Life is a series of journeys, some educational and necessary for growth, some sad and important to our understanding of life, and some, our favorite kind of journeys, are fun and exciting and exist in our lives to ensure we become well rounded individuals. Vacations often fall into the latter category, but sometimes they can be more. Your nature and wildlife journey to Gatlinburg is a perfect example of one that is both fun and educational and our guide will be your map to the journey.
Day 1: Unpack and Explore Close to Home With These Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Your first day will mostly be spent in travel, but once you arrive at your Cabin Rental Store cozy cabin, you’ll still get to experience a little bit of nature with these things to do near Gatlinburg TN! Many of our cabins are surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian countryside. Take a walk and stretch those legs that have been crammed in small places for hours. As you walk, don’t be surprised when you’re visited by some of the more social species of wildlife; keep your camera handy!
Day 2: Talk to the Animals
Chances are they will answer, even if you don’t understand the words they are saying! Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, located atb109 Nascar Drive in nearby Sevierville is home to over 140 types of wildlife, reptiles, and birds and is the perfect adventure for your first day in paradise! Tickets are inexpensive, $12.99 for adults, $10.99 for Seniors, $7.99 for kids 3-12, and free for children under 3, making it a budget friendly journey as well!
Day 3: Mountain Adventures
Smoky Mountain Adventures, located at 385 East Parkway in Gatlinburg, is destined to offer the fondest memories of your Tennessee vacation! Offering a variety of family-friendly tours of the Smoky Mountains, their knowledgeable and personable guides will take you to the places that will make you fall in love with out mountain town!
Day 4: Ride the Gentle Giants
Feel closer to those brave pioneers that first tamed the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains with a horseback riding tour from Sugarland Riding Stables, located at the Gatlinburg Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park off US 441. Offering a variety of tours for a variety of skill levels, prices start at $35 per person for an hour-long ride and top out at $140 per person for a four-hour tour. The latter is designed for more experienced riders looking for things to do near Gatlinburg TN and if you’re traveling with very young children, you’re going to have to skip it altogether. The horseback riding tours are only for people aged 5 years and up.
Day 5: For the Birds
Gatlinburg is a bird watcher’s paradise, so pull up your birding apps on your smart phone, unpack your binoculars, and put on your most comfortable walking shoes because we’re going on a bird watching expedition! Home to over 240 species of birds, the most popular watching spots will be found on trails such as Grotto Falls, Huskey Gap, and Alum Cave.
Day 6: No Sleeping With these Fishes
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, 88 River Road, is an exciting member of the Ripley’s family and allows you and your family to get up close and personal with those who dwell underwater! You can splash with the manta rays, have sleepovers with the sharks (not in the tank, of course!) or simply explore everything that is wonderful about this special fun things to do in Gatlinburg! Ticket prices and information can be found on their site.
Day 7: Do you REALLY Have to Go?
Without warning, the end of your wildlife and nature journey in Gatlinburg has ended but not before you spend a final few hours enjoying the natural beauty of your cabin! Relax with a glass of wine on the back deck and if you stay quiet, the chances of a sweet deer or two venturing out to visit are high! Reserve yours today!
