A week in Gatlinburg is an all-encompassing travel experience. This location has a bit of everything to offer from nature walks and hiking to boating and fishing and tons of art and culture experiences. To ensure that you are able to truly experience all that Gatlinburg has to offer, here are some suggestions on where to go and what to see on your seven-day getaway with these activities to do in Gatlinburg.
Day 1 – The Forbidden Caverns
A cave tour of The Forbidden Caverns is sure to entertain everyone in your family as they participate in a guided tour of natural caves and caverns. There are more than over 8,350 registered caves in Tennessee, and The Forbidden Caverns are a popular local and tourist attraction among the many activities to do in Gatlinburg you can choose from!
455 Blowing Cave Rd
Sevierville, TN 37876
Day 2 – The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Easter Show
This is the annual premier showcase for the local artisans. This free event features independent artists from all across the Smokies at in the Gatlinburg Convention Center to share and present their work. Some of craft items sold include pottery, original carving and food. Admission is free when you attend these activities to do in Gatlinburg TN.
Gatlinburg Convention Center
234 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Day 3 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
In Gatlinburg, locals kickoff the official fall season with a 12 week-long celebration known as the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. This festival usually begins at the very beginning of the fall season and extends through the month of November. As a visitor, you’ll get to see how the locals celebrate the change of the seasons. This festival includes an official chili cook-off, several arts and crafts festivals as well as the official Trolley Ride of Lights. This town takes the autumn season seriously. You’ll see the entire town decorated with fall decorations including the ever-popular life-size scarecrow people.
Day 4 – The Ghost and Haunt Tour
With this ghost tour, you have the option of a guided foot tour, a van guided tour or an hour-long ghost hunt. Be prepared to have the skin on your arms stand on end as you learn about Gatlinburg’s own ghosts. In some cases, you may even be able to capture a ghost on your camera!
404 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Day 5 – First Independence Parade in the Nation
Independence Day is a pretty big deal in Gatlinburg. In fact, this small town prides itself on offering the first Independence Day celebration each year with all the celebratory activities beginning immediately at midnight. The Independence Day celebration starts off with the annual parade that stretches more than a mile. Because of the popularity of the event, you may want to get to the parade site early to get a good view. This parade is so popular that it has received numerous awards and national recognition. The Independence Day celebrations end with a bang with the Fireworks Finale. Make your way downtown to get some of the best sights of the Fireworks Finale.
Downtown Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(800) 568-4748
Day 6 – Activities to Do in Gatlinburg TN at Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
What is summertime without a good music festival? Well, the Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales invites you to enjoy the musical talents of local musicians. This event is a seven-week-long summer street performance festival. You’ll be able to listen to and enjoy a variety of different theatrical and musical performances. Some of the performers get into full character and share stories from various time frames that date back to the 1800s. To ensure that everyone gets a chance to really enjoy the festivities, the live performances are scheduled during the evening.
Downtown Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-4148
Day 7 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, come view and purchase the many handmade crafts from local, regional and national craftsmen. You’ll get to see craftsmen make their items as well. The Southeast Tourism Society considers this event one of the top events in the Southern United States. There is a cost for admission.
Gatlinburg Convention Center
(865) 436-7479
