Nestled in the Tennessee mountains, Gatlinburg is surrounded by some of the nation’s finest indoor and outdoor recreation – and the best part? Much of it won’t cost you a thing.

To help you craft a budget-friendly itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of Gatlinburg’s best free things to do. Some are within city limits, while others are a short drive away. If you stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals, you won’t need to go far for the fun.

1. Tour the town on the Gatlinburg Trolley

Photo Credit: Svetlana Bykova

The picturesque Gatlinburg Trolley runs through town 365 days a year, ferrying visitors and locals around the city. Several different routes are available, each with its own noteworthy stops.

That means you can cover most, if not all, of Gatlinburg aboard the trolley. You’ll see many different attractions along the way, and since there are no fees, you can hop on and off as you please (just make sure you pay attention to that timetable).

2. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of America’s favorite green spaces, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short drive away from Gatlinburg, and unlike most national parks, it’s free to enter. There is, however, a low-cost parking permit for around $5 a day that you’ll have to reserve ahead of time, a way for the Park Service to control crowding in the country’s most popular national park.

Explore famous hiking trails and destinations like Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome, or stop off at one of the many trailheads to check out panoramic views and mountaintop waterfalls for excellent photo ops. Or just pull off into a picnic area and take in the peaceful surroundings. There are countless ways to explore the park, and if you want to avoid that parking fee, you can enter on a bicycle or on foot.

3. Take a walk on the Parkway

Photo Credit: Stephen B. Goodwin

Gatlinburg’s main thoroughfare, the Parkway, is packed with bustling shops and restaurants. But if you’re trying to avoid shelling out extra money, you can just walk down the street and window shop.

As you meander through downtown, you’ll pass several fascinating stops and get to soak up some gorgeous mountain scenery. Of course, if you decide you need a bite to eat or you just have a particular souvenir, don’t hesitate to stop in.

4. Get outdoors at Gatlinburg parks

If you’d rather stay in town than go out to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can still get a good dose of the great outdoors right in town. Gatlinburg has three public city parks, where you can bring a picnic lunch, your four-legged friend for a game of fetch, or just a blanket to enjoy that fancy charcuterie board you packed.

Make sure to check out these three parks during your visit:

• Mynatt Park
• Mills Park
• Herbert Holt Park

5. Try your hand at disc golf

Photo Credit: Diego Trabucco

While at Mills Park, stop by the disc golf course to play a no-cost round or two. In June of 2021, the course was redesigned and upgraded from 9 holes to 18 holes, including several wooded holes for a little extra challenge. While you play, you can admire the mountain views in the distance.

6. Visit local craftsmen on the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Loop

The Appalachian mountains are home to a wide range of handicraft traditions, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Consisting of an 8-mile-long loop, this is a great spot to peruse unique souvenirs and watch artisans hard at work on their crafts.

The Arts & Crafts Community boasts everything from broom stores to needlework shops and homemade candy vendors. But if you’re craving even more art time during your visit, consider taking a tour of the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (also free) for another peek at the local scene.

7. Attend one of Gatlinburg’s many free festivals

Photo Credit: Joseph Creamer

If you want to spend a day or a night on the town for free, you’re in luck — Gatlinburg’s yearly calendar is packed with several different events that will suit all kinds of visitors. Whether you want to listen to folk music or ring in the harvest season, there’s a festival, event, or celebration that you can check out.

Here are a few of our favorite annual events in Gatlinburg:

• Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales (Summer and Winter)
• Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (Fall)
• Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade (Winter)
• 4th of July (Summer and Winter)
• Veterans Day Celebration (Fall)
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show and Ball Drop (Winter)
• St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (Spring)

8. Take a stroll on the River Walk

Gatlinburg’s River Walk follows the banks of the Little Pigeon River, which winds right through town. Though many visitors choose to experience the Little Pigeon on a whitewater rafting trip, you can check it out for free by taking a stroll.

Beautiful in all four seasons, the River Walk always offers something new for visitors to see, especially if they remember to slow down and look around them to appreciate their stunning surroundings fully.

9. Tour a moonshine distillery

Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson

Moonshine traditions in the Gatlinburg area stretch back more than a century. Today, tourists can learn more about this unusual local beverage by visiting a ‘shine distillery.

Tastings and drinks will, of course, cost you a little money. But those who just want to learn more about moonshine history and culture can embark on a free, self-guided tour of one of these Gatlinburg distilleries:

• Sugarlands Distillery
• Ole Smoky Moonshine
• Tennessee Shine Company

10. Take a scenic drive

Besides buying gas, it won’t cost you to go for a scenic drive past some of the region’s most spectacular sights (and we daresay that’s worth the gas money). Within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can cruise the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, a short, but sweet route that covers several landmarks in just a few miles.

Closer to town, you can head to scenic spots like the Gatlinburg Overlook. If you’re into laidback cruising, take some time to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most iconic scenic drives in the whole country.

Enjoy Gatlinburg for Free

This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means — you can find plenty of other things to do that we might have missed here. So, get ready to visit Gatlinburg and explore the many free and low-cost activities the city offers.

Book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals today!

On the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park comprises lush greenery, creeks and streams, cultural sites, and more. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that the Smokies are America’s most-visited national park.

You can enjoy that gorgeous Smoky Mountain scenery on one of the park’s dozens of trails. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains with a view. Stunning panoramas, 360-degree vistas, and more await.

Book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals to be close to all these — and more — exciting hikes.

1. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail

Photo Credit: Zack Frank

• Distance: 1.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/clingmans-dome-observation-tower-trail

This short but steep trail leads to one of the most iconic spots in the Smokies: 6,644-foot tall Clingmans Dome. The highest point in the Smokies is further elevated by a striking observation tower, from which you can see sweeping views of seven different states on a clear day.

Since this is one of the most popular landmarks in the park, parking can be limited, so try to arrive as early as possible. Bring a light jacket since the top of the tower can often be breezy, and binoculars to try and identify the landmarks noted at the viewing platform. Note that the parking lot is closed in winter, so you’ll have a longer hike — seven miles each way — at that time of year.

2. Andrews Bald Trail

Photo Credit: Melinda Fawver

• Distance: 3.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/andrews-bald-trail

Andrews Bald Trail also starts at the parking lot for Clingmans Dome. You’ll descend downhill for about a mile before climbing upward to Andrews Bald, one of the Smokies’ many mountains that are topped by grassy clearings rather than the typical dense tree cover. This will allow for panoramic views of your surroundings (plus, it’s a great location for a picnic).

The trail can be rocky and uneven in many places, so make sure you’re wearing boots with good ankle support. Trekking poles aren’t a bad idea, either. You may see wildlife like black bears and colorful blooms during spring wildflower season.

3. Charlies Bunion

Photo Credit: digidreamgrafix

• Distance: 8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/charlies-bunion-via-appalachian-trail

The 2,190-mile-long Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine, and 70-ish miles of it fall within the borders of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Hop on this historic trail for an 8-mile round-trip jaunt that will take you to Charlie Bunion, one of the best day hikes in the Smokies and one of the best viewpoints on the whole A.T.

The trail starts with a gradual ascent from Newfound Gap, just 30 minutes away from Gatlinburg. As you hike, you’ll pass numerous spots with good views, but the pièce de résistance is Charlies Bunion, a rocky outcropping that allows for 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountain peaks. If hiking with kids, keep a close eye on everyone in your group, as the drop is steep.

4. Rich Mountain Loop

Photo Credit: Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Flickr CC 2.0

• Distance: 8.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/rich-mountain-indian-grave-crooked-arm-trail

Cades Cove, another hugely popular Smoky Mountain landmark, is the starting point for a number of short but beautiful waterfall hikes, including the trails to Abrams Falls and Laurel Falls. But if you’re seeking some more expansive views, put in a little extra legwork on the Rich Mountain Loop.

You’ll pass the historic John Oliver cabin and can glimpse wildlife as you climb up roughly 2,000 feet. When you get to the summit of Rich Mountain, the views of Cades Cove will be well worth the effort. As an added bonus, this trail is typically less crowded than others in Cades Cove.

5. Chimney Tops Trail

Photo Credit: Gabriel Quiles

• Distance: 3.6 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/chimney-tops-trail

Named for the rocky towers on its peak, Chimney Tops is one of the most instantly recognizable peaks in the Smokies. You’ll certainly have to break a sweat to get here—the trail climbs roughly 1,400 feet in less than two miles—but you’ll be rewarded by views of the Smokies and of the chimneys themselves.

The final quarter mile of the trail that leads to the summit is closed to the public at the time of writing, but you’ll still get to see plenty of stellar sights along the way. The trailhead is just a few miles away from Sugarlands Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road, making it one of the closest hikes to Gatlinburg.

6. Shuckstack Tower

• Distance: 6.6 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/shuckstack-tower-via-appalachian-trail

Near Fontana Dam, Shuckstack Tower is one of the first landmarks that A.T. thru-hikers see after crossing into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You, too, can see it on a bite-sized hike of the famed long trail.

This out-and-back trail isn’t for the faint of heart since its steep climbs will test the mettle of even the strongest hikers. But once you reach the top, you can climb just a little further — up the few flights of stairs that lead to the top of historic Shuckstack Tower — for incredible views of Fontana Lake and the Smokies.

7. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte

Photo Credit: Theron Stripling III

• Distance: 11 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/alum-cave-trail-to-mount-leconte

Several different trails wind up the sides of Mount LeConte, the third-tallest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains. Alum Cave Trail is one of the most popular hikes on the mountain, alongside the Trillium Gap and Rainbow Falls Trails.

As you hike up to the summit of Mount LeConte, you’ll pass Inspiration Point, Arch Rock, and the trail’s namesake cave. Take a moment to snap some photos at Alum Cave Bluff, a picturesque rock wall composed of orange clay.

Though the views from the top of Mount LeConte are excellent on any clear day, try to time your hike for either sunset or sunrise for an experience you won’t forget.

8. Mount Cammerer

Photo Credit: Frank Kehren via Flickr CC 2.0

• Distance: 11.1 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/mount-cammerer-via-low-gap-trail

Mount Cammerer is topped by another fire tower, but this is a far cry from the smaller wooden structures seen around the area. This perch is made up of local stone, perfect for a picnic and photo ops. Even more impressive are the views of the sprawling Pigeon River Gorge, which you can soak up from the tower’s outdoor observation deck.

The Low Gap Trail, which you’ll follow for most of this hike, starts from Cosby Knob Campground. Since this is the most-used route to Mount Cammerer, expect to share the parking lot and trails with many of your fellow hikers. Trust us, you’ll understand the appeal when you reach the trail’s end.

9. Baxter Creek Trail

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL

• Distance: 15.7 miles point to point
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Trail map: alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/baxter-creek-trail

If you’re looking for a serious leg-burner with views to match, the Baxter Creek Trail is calling your name. It runs along the ridgelines of several of the Smokies’ most notable peaks, including Mount Sterling (which also has a fire tower), ascending and descending several times. When you’re up on the mountaintops, you’ll see amazing vistas that will motivate you to push onward and upward to the next peak.

Note that this trail is nearly 16 miles from end to end, meaning that you’ll need two cars and drivers to complete it in its entirety (unless you can hike 31.4 miles out and back). Consider hiking with two groups that start from either end of the trail and swapping car keys in the middle to avoid difficult carpooling logistics. You can all celebrate together afterward.

Smoky Mountain Views Await

Now that you know the best Smoky Mountain hikes with a view, you can start planning your trip to the area. Everyone from the most skilled hikers to the proudest couch potatoes will surely be impressed by these trails and sights.

Book your parking permit in advance, and try to arrive as early as possible at the trailheads. Even so, you likely won’t have these hikes to yourself. But their popularity is just a testament to their timeless beauty.

Book your stay at Prestige Vacation Rentals today!

Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. And while there are countless different ways to explore the area—ATVing, hiking, biking, or simply driving—nothing quite beats hopping in the saddle.

Those who want to go horseback riding in Gatlinburg can choose from numerous different stables and trails. To help you plan your trip, we’ve created a guide sharing when and where to go and what you can expect.

After reading, book your stay at Prestige Vacation Rentals so you won’t be far from the stables—and the Gatlinburg horseback riding trip of your dreams.

Horseback Riding in Gatlinburg 101

Photo Credit: Tint Media

Many early European settlers ventured into the Gatlinburg area on horseback. Today, of course, horseback riding looks much different. Beyond simply being a fun pastime, riding horses provides a peaceful way to soak up the scenery at a slower pace. You’ll get to cover some ground that you might not see on foot or by car, but you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses (or, in this case, the mountain breezes).

With many horseback rides available for the whole family, visitors of all skill levels can get out on the trails and experience the unique beauty of the region. Everyone from kids to seniors will be able to reach the backcountry on horseback, so it’s a perfect opportunity for the whole family to spend quality time together.

Where to Ride Horses in Gatlinburg

Photo Credit: Julie Vader

Visitors can ride horses at a few different locations in and around Gatlinburg. Whether you want to go for a remote ride into the far reaches of the forest or a more relaxed trip closer to town, there’s a spot you’re sure to love.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A 15-minute drive from Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with pack-friendly trails perfect for a horseback ride. With three stables inside the park, you won’t be short on great riding options here. And if you travel with your own horses, you can always check park reports and horse camps to ensure all desired destinations are open.

Pigeon Forge

Also a short drive from Gatlinburg, the town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, boasts several different horseback riding stables and a variety of stellar nearby trails. After a few hours in the saddle admiring views of the rolling Appalachian peaks, you can spend some time at the city’s other attractions, like Dollywood and the Titanic Museum.

Gatlinburg

If you prefer to stay in Gatlinburg itself rather than venturing out of town, don’t worry. You can ride horses at several locations in Gatlinburg, so take your pick between short afternoon jaunts (leaving you time to check out the city’s other things to do) or all-day equestrian adventures. No matter what you choose, you won’t be disappointed—it’s tough to beat the gorgeous scenery of the Gatlinburg area.

When to Ride Horses in Gatlinburg

Photo Credit: Fotokostic

Thanks to the region’s relatively temperate weather, you can ride horses pretty much all year round here in Gatlinburg. However, you’ll have to pick the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains for yourself and your fellow travelers.

In spring, a lush show of greenery and wildflowers carpets the mountains thanks to the warm, mild temperatures. That said, you might see some rainy weather and mud on the trails at this time of year. Summer, meanwhile, is relatively cool compared to lower elevations. But temperatures regularly reach the 80s, and our muggy days might make the prospect of a horseback ride less than appealing.

Fall and winter come with cool, crisp air. Fall is an especially popular choice for those who want to see our spectacular autumn leaves, while winter brings relatively uncrowded trails and magical sights like frozen waterfalls. Keep in mind, though, that chillier temps and the occasional dreary day may keep you indoors. Pick your season wisely, and you’ll be sure to have a great time no matter when you visit.

Horseback Riding Stables in Gatlinburg

Photo Credit: Marian Weyo

When it comes to choosing your ride, you’ll have no shortage of options in Gatlinburg. Some stables are located right in the national park, while others are a few minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg.

Big Rock Dude Ranch

• 909 Little Cove Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN
• horseridingbigrock.com
• Calm rides on a short trail

With a herd of 80 horses, Big Rock Dude Ranch specializes in relaxing, calm rides for the whole family. The ranch features a 3.5-mile trail, giving visitors a taste of the local scenery that won’t tire anyone out too much.

Once you’re back at the ranch and out of the saddle, stick around to try out the gem mining or visit other farm animals at the petting zoo. The picnic area is also an excellent place to stop for lunch before or after a ride.

Sugarlands Riding Stables

• 1409 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
• sugarlandsstables.com
• Short, medium, or long rides down mountain trails

Located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sugarlands Riding Stables has trail rides ranging from four to eight miles. Though those longer rides are typically recommended for experienced riders rather than beginners, Sugarlands caters to all kinds of different visitors, including group trips and newlyweds.

The park recommends that you call ahead for group reservations. Even if you have a small party, though, you should try to book your dates well in advance during the peak busy season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Keep your eyes peeled while you’re out on the trails—you could see native wildlife like black bears or turkeys.

Jayell Ranch Family Adventure Park

• 1131 Jayell Rd, Sevierville, TN
• jayellranch.com
• Family-friendly horse riding with Smoky Mountain views

While many stables restrict their riders to ages five and up, even the littlest kids can hop in the saddle at Jayell Ranch. This family-friendly spot welcomes riders of all ages and even makes special accommodations for riders of a certain weight when possible. While in the saddle, you’ll get to see miles of views of Mount LeConte and Shields Mountain Fort.

If you want to try something else while you’re at Jayell, bundle your horseback ride with a ziplining or ATVing excursion combo. The ranch also has outdoor activities like exotic animal encounters, so you should plan to spend at least a few extra hours here.

Cades Cove Riding Stables

• 10018 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN
• cadescovestables.com
• Ride through one of the Smoky Mountains’ top destinations

Located in Cades Cove, one of the most popular attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove Riding Stables offers a riding experience you won’t soon forget. You’ll venture through the forest surrounding this iconic landmark while expert guides point out local flora and fauna. Guides will also share stories about the cove, one of the region’s earliest settlement areas.

If you want to try something even more relaxing, book a carriage ride or a hayride for your group. The hay wagons and carriages are modified for accessibility, allowing everyone and anyone to participate.

Stay and Get in the Saddle in Gatlinburg

Now that you have all the information you need to go horseback riding in Gatlinburg, the only thing left to do is book your ride—and your stay at Prestige Vacation Rentals. Our rental properties will put you a short drive from all the horseback riding fun and help you see this stunning region in a completely new light.

Whether you want to take a short trot down the trail with the little ones or go on an extensive backcountry journey, this guide should help you get started. Saddle up, and don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind way to see Gatlinburg!