Franklin, TN

Fun Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee

We love exploring all there is to see & do in the Gatlinburg area.

Actually, I'm referring to those areas surrounding Gatlinburg more than the actual town of Gatlinburg itself.

Why? Because the town itself is so touristy -- with all the souvenir shops and fun things to do downtown -- that it gets pretty hectic and congested.

That's why we typically hang out somewhere between Townsend (to the west), Cosby (to the east) and Bryson City (to the south).

In fact, the only times we even venture into Gatlinburg is when we've got out-of-town visitors with us, and they've never been to Gatlinburg, or when we happen to be there over the 4th of July, and we want to venture in town to see the fireworks.

You simply can't beat the Gatlinburg/East Tennessee area for camping & exploring nature!

Here are the highlights from some of our trips to Gatlinburg, TN:

Black bears run wild In Gatlinburg!

Whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River

Some fun places to go offroading around Gatlinburg

Rent a Jeep in Gatlinburg!

Our favorite place to stay: Cosby Creek Cabins

Watch some Freestyle playboating & whitewater kayaking on the Ocoee River

Gatlinburg hosts the Nation's first 4th of July fireworks display each year

Auto touring around Gatlinburg

Tips for checking out the Fall colors in Tennessee

TIP: Plan your trip wisely... Gatlinburg can get pretty congested during peak season. Each Fall, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg gets 1 million visitors each and every October alone!