Did you know that you can have a wonderful time in Gatlinburg TN without spending any money? It’s true! You’ll find plenty of free things to do throughout town, all of which are within just a few minutes of our Gatlinburg condo rentals! When you combine the affordable rates of our condos with these free activities, it is easy to see how a Smoky Mountain vacation can be a fantastic value! Here are the top 5 free things to do in Gatlinburg:
1. Take a Scenic Drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains miles of beautiful scenic roads, where you can admire the mountain views, watch for wildlife, and pass by historic sites. The Cades Cove Scenic Loop is a popular area, with plenty to see without leaving your vehicle. Other drives with gorgeous scenery include Upper Tremont Road, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, and Newfound Gap. If you plan to stop and get out to stretch your legs longer than 15 minutes, you will need to purchase a parking pass.
2. Explore NOC Gatlinburg’s Great Outpost
Another one of the free things to do in Gatlinburg is to visit the NOC Gatlinburg’s Great Outpost! As the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s flagship store, this massive shop features 18,000 square feet of outdoor gear from top brands like North Face and Patagonia. The Great Outpost is much more than a store though, as you can enjoy walking across the second floor swinging rope bridge, crawling through a kid-friendly “bear cave” and relaxing beside a giant fireplace!
3. People Watching in Downtown Gatlinburg
While strolling through the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, take a few moments to kick back on a bench and enjoy people watching! The Smoky Mountains are one of the most popular destinations in the country, so you’ll see folks from all over the world! From couples holding hands on a romantic date night to families with kids having a blast, you can people-watch for hours without spending a dime!
4. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
While the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is not technically free, the nominal admission fee goes towards any purchase in the gift shop! Besides, where else can you see more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the globe? One of the main purposes of the museum is to show the changes in society that can be found in shakers, so as you explore you’ll see the changes from ancient times to the 1500s and on through modern times!
5. Enjoy the Facilities at Mynatt Park
When it comes to the best free things to do in Gatlinburg, be sure to spend at least a few hours enjoying the facilities at Mynatt Park! This beautiful city owned park features pleasant walking trails, a children’s fishing stream, playground, tennis courts and other recreational facilities! Mynatt Park is also a delightful place for a picnic and there are plenty of grills and creekside picnic tables available for your use!
Check out all of our condos in Gatlinburg TN today to stay close to all of these fun and free things to do in Gatlinburg! We look forward to welcoming you to the Great Smoky Mountains!
