Your 5-Day Gatlinburg & Cherokee, United States Itinerary

Embark on an exhilarating zipline adventure through the canopy of the Smoky Mountains, offering breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush. Our guides Pierce, Slick, and Charis were truly incredible and made the whole experience memorable.

"We had such an awesome time ziplining with CLIMB Works! Our guides Pierce, Slick, and Charis were truly incredible and made the whole experience unforgettable. They did a great job helping everyone take on the challenge of ziplining, especially for anyone who was nervous, while making safety the top priority and keeping the vibe fun. We also learned a lot along the way because they pointed out really cool landmarks and shared interesting facts about the area, which made the experience feel more meaningful than just flying through the trees. Their energy was contagious and they were so encouraging. They inspired everyone to try things at their own comfort level, gave helpful tips to help you get the most fun out of each zip, and never made anyone feel pressured. By the end, you could really feel yourself gaining confidence with each line, which was such a cool part of the experience. They also helped us feel like we had things mastered by the end of the course, and honestly left us believing in ourselves a little more than when we started. On top of all that, they are amazing at helping you take great photos so you can capture the memories and actually enjoy the moment without worrying about getting the perfect shot. Pierce, Slick, and Charis truly embodied what CLIMB stands for, and we cannot recommend this experience enough. We would absolutely do this again and hope we get this same crew next time!"— Olivia Mogilnicki

Take a scenic hike on the paved Laurel Falls Trail, leading to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. This relatively easy 2.6-mile round trip trail offers a perfect introduction to the park's natural beauty and is known for its stunning scenery.

"It's a fairly easy hike. The fall was nice. Many people went with their children. Parking near the trail is a mess. Very less spots available. Had to wait for a long time to get parking."— Md Nafiul Alam Nipu

Ride the iconic yellow SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain for panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and explore the observation deck.

"The Skybridge park was awesome! There was plenty of seating and gorgeous views! The restrooms were close by and there was plenty of libations available for the adults that wanted to go up the mountain, they had local drafts and regular ole beers, something for everybody."— Johnny Walker

Embark on an early morning scenic drive through Cades Cove, an isolated valley within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 11-mile loop is renowned for its well-preserved historic buildings and abundant wildlife, offering prime opportunities to spot deer, bears, and other animals in their natural habitat.

"We drove the Cades Cove Loop in the winter, and it was absolutely worth the two to three hours. The slower pace of the drive really lets you take everything in. Even in the colder season, the scenery was beautiful—quiet, open, and peaceful in a way that feels untouched. We stopped along the way to explore several historic churches, including a Baptist and a Methodist church, along with the surrounding cemeteries filled with old gravestones. Walking through those grounds gives you a real sense of the generations who lived there. The historic log cabins and preserved homes were especially fascinating. Seeing how families lived during that era makes the experience feel more personal and real, not just scenic. Cades Cove isn’t just a pretty drive—it’s deeply historical. You leave with a stronger appreciation for the early settlers and the simplicity and hardship of life in those mountains. It’s a beautiful blend of natural scenery and preserved history, and even in winter, it feels meaningful and memorable."— Allen W.

Ride the scenic Chondola or enclosed gondola up to Anakeesta Mountain. Explore the Treetop Skywalk, a series of suspended bridges offering an immersive forest canopy experience and breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.

"Amazing destination for family fun.. had a great time with kids on almost all their attractions. Loved their treetop sky walk both at day and dusk with lighting.. mountain coasters, astralumina tree venture and much more... preplan to get the tickets, annual pass is worth, if you can make another trip within the year.. the lines to get on to the chair lift can get crazy during peak seasons (wait 2 hours going up and 1 hrs coming down). Annual pass can let you in express lane while going up (not coming down)."— Mervyn Patturaj

Dive into an underwater world at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Witness sharks, sea turtles, and various marine life in engaging exhibits, including the glidepath under the Shark Lagoon.

"I don’t feel the cost matched the overall quality of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. While the crowds were expected for a busy tourist destination, they made much of the aquarium difficult to enjoy, and overall the experience felt like it was missing something special. I’ve been to other aquariums with a much wider variety of sea life, and this one didn’t compare. The best part of the visit was the moving walkway through the shark tunnel. It was the only place where I could comfortably view the animals without being crowded out by people, and the steady pace made it genuinely enjoyable. The special dragons exhibit was also a highlight — interestingly, we were the only ones in that area, which allowed us to take our time and actually read about and enjoy the creatures. What stood out to me was how much emphasis was placed on the large climbing jungle gym. It’s the first thing you see when you enter and something you have to walk past multiple times throughout the aquarium, with no real way to skip it. I did appreciate the thoughtful design that keeps the upper and lower sections separate so kids can only enter and exit on their current level, but the layout made that area feel like the main focal point rather than the exhibits themselves. Food pricing didn’t help either. The shark donuts were $12.99 for 12 very small donuts, which felt overpriced. Overall, while there were a couple of enjoyable moments, the experience didn’t meet expectations for the cost, and I wouldn’t recommend it."— LadyKay

Embark on a challenging and rewarding 6-hour hike along the Alum Cave Trail, featuring steep inclines, scenic creeks, and magnificent mountain views. This trail offers an immersive 'adventure' and 'nature' experience within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

"Tourists call it Alum Cave. Locals call it Alum Bluff. The trail goes on to Mt. LeConte from Alum Bluff. Before the bluff, you will pass a slate arch, Arch Rock, and a nice place to rest and take in incredible views, Inspiration Point. The trail is pretty much uphill all the way."— Paul Turner

Discover the unique talents of local artisans within the 8-mile loop of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Explore various studios showcasing traditional Appalachian craftsmanship, from pottery and painting to woodworking and textiles. This activity fulfills the 'Appalachian Heritage & Craftsmanship' experience.

"Been coming to the area for the past 15 years on a regular basis, passed these shops many times. We fonally stopped and absolutely loved all the unique items each place had and at affordable prices. Most of the things here are home made. Evry shop owner was very pleasant and loved to talk to us. If your looking for any type of collectibles of the Smokey's this is where you want to come!"— Paskal Rainsberger

Ascend the 407-foot Gatlinburg Space Needle for panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking vistas from the observation deck, especially during the golden hour.

"Fun trip to the top of this 400 plus foot tower. Amazing views of the surrounding town and mountains. Elevator can be slow and holds a limited amount of guests but the wait time is not too long. Well maintained and safe and provides an affordable view compared to other attractions in the area."— Lucas Keeran

Explore the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Cherokee people through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. Learn about their resilience and heritage.

"Interesting aspects of Cherokee culture,language & lifestyle exhibited here in the museum.I wanted to invest time & money in the area so chose to spend approximately an hour inside. It was spacious had low lighting & easy to read descriptions of each display or artifact ; i.e 7 Cherokee clans or the wasps nest mask.I'm really into anthropology and found info on the peoples in this region fascinating but would have liked detail about life - choosing a childs name, education, marriage/partnership practices, funeral practices. Overall a really interesting visit I look forward to the installation of the forthcoming interactive informatio.Tha"— Peter Phillips

Visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for information on Great Smoky Mountains National Park, exhibits on local culture and nature, and a chance to spot elk grazing in nearby fields.

"Great place. Has a nice little outdoor museum of older times with wood cabins, fences, and other items. A lovely place. And along with that, there's a beautiful walk by a river and while it's in a forested area, it is right next to a nice big field where you can see elk and other wildlife on occasion. The parking is for $5 for the day and it works throughout the expansive national park or $15 for the week."— Cole Sherman

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Oconaluftee River Trail, a scenic path perfect for birdwatching and spotting the wild elk herd that often grazes in the adjacent fields during late afternoon and early evening.

"Very short trail, didn’t actually finish it but loved the experience. Wanted to see some elk, so got there about 7:30 am. Parking lot was still pretty empty and we saw plenty of elk in the pasture. Walked down the trail, pretty easy, flat, runs by the river. About half mile in trail was blocked by a group of female elk and their young ones. Got to watch them for a while until the bull elk came in and started driving them back. Then got to see them cross back over the river back into the forest. Was an amazing experience."— Michael Sproles

Start the day with a hike to Mingo Falls, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains, reached by a series of wooden steps.

"This is a gorgeous waterfall that isn't too hard to get to. If you can handle steps, it is pretty easy. There is a nice platform with benches so you can take pictures and sit and relax. We went late February and although it was a warm day, it was pretty cold at the Falls."— Laura Foster

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Cherokee people, from their ancient origins to modern times, through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

"Interesting aspects of Cherokee culture,language & lifestyle exhibited here in the museum.I wanted to invest time & money in the area so chose to spend approximately an hour inside. It was spacious had low lighting & easy to read descriptions of each display or artifact ; i.e 7 Cherokee clans or the wasps nest mask.I'm really into anthropology and found info on the peoples in this region fascinating but would have liked detail about life - choosing a childs name, education, marriage/partnership practices, funeral practices. Overall a really interesting visit I look forward to the installation of the forthcoming interactive informatio.Tha"— Peter Phillips

Browse and purchase authentic handmade arts and crafts by Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians artisans, supporting traditional craftsmanship.

"This shop had a gorgeous range of art crafted by artists of the Cherokee as well as other nations. It is all certified as being made by people of that nation. They have carvings, paintings, intricate baskets, blowguns, knives, baby dolls with the softest hair ever, jewelry of every kind, and pottery. Plus more I am forgetting. The staff are kind and helpful."— Sandy Giamportone

Step back in time to an 18th-century Cherokee village and witness cultural demonstrations, traditional crafts, and historical reenactments.