If you’re planning a vacation to the Smoky Mountains area this spring, you’ll be glad to know that there are a lot of fun activities! Some are in Gatlinburg near our condos, while others are just down the road in Pigeon Forge! Need some recommendations? Take a moment to learn more about some of them! Explore our list of 5 things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this spring:
1. Gatlinburg’s Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain is one of Gatlinburg’s great attractions! It has both indoor and outdoor activities that visitors of all ages will love. Take the 2.1-mile route on the Aerial Tramway to see some stunning views of the Smokies from up to 300 feet in the air. You can also take a ride on the Tennessee Flyer, a fun mountain coaster! Riders control their speed along the 2750-foot course using a hand brake! If you love animals, stop by Ober Mountain’s Wildlife Habitat! Some of the residents there include river otters, owls, and flying squirrels. As for indoor activities, ride the Ice Bumper Cars, go ice skating, or ride the carousel! When all these activities work up an appetite, get a bite to eat at the Ober Mountain Cafe. Before you leave, pick out a souvenir at one of the shops!
2. Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyPark
If you love riding Ober Mountain’s Aerial Tramway, you should also visit Gatlinburg’s SkyPark for even more beautiful views! It is located at the top of Crockett Mountain and stretches 700 feet across a deep valley in a single span. First, visitors will ride on the SkyLift. It takes visitors from the heart of downtown Gatlinburg to 1,800 feet above sea level. Once at the top, visitors can walk to the bridge’s halfway point and stand on 30 feet of glass. Other great places to admire the scenery here include the Gatlinburg SkyTrail. It is a scenic walkway connecting each end of the SkyBridge. You can also relax in the seating on the SkyDeck.
3. Anakeesta in Gatlinburg
Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. It has lots of great activities. Go ziplining, ride one of the two mountain coasters, and more! Anakeesta is also home to a scenic Chondola chairlift! Don’t like being up so high? Visitors can still enjoy the sights while riding in the Ridge Rambler! When all that activity makes you hungry, you won’t have to go far! Anakeesta has many places for a delicious meal or snack. Some options include the Kephart Cafe and Clifftop Restaurant!
4. Outdoor Gravity Park
Pigeon’s Forge’s Outdoor Gravity Park specializes in a unique activity called zorbing. It originated in New Zealand, and Pigeon Forge is currently the only place to do it in the United States. Depending on the course, 1 to 3 visitors step into a giant 11-foot inflatable ball. It is then filled with 10 gallons of water. The park has 3 courses on which visitors roll inside the ball. One of them is called Fast Tracks. It definitely lives up to its name, as it is easy to gain speed as you barrel down the 10,000-foot hill! Other challenges include the Funnel and Extreme ZigZag courses! No matter which one you choose, it will be a great time!
5. Dollywood
Millions of visitors come to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge when the park opens its gates for the season each spring. They love the wide variety of things to do, such as experiencing the fun rides. There are thrilling roller coasters like Thunderhead and Wild Eagle. You can also take a relaxing old-fashioned train ride through the Smokies on the Dollywood Express. In addition to the rides, the park also features entertaining shows full of music, dancing, and even animals. If you get hungry, satisfy your appetite with delicious Southern comfort foods and other treats. Browse around the many gift shops to find fun souvenirs as well.
There are lots of things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this spring! For even more ideas, check out our other list of what to do in Gatlinburg!