Hike to a waterfall in the national park.
A must-see during any visit to Gatlinburg is the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And when you’re ready to burn off Thanksgiving and Christmas calories, this is the best place to begin! With 16 main waterfalls in the park, you’ll have plenty of waterfall hikes to choose from—whether you’re an experienced trail blazer or strapping on hiking boots for the first time.
Bike the Cades Cove Loop.
Do you love history? Want to see some wildlife? Don’t miss the Cades Cove Loop inside the national park! This 11-mile loop through a breathtaking valley features tons of historic sites, including the still-operating John Cable Grist Mill, as well as some the best opportunities to view wildlife around. We recommend bringing your bikes and experiencing the park on 2 wheels, especially on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when the road is restricted to bicycle and foot traffic until 10 a.m. Those killer hills are a serious workout!
Take the family for a horseback adventure.
Hiking and biking aren’t the only ways to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, try a guided tour with Smoky Mountain Stables! In operation for more than 20 years, this Gatlinburg attraction has experienced guides and well-trained mountain trail horses you can trust. They offer walking-pace rides for every experience level—beginner to advanced—and the horse definitely won’t be the only one staying in shape. Horseback riding has proven to strengthen your thighs and core while testing your balance, stability, and coordination.
Walk the 8-mile Arts and Crafts Trail.
Burn off those extra pounds you put on during the busy holiday season during a day at the historic Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail in Gatlinburg. Featuring the handiwork of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community (the largest group of independent artisans in North America), this trail offers candles, baskets, leather goods, paintings, wood carvings, pottery, and much, much more!
Explore Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.
If you missed it for Halloween, don’t worry—Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is open 365 days a year. That means 365 chances to walk through this 10,000-square-foot haunted mansion, if you dare! And what better way to get your heart rate going than with some spook-tastic thrills? This exciting Gatlinburg attraction is also one of our Cabins for YOU partners. Ask our reservation specialists for more information about the discount available at this and other local attractions.
Play laser tag at Fort Fun.
Think “burning calories” and “having fun” can’t be in the same sentence? Think again at Gatlinburg’s Fort Fun! This family-friendly fun zone conveniently located on the Parkway features laser tag, bumper cars, outdoor golf, and so much more. You’ll be burning off that pumpkin pie in no time—and loving every minute of it!
Score a hole-in-one at Hillbilly Golf.
No, this isn’t the game you set up in the backyard with the kids. This is an actual Gatlinburg attraction with 2 Appalachian-themed, 18-hole mini golf courses at the top of a mountain! Check it out when you visit Gatlinburg, and have fun while enjoying the fresh mountain air of the Smokies with your family. For other mini golf courses on the Parkway, check out Treasure Quest Miniature Golf and Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf, another CFY partner.
Go ice skating at Ober Gatlinburg.
Now that winter is here, it’s time for skiing and snowboarding at Ober. But if you’re looking for something a bit different, you can try ice skating any time of year at their huge indoor ice rink. For only $9, guests of every age can skate for up to 3 hours, which is plenty of time to burn off that extra helping of sweet potato casserole!
Laugh the night away at Sweet Fanny Adams.
Burning calories doesn’t always mean getting super sweaty in the gym. In fact, you can burn tons of calories with something as easy as sitting back and having a good laugh! So after all those holiday meals, plan for a family trip to the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre in Gatlinburg, where you’ll see original musical comedies filled with outrageous humor and side-splitting fun! 2017 is sure to be another impressive year on the stage!
Throw a football at your Gatlinburg cabin.
Although there are tons of ways to burn off that turkey and stuffing while having fun in Gatlinburg, it can all start with a simple trip to the backyard of your Gatlinburg cabin. Pack a football, a Frisbee, or a pair of gloves and a baseball, and spend time enjoying the cool fall weather with your kids. This is just one of the great, home-like features of our Smoky Mountain cabins—besides, of course, the fully equipped kitchens, comfy living rooms, and spacious bedrooms. Take advantage of all Cabins for YOU has to offer during this year’s stay in the Smokies!
