Are you looking for unusual things to do in Gatlinburg, TN? Whether you’re visiting Gatlinburg for the first time or you’re a frequent visitor, you’ll love exploring the lesser known things to do in town! Here’s a list of hidden gems in Gatlinburg to discover on your next trip:
1. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is unlike any other museum in the area! This is one of the hidden gems in Gatlinburg that you won’t want to miss. Founded by a passionate collector, this museum features an extensive collection of more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers as well as an array of pepper mills. These shakers range from vintage designs to unusual, artistic creations. At the end of your visit, you can explore the gift shop to bring home your very own unique salt and pepper shaker set!
2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
If you want to experience nature without traveling far from downtown Gatlinburg, take a scenic drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. You can easily access this loop road from the main Parkway. Just turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park, then take the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The trail travels through the forest, along a stream, and past historical cabins, barns, and mills. You may even get to spot some local wildlife! There are also trailheads along the way where you can stop to explore nature on foot and see breathtaking waterfalls!
3. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Another one of the best hidden gems in Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This is the largest independent organization of artisans in the country! The 8-mile loop features more than 80 artists and craftsmen who offer a wide assortment of handmade items. You can talk to the artists and learn more about their craft as you explore their goods. You can find everything from pottery to jewelry to woodcarvings and much more! There’s also a number of candy stores, coffee shops, and restaurants where you can grab a snack or a meal.
4. Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion
Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion is another one of the hidden gems in Gatlinburg that you may have never noticed before. It’s located on River Road just a few blocks away from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This haunted attraction is perfect for anyone looking for a good scare! As you wind through eerie corridors and secret passageways in this 3-story haunted mansion, you’ll face your deepest fears! Restless residents are lurking around every corner and sneaking up behind you. Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion is open year-round, so you don’t have to wait until Halloween to have frightful fun!
5. CLIMB Works
If you’re looking for an adventure, head over to CLIMB Works! This hidden gem in Gatlinburg is located off the beaten path a short drive from downtown. It is the closest zipline to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Your tour starts with a UTV ride up the mountainside. You will then zip side by side on 6 dual zipline runs that soar high above the treetops, offering panoramic mountain views! The adventure also includes 4 aerial bridges and ends with a rappel from the final platform. If you want to see fantastic views and experience high-speed thrills, you need to visit CLIMB Works!
These are some of the hidden gems in Gatlinburg that you’ll definitely want to find during your next vacation. To make the most of your trip, you should stay close to all the action! Our hotel is located in downtown Gatlinburg within walking distance to fun attractions, delicious dining, and unique shops. Browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms and book your stay today!
