one of the best to visit year-round because it’s indoors! Rain, snow or heat can’t get in your way of a great time exploring the aquarium. The Gatlinburg aquarium is home to all your favorite aquatic animals, like fish, sharks, stingrays and even a green sea turtle! Not only can you see all the animals, but you can interact with some too. Ripley’s offers unique experiences that allow visitors to touch jellyfish and horseshoe crabs, feed a sea turtle, waddle with penguins and even swim with the sharks and stingrays. A visit to Ripley’s Aquarium is worth it any day, any month of the year.
3. Anakeesta
Anakeesta is another can’t-miss attraction in Gatlinburg. This outdoor adventure park has quickly become one of the most popular places to visit. Your journey begins with a ride on the scenic chondola to the top of Anakeesta Mountain, or you can choose to ride to the top in one of their Ridge Rambler trucks! Once you’re at the top, the real fun begins. You’re surrounded by gorgeous views everywhere you turn, whether it’s fall foliage, snow-capped mountains in the winter, or plenty of green in the spring and summer. Anakeesta has ziplines, a mountain coaster, a treetop skywalk, shops, food and more. You’ll have plenty of options for things to do year-round at this attraction in Gatlinburg!
4. Gatlinburg SkyPark
The Gatlinburg SkyPark is constantly growing and adding new experiences for visitors to enjoy. What was once just a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift has turned into an unforgettable adventure with multiple activities. The attraction is also pet friendly, so your dog can enjoy the experience with you! Ride the SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain before stepping off on the SkyDeck. The SkyDeck offers plenty of places to relax and take in the views. Grab a bite to eat and drink or visit the gift shop in the SkyCenter, then walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge! The SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in America and stretches 680 feet across a deep valley. The Gatlinburg SkyTrail is the newest addition to the park, which is a quarter of a mile long and offers views of both the bridge and the mountains. Your family (and your furry friend!) will fall in love with the Gatlinburg SkyPark.
5. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle has been wowing visitors for years. You’ll ride in a glass elevator to the top of the observation tower, which is 407 feet tall! At the top, you’ll have panoramic views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains available year-round. There’s also free viewfinders that offer an educational experience! Once you’re finished taking in the views, head back down to have fun in Arcadia, a 25,000 square foot amusement center with the area’s largest redemption center. Then, visit Slice Pizza Bakery for some New York-style pizza and authentic Italian cuisine!
More Gatlinburg TN Attractions
We’ve told you about our favorite Gatlinburg TN attractions to go to year-round, but there is plenty more to do in the area no matter when you visit. Take a look at more things to do in Gatlinburg and start planning your next Smoky Mountain vacation!
