5 day itinerary for Gatlinburg, Tn

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for 5 days in Gatlinburg, TN that is family-friendly and includes parks and green spaces:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

• Arrive in Gatlinburg and check into your hotel or vacation rental.
• Take a stroll down the main strip of Gatlinburg to get a feel for the town and its attractions.
• Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center to learn about the park and pick up maps and information.
• Spend some time exploring the park's Sugarlands Visitor Center and hiking trails.

Day 2: Hiking and Scenic Drives

• Start the day with a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some great options for families include the Laurel Falls Trail, the Alum Cave Trail, and the Chimney Tops Trail.
• After lunch, take a scenic drive through the park on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This 5.5-mile one-way loop takes you past historic buildings, waterfalls, and beautiful mountain scenery.
• End the day with a visit to Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and amusement park that offers year-round activities like ice skating, mini golf, and a wildlife encounter.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures

• Spend the morning at Anakeesta, an outdoor adventure park that features ziplining, a treetop canopy walk, and a mountain coaster.
• After lunch, head to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Walk across the bridge for stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
• Finish the day with a visit to the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains from its observation deck.

Day 4: Relaxation and Green Spaces

• Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at one of Gatlinburg's many cafes or restaurants.
• Spend the morning at Mynatt Park, a beautiful green space with walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.
• After lunch, visit the Gatlinburg Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike that follows the Little Pigeon River and offers great views of the park.
• End the day with a visit to the Gatlinburg Farmers Market, which features local produce, crafts, and live music.

Day 5: Departure

• Enjoy a final breakfast in Gatlinburg before checking out of your hotel or vacation rental.
• If time allows, take a scenic drive through the Foothills Parkway, which offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and surrounding countryside.
• Depart Gatlinburg feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a wonderful family vacation.