Are you looking for things to do in Gatlinburg off the beaten path? Whether it’s your first time visiting or your hundredth, you’ll love discovering the lesser known things to do in town! Keep reading to explore some of the hidden gems in Gatlinburg that you won’t want to miss.
1. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
One of the best hidden gems in Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This 8-mile loop is the largest independent organization of artisans in the country and features more than 80 artists and craftsmen! You can explore a wide assortment of shops that offer handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to wood carvings to pottery to leather goods and so much more! While you shop, you can talk to the artisans and learn more about what they do. Also along this loop are various restaurants, coffee shops, and candy stores where you can grab a homemade snack, meal, or beverage.
2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Do you want to experience the Great Smoky Mountains without traveling far from the heart of Gatlinburg? One of the hidden gems in Gatlinburg you should explore is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail! This 5.5-mile, one-way loop road travels through the forest and along a mountain stream. You’ll see historical structures such as cabins, barns, and mills. It’s also common to spot wildlife like black bears! You can just take a peaceful, scenic drive along this route, or you can stop at one of the trailheads to get out and explore nature on foot. Some of these trails even lead to breathtaking waterfalls!
3. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
If you’re looking for hidden gems in Gatlinburg, you won’t want to miss the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. This is the only museum of its kind in the world! It features more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers as well as a huge collection of pepper mills. These shakers range in size and shape and include both traditional and unusual forms, such as food items, animals, and works of art! After you explore the museum, you can purchase your very own unique salt and pepper shaker set in the gift shop!
4. Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion
Do you enjoy a good scare? Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion offers a frightfully fun time for those who dare to enter! This hidden gem in Gatlinburg can be found on River Road just a few blocks from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. As you make your way through the eerie corridors and secret passageways of this haunted mansion, you’ll find restless residents lurking around every corner. Keep your eyes peeled because they may even be sneaking up behind you!
5. CLIMB Works
Are you looking for an outdoor adventure? CLIMB Works is one of the most hidden gems in Gatlinburg, located a short drive from downtown. This is the closest zipline to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers panoramic mountain views during your adventure! Your zipline tour starts with a UTV ride up the mountainside, and from there you’ll soar high above the treetops on 6 dual ziplines. You’ll also encounter 4 aerial bridges as well as a surprise ending at the final platform!
6. Elkmont Ghost Town
Another one of the can’t-miss hidden gems in Gatlinburg is Elkmont Ghost Town. This abandoned town can be found just outside of downtown. When the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established, Elkmont’s residents were given the option to sell their homes or stay in them for the remainder of their lives. 19 of the original structures have been maintained by the national park. Today, you can wander the row of historic homes and see the old chimneys and foundations of fallen cabins. Other notable landmarks include the Elkmont Troll Bridge, the cemetery, and the formerly grand Wonderland Hotel.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
You should definitely find these hidden gems in Gatlinburg during your next vacation! Do you want to make the most of your trip? Stay close to all action in town at our Gatlinburg vacation rentals! These rentals are located in downtown Gatlinburg within walking distance to many popular attractions, restaurants, and shops. Browse our selection of Gatlinburg condo rentals to find the perfect place to stay for your next vacation!
