Gatlinburg is a resort community and tourist destination that is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee. This community is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, museums, live shows, a theme park and shopping that is unlike anything else in the area. There is an abundance of recreational activities available within this seemingly small town, and thousands upon thousands of people visit here each year to enjoy what is offered locally.
Hiking
Visitors who come to Gatlinburg to view the impressive natural features in an active way will love trekking through the nearly 800 miles of hiking trails in Gatlinburg. There are virtually endless opportunities for hiking within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the areas surrounding it.
Those taking the back-country hikes should be aware of potentially dangerous conditions though. Wildlife, including black bears and wild boar, frequent the area; the staff does not modify the trails within the park and nature may occasionally cause a washed-out trail or fallen trees along narrow and steep paths.
Snow Skiing
If you come to Gatlinburg during the winter, snow skiing is a popular activity you may wish to take part in. Located high above the town itself is the ski resort and theme park known as Ober Gatlinburg. Visitors can reach Ober Gatlinburg by sky tram and be dropped in the middle of an abundance of entertainment options. Among the most popular reasons to visit are Ober Gatlinburg's eight ski trails, ranging from the simple "ski school" to the black diamond "grizzly" only for the most experienced skiers. In addition to the skiing opportunities, Ober Gatlinburg has an amusement park, shopping and restaurants all on property.
Golf
During the warmer months of the year, visitors to Gatlinburg can take on one of the area's several golf courses. Gatlinburg proper only has one golf course, Bent Creek Golf Course, but neighboring Sevierville and Pigeon Forge offer three more courses to choose from. Gatlinburg Golf Course is actually in Pigeon Forge near Dollywood, and Eagle's Mountain is located just down the road in Sevierville.
Rafting
From early spring until the late fall, whitewater rafting is a popular and pulse-pounding activity in the Gatlinburg area. The Upper and Lower Pigeon Rivers have rapids that are sure to entertain and add adventure to your trip. Local tour companies are the best way to raft the rivers, as they keep a close watch on changing conditions that could become dangerous at certain times.
Trout Fishing
One of the best sportsmen's activities in the Smoky Mountains is trout fishing. The mountain streams in the Gatlinburg area are full of rainbow trout that are there for the taking. You can stop in at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center on Highway 441 and buy a permit to use during your stay. There are several streams within the Gatlinburg city limits that are both convenient and full of fish.
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