by Mary Clark

Created on: January 23, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Outdoor activities in Gatlinburg Tennessee, the Gateway to the Smokies.

Located in the heart of the Smokies, Gatlinburg is more than a tourist town. Of course, you will find a multitude of shops, artisan malls, wedding chapels, and your typical tourist style restaurant and attractions in Gatlinburg, but those of us who love this town in all seasons know that the beauty and allure of its natural surroundings are what draw us to return. Very few visitors to this area see much beyond the glitz and glamour of the 441 strip, which forms the main artery through Gatlinburg. However, the outdoor enthusiast knows that the real action in Gatlinburg lies far beyond the asphalt streets and paved sidewalks.

A required stop upon arriving in Gatlinburg is Sugarlands Visitor Center. Once you hit the heart of Gatlinburg, the information you locate will be for the tourist attractions, not outdoor adventures. On our first trip to the area, we purchased a copy of Hiking Trails of the Smokies at the visitor center. That was in 1994 and we still utilize the information in this book today.

Hot Hiking Spots:

Alum Cave Bluff Trail remains one of the most popular trails in the Smokies. The hike is moderate in difficulty but the scenery well worth the effort. Hikers have the choice to stop at the Bluff and return to the base of the trailhead, or continue up the mountain to the scenic Mount LeConte. The degree of difficulty as you near Cliff Top, a scenic lookout at Mount LeConte increases.

Chimney Tops is another great day hike in the same area as Alum Cave. Worth mentioning though, for your hiking enjoyment is that both trails are popular ones and can be quite crowded at times. The best time to undertake these hikes are early in the morning on a weekday.

Chimney Tops is a more strenuous hike than the one to Alum Cave but the views from the top are simply indescribable and worth every effort required to haul your body up the mountainside to the top. If you are not in top physical condition, you can still navigate the Chimney Top trail, simply rest as needed, and keep yourself well hydrated on the climb. The rate of incline on this trail can get rather steep at times. Another cautionary note to mention is that leaving the trail at the top is dangerous. While it may be enticing to tackle the rock outcroppings up there, it is too dangerous to attempt.

Other great day hikes in the area include Rainbow Falls, Charles Bunion, and Porters Creek. Each hike offers you a beautiful and different perspective of the Smoky Mountains.

By now, you can discern that I am a fan of hiking but that is not all that Gatlinburg has to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Grab a raft and tackle some white water. If you are an angler, pick up a pole and hook a few trout. Prefer to see the Smokies on horseback, well, saddle up and hit some trails.

Summertime is not the only time stop by for a visit either. Ober Gatlinburg has eight ski slopes for you to conquer, two beginner slopes, four intermediate ones, and two advanced trails for those possessing an adventurous spirit. The Grizzly, an advanced trail is 3800 feet long with a vertical drop of 556 feet. Ober Gatlinburg also has an indoor ice skating rink and recently added a snow tubing park to their winter sport offerings.

Whatever your outdoor pleasure, I am sure you will find it in the Gatlinburg area and surrounding mountain communities.

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