When you think about Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, you likely picture mountain views, outdoor adventures, shopping, and moonshine distilleries. While there are many well-known attractions in Gatlinburg, there are also plenty of hidden gems and one-of-a-kind activities to discover! Here are some of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains that you can’t find anywhere else:
1. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Exploring the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! This is the largest independent organization of artisans in the country, with more than 80 craftsmen and artists situated along an 8-mile loop. You can find this creative community just a short drive outside of downtown Gatlinburg. Explore the many shops to find one-of-a-kind crafts and artwork made by hand. You can even watch some of the artisans at work and ask them about their crafts! There’s also a variety of unique places to grab a snack or drink along the way.
2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Another one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg is driving the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This is one of the best Smoky Mountain scenic drives, and it can be easily reached from downtown Gatlinburg! This narrow, winding road travels through forests, alongside the river, and past historical structures. It invites you to slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. This 5.5-mile, one-way loop also features a number of hiking trailheads, including trails to popular Smoky Mountain waterfalls, where you can get out and experience nature up close!
3. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is one of the unique things to do in Gatlinburg that you won’t want to miss! This is the only museum dedicated exclusively to salt and pepper shakers! During your visit, you’ll see displays of more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers as well as pepper mills from all around the world. These sets range from vintage collectibles to quirky shapes to pop culture icons. This is also one of the best cheap things to do in Gatlinburg because admission costs only a few dollars and is then applied toward a purchase in the gift shop!
4. Hillbilly Golf
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Gatlinburg, Hillbilly Golf should definitely be on your list! This is a one-of-a-kind place to play miniature golf that’s unlike any other. To begin your adventure, you’ll take a ride up the incline to the top of the mountain 300 feet above town. From there, you can play one of the two 18-hole mini golf courses on the mountainside. Each offers its own unique challenges and mountain-themed hazards. This is the only place in Gatlinburg where you can play mini golf on the side of a mountain!
5. Elkmont Ghost Town
If you love history, one of the most unique things to do near Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is exploring Elkmont Ghost Town. This section of the park provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. It was once a bustling lodging community and vacation destination before it was abandoned and then preserved as part of the national park. You can walk amongst the ruins of old structures and enjoy the peaceful yet slightly eerie atmosphere. There’s nothing else like it in the Smokies!
6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
While it might be one of the most popular attractions in town, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! still offers some of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg! It’s unlike any of the other Gatlinburg museums. You can explore a variety of exhibits featuring unusual artifacts from around the world, from shrunken heads to wooly mammoth legs! You’ll also see weird artwork, optical illusions, and unbelievable world records. With hands-on interactives and quirky photo ops, there’s something for every age and interest at this Gatlinburg attraction!
7. Gatlinburg SkyBridge
One of the can’t-miss unique things to do in Gatlinburg is walking across the record-setting SkyBridge at Gatlinburg SkyPark. This is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, stretching almost 700 feet across a deep valley. That’s longer than two football fields! From the bridge, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Gatlinburg below and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. At the halfway point, you can look down to the forest floor below through glass floor panels. This is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll never forget!
Stay Somewhere Unique During Your Gatlinburg Vacation
These are some of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg that you won’t want to miss! Are you also looking for a place to stay that’s unlike anywhere else? Our Gatlinburg hotel stands out from all the rest with special amenities, fantastic deals, and an interesting history. Find out more about our unique features that other hotels in Gatlinburg don’t have and start planning your one-of-a-kind vacation experience!
