If you are looking for the perfect Labor Day getaway, look no further than the beautiful town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The town is nestled at the foot of the Smoky Mountains and it is the perfect place to bid the summertime farewell. You can enjoy hiking, rafting and a lot of family activities on your Gatlinburg Labor Day getaway!
Hiking
The autumn leaves are just beginning to change colors in the early days of September. You will find hiking trails that offer a breathtaking view of the mountains. Laurel Falls is an easy 2.5-mile hike that takes you under an 80-foot waterfall. There is a walkway and an upper and lower trail here and it is a great place for a photo opportunity. If you are in the mood for something a bit more challenging on your Gatlinburg Labor Day vacation, you can head over to Ramsey Cascades. The trail is a fairly steep four miles, but the view once you get up to the top makes it all worthwhile.
The Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Take a ride to the top of this 408-foot tower and you will get a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. When you are done enjoying the scenery, you can get a huge slice of New York-style pizza and play video games in the tower’s old-school arcade.
Go Rafting
There is nothing quite as thrilling as a rafting trip down the Pigeon River and Labor Day is your last chance to do it. There are several different companies that offer guided tours. If you are feeling brave, you can always rent a raft and go it alone. You have a good chance of seeing some adorable animals along the way, such as black bears and deer.
Hit the Theme Parks
The Dollywood theme park has amusement rides, mini-golf, arcades and more, plus Dollywood’s Splash Country is a top-rated waterpark. Dollywood also features traditional crafts, plenty of live music, and is home to the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame. Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area has plenty of snow-centric activities in winter, but it also has an amusement park, complete with roller coaster, miniature golf, and ice bumper cars for warmer months. And located right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta’s mountaintop park offers great views from the observation tower, as well as ziplines, a single-rail mountain coaster, a treetop skywalk and more.
The Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community Trail
Explore Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Trail, where over 100 artists and craftsmen have galleries, workshops, and studios. Located on the north side of Gatlinburg, the Community is dedicated to preserving traditional mountain arts and crafts, including painters, sculptors, soap and candle makers, broom makers, glass blowers, potters and weavers, silversmiths, carvers and more. Browse through a variety of items, from fun, kitschy souvenirs to beautiful, handcrafted dulcimers.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
You can’t visit the Gatlinburg area without at least one visit to the park: the world-famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hike and bike along dusty, rocky trails with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys below. Hike through quiet old forests, open grassy meadows, and alongside rushing streams complete with cascading waterfalls. Explore remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain communities, cemeteries and ghost towns. Take Instagram-worthy photos, do some primo birdwatching and keep an eye out for the local wildlife. You can also stay in the comfort of your car and take a self-driving tour of the park. A few of the more popular spots to hike to are Mingus Mill, Laurel Falls, Elkmont Ghost Town, Chimney Top and Cades Cove.
Enjoy the View
Enjoy the view! Climb Mt. LeConte, Clingmans Dome, or one of the other tall peaks in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or go for man-made experiences like the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, Gatlinburg SkyLift and Sky Bridge, and the aforementioned Gatlinburg Space Needle. The SkyBridge (the longest pedestrian cable bridge in the country) is worth a visit. Located at the top of the SkyLift, about 500 feet higher than Gatlinburg itself, its single span stretches almost 700 feet across the valley. And you can see that valley from the glass floor in the center of the bridge.
Where to Stay for Your Gatlinburg Labor Day Getaway
Labor Day in Gatlinburg is a popular time to visit and accommodations are very in demand. Why not spend your Smoky Mountain vacation in a spacious cabin? The Cabin Rental Store offers homes that are rustic on the outside and modern on the inside. We have cabins with multiple bedrooms and amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and huge backyards. We can accommodate large groups and we can find you an accessible rental if necessary. Our homes go fast, so call us today to book your stay for Labor Day in Gatlinburg!
