horses in cades cove

Top 5 Outdoor Activities in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains for Families

When you stay with us, you want to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of fun outdoor activities in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains you can enjoy! From hiking in the national park to ziplining through the trees, you can spend time together as a family and make memories together. Here are the top 6 outdoor activities in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains for families:

1. Go on a Nature Walk in the National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park signOne of the best family activities you can do outside in the Smokies is going on a nature walk or hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are several hiking trails that are ideal for small children and older adults, such as Elkmont Nature Trail and Cataract Falls Trail. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate to difficult, so just gauge how far you think your family can go, and then get out and enjoy the mountains!

2. Play at Mynatt Park

Mynatt Park is right outside of downtown Gatlinburg. It is a great place for families to go for picnics, sit by the creek, walk around the track, and let kids play on the playground. It’s a great free outdoor activity in Gatlinburg to take advantage of when you don’t want to spend any money but still want to have fun as a family!

3. Ride the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster

Gatlinburg Mountain CoasterWant to see the mountain woods in a new way? You need to take your family to ride the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. You can ride in a single or double car, and gravity pulls you along the track, so you can go very fast. If you aren’t a speed demon, there is a hand brake so you can slow down a little bit. Choose to ride the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster during the day and again at night for a completely different experience!

4. Horseback Riding at Cades Cove Riding Stables

Do you have animal lovers in your family? Take them horseback riding at Cades Cove Riding Stables! The horses will take you along trails through the mountains as you follow a guide on their own horse. If you have small children with you, you can double up on one horse. People of all ages enjoy riding horses at Cades Cove Riding Stables!

5. Whitewater Rafting at Smoky Mountain Outdoors

white water rafting in the smoky mountainsAnother one of the best activities in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains is whitewater rafting. At Smoky Mountain Outdoors, you get to race down the Pigeon River on a raft and have the adventure of your vacation! If you have small children with you, go on the lower river trip. If you have older kids and teens, try the upper river trip. Everyone will have a blast at Smoky Mountain Outdoors!

These are just some of the great outdoor activities in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains you can enjoy as a family. Want to know what else there is to do when you stay with us? Check out these other attractions in Gatlinburg for some ideas!