Top 10 nature & wildlife things to do in Gatlinburg

1. Cades Cove mountain heritage tour

Five-hour tour by van, including Cades Cove’s 11-mile loop, stops at historic sites, scenic views, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

“Our guide, Philip, picked up my wife and me right outside our hotel. We were lucky to be the only two passengers in the van, making for a very private and almost intimate experience in Cades Cove. Phil was dedicated to ensuring we had the best time possible, and his extensive knowledge of the area was unmatched. He shared a wealth of photos on his phone showcasing the original residents and settlers, which vividly brought the scenery to life. Otherwise, it might have only been views of fields, streams, and historic buildings.”— barryf700

2. Guided night hike to see synchronous fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains

Two-hour guided night hike in Gatlinburg — view rare synchronous fireflies and enjoy nature's sounds and sights.

3. Guided family-friendly hike in the Smoky Mountains

Two-hour guided hike in the Smoky Mountains — explore forest trails and a creek, suitable for families and beginners.

“I had a fun and informative hike on a rainy day in Gatlinburg. Luci, our friendly guide, shared a lot of interesting historical insights about the area. I definitely recommend her! The trail is fairly easy but has some inclines.”— Lori_R

4. Old Growth Forest hike to the highest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Strenuous trail hike through an old roadbed to a stunning waterfall, led by a certified naturalist guide.

5. 60-minute escape room adventures in Gatlinburg

One-hour gameplay in family-friendly escape rooms, accommodating up to eight players — choose from five unique themes including underwater and prison escape challenges.

“Caleb provided an excellent experience. I had a fantastic time in the escape room; it was enjoyable and full of energy.”— N4122CGchristianc

6. Half-day fly fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Four hours of guided fly fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains, including gear provided and options for trout preferences.

“There are few experiences that can compare to a beautiful day spent fishing in the park. It’s simply perfection with sunshine, stunning views, and an exceptional fishing guide. If you're looking to enhance your Smoky Mountains trip, reach out to Wes. This fly fishing experience is truly a 10-star adventure.”— JKAW_1973

7. Classic National Park Tour from Gatlinburg

Half-day tour by eco-friendly van — explore historic sites, scenic overlooks, and learn about the Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap.

“Jay was incredibly insightful and quite humorous, which made the journey engaging. I had a great time while also gaining knowledge about the Great Smoky Mountains. This experience is not to be missed.”— 148millier

8. Driving tour of high points in the Great Smoky Mountains

Three hours in a comfortable vehicle — visit Clingmans Dome, learn about Native American history and logging impact on the forest, with optional short walk through the unique spruce-fir forest.

“Kyndel, our guide, was friendly, funny, and very knowledgeable. She took her time with us and we truly appreciated her. We gained valuable insights into the area's flora and history. Even though our guided hike the following day was canceled because of the weather, she sent us texts with directions for a couple of shorter hikes we could do on our own that same day. The only thing I would have preferred was a few more stops for scenic views.”— Dream26869940666

9. Clingmans Dome hike in the Great Smoky Mountains

A guided hike through the highest section of the Appalachian Trail, including a climb to the Clingmans Dome observation tower for panoramic views.

“The view at the top is stunning, showcasing a magnificent landscape. Be ready for a steep walk from the parking lot, and expect it to be windy up there. The area is gorgeous, so make sure to visit the visitor center beforehand to purchase a $5 parking pass. You'll find plenty of informative displays and some interesting shops in the center. Arriving early is advisable; I got there around 9:30 with no parking issues. Also, don't miss Mingus Mill, which is a picturesque old mill worth a brief visit.”— J1010SKkirank

10. Scenic tour through the Smokies to Oconaluftee Valley

Four hours by comfortable vehicle — traverse scenic roads, visit historic Cherokee sites, and spot elk in Oconaluftee Valley.

“Phillip Bateman reached out the evening before our tour to confirm he would pick us up from our hotel in Gatlinburg. He arrived on time the next day to meet my husband and me, and we were the sole participants in the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed the journey through the mountains, where he shared his extensive knowledge about the local Indigenous tribes. We also visited Cherokee, North Carolina. Phillip stood out as both personable and well-informed about the region's flora, fauna, and tribal history. We highly recommend Phillip Bateman and his company for tours in this area. The experience was exceptional.”— Y629CPmaryw