Hidden Gems in Gatlinburg, TN
Are you looking for hidden gems in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Read on for some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg that aren’t gimmicky.
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View Gatlinburg from above at the SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge.
Let me open by saying that if you love Gatlinburg’s neon lights, sugary moonshine, and over-the-top gimmicks, this post may not be for you. If you just want to eat in a restaurant that doesn’t have a massive light-up animatronic catfish erupting above a crowded buffet, welcome. This is a safe space.
I’ve been to Gatlinburg several times, and my reaction is always, “Dear God.” While my husband loves the constant stimulation and over-the-top attractions, I fall a little more on the “chill and authentic” end of the vacation spectrum, so I’m usually crawling the walls looking for a peaceful hideaway by the time we leave Gatlinburg city limits.
Can you relate? Never fear! There are still some really lovely experiences to be had in and around Gatlinburg, so I’m sharing my favorite finds below.
The River Walk is a peaceful spot in downtown Gatlinburg.
Best Gatlinburg Hidden Gems
Grab dinner AND drinks at The Greenbrier Restaurant.
For fine dining in an elegant but approachable atmosphere, make a reservation at the Greenbrier Restaurant. The inspired menu features creative and mouth-watering dishes that pay homage to traditional Appalachian flavors, and literally everything is delicious. Highlights from our meal included the corn spoon bread, the Nashville Hot Oysters with pickle “caviar,” and the Chicken Marsala.
The Dylan cocktail is also a must. After choosing between three specialty bourbons, your server will deliver flaming pecans on a stave from a wine barrel. They pop your glass over the pecans to extinguish the fire and fill your glass with rich smoke before flipping it over, adding frozen black cherry ice balls, vanilla bean syrup, bitters, and cherries, and pouring your bourbon of choice over the whole mess. It is one of the tastiest cocktails and most interesting presentations I’ve ever had, but you’ll definitely want to book an Uber or have a designated driver if you plan to have more than one.
Finally, allow a little extra time to soak up this gorgeous space, whether at the bar or outside at the fire pit. The dining room is flanked by massive windows overlooking the woods, and a black bear walked right past our table while we were dining.
Stroll North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge, SkyBridge, in downtown Gatlinburg.
Gain perspective at the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
Sandwiched between Gatlinburg’s over-the-top shops and attractions is the SkyBridge. One of the most mainstream and “on-the-beaten-path” attractions you’ll find on this list, the SkyBridge is just really cool, and it’s worth braving the crowds and overpriced parking to check out.
The SkyBridge is North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge, and you can’t help but ooh and ahh over the sweeping 180-degree views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. For an added adrenaline rush, dare to look down as you step across the famous 30 feet of glass in the middle of the bridge.
The SkyBridge is located inside SkyPark, and your ticket also includes access to the SkyLift, SkyTrail, SkyDeck, SkyCenter, and Tulip Tower. As with all things downtown Gatlinburg, you should also plan to vie for (expensive) parking and a spot in line.
The LeConte Lodge is an amazing glamping adventure outside of Gatlinburg, TN.
Hike in and stay at the LeConte Lodge.
Our adventure at the LeConte Lodge will forever hold a special place in my heart. Built in the 1920’s, the LeConte Lodge is situated on top of Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Nestled into the mountainside at 6,360 feet elevation, the LeConte Lodge offers panoramic views, warm beds, and hearty, delicious meals. The catch is, of course, that you must hike between 5 and 8 miles up the mountain to get there, but you can enjoy a sponge bath by kerosene lamplight before dinner.
Don’t let the glamping aspects of this historic treasure dissuade you, however. Each trail up the mountain offers incredible scenery, and the LeConte Lodge is actually quite comfortable. We left with sore muscles, full bellies, and unforgettable memories.
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a fun way to spend the day in Gatlinburg.
Explore the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
I love hunting for locally made, handcrafted gifts. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts community evolved organically more than 80 years ago, and today, the artistic hub features handmade products that range from brooms to stained glass to woodcarvings and more.
You can shop the wares of more than 96 artists on your drive around the 8-mile loop, and you’re sure to head home with a carload of treasures. And, as an added bonus, you’ll find several cafes and coffee shops along the route to keep you fueled up between stops.
Rachel’s Labyrinth is a beautiful way to engage with your meditation practice or reconnect with nature.
Walk Rachael’s Labyrinth at the Buckhorn Inn.
Nestled behind the historic Buckhorn Inn, Rachael’s Labyrinth is one of the largest meditation labyrinths in the United States. The intricately laid stone maze measures 60 feet in diameter and “provides a vehicle for meditation and prayer.” Take in the beautiful gardens, fresh mountain air, and the babbling sounds of the stream as you make your way through the labyrinth. I went right before sunset, and it was a deeply soothing experience.
Rachael’s Labyrinth honors Dr. Rachael Young, who purchased the Buckhorn Inn from its founder in 1979. One of the founders of the Knoxville Wellness Center, Dr. Young maintains a special interest in the effect of meditation on physical and spiritual well-being. As stated on the Buckhorn Inn website,
“To walk the Labyrinth is to take a Pilgrim’s Path. It offers an opportunity to shed the cares and worries of everyday life, to reflect on the true meaning in life, and to discover new truths. Opportunities for reflection are so rare in our society that they take on an extraordinary value for many people when encountered. The opportunity to stand inside a sheltered space and see the path one is walking is a blessing not to be taken lightly.”
Founded in 1938, the Buckhorn Inn is a quiet bed and breakfast with unique character and beautiful gardens. Their evening dining experience is also open to the public with reservations opening one week in advance. You’ll enjoy three creative courses from the ever-changing menu, which always features a homemade soup, freshly baked bread, an entree, and dessert with coffee, for only $40 Sunday through Friday and $50 on Saturdays.
The Elkmont Ghost Town is filled with eerie ruins.
Wander the Elkmont Ghost Town.
Did you just do a double take at the words “ghost town”? That’s right, y’all. There’s an eerie little ghost town just outside of crowded downtown Gatlinburg - and you know I love an abandoned place, especially during spooky season.
Dating back to the 1840s, Elkmont was a lumber-town-turned-wealthy-resort-community nestled in the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains. In 1934, the federal government established the national park and offered the residents of Elkmont the option to sell their homes for full value or stay in their homes for the remainder of their lifetime. By 1992, the national park had 70 historic buildings on site that were falling into a state of disrepair. They made the decision to maintain 19 structures (16 of which are currently open to the public) and to demolish the rest.
Today, you can wander the row of maintained historic homes, visit the Elkmont Troll Bridge, and hike among the old chimneys and foundations of fallen cabins. You can also visit the ghostly quiet Elkmont cemetery or wander the ruins of the formerly grand Wonderland Hotel, which burned down in 2016.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great spot for hiking, exploring, and picnics.
Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is absolutely breathtaking, and many people don’t realize an entrance to the park sits a mere 5 minutes from Gatlinburg.
This picturesque national park offers something for everyone. Are you an outdoorsy person? Go backwoods camping or hike in for a stay at the LeConte Lodge. Are you looking for a day trip to take in the park? Try one of the many stunning waterfall or overlook hikes in the area. Does your typical day in the great outdoors consist of a game of golf or putt-putt? That’s OK, too. Grab your favorite Gatlinburg meals to go for a river-side picnic, or simply take one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ many scenic drives with the windows down. Trust me, a visit to the park is well worth your time.
Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Gatlinburg, Tennessee that you’d like to share? Drop it in the comments below!
