13 Romantic Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Updated 2024

romantic things to do in gatlinburg
Stephen
Stephen 
Updated
| 6 min read

Are you newlyweds looking to celebrate your honeymoon in a secluded cabin? Or are you a couple planning for a no-frills trip to Tennessee? You needn’t worry, Gatlinburg offers the best romantic gateway. There are dozens of fun, exciting, and spicy activities throughout the area that you will be spoiled for choices. From the Smoky Mountain adventures to the Gatlinburg Space Needle, you will always find yourself enjoying the best of romantic moments. Couples will be able to experience some of the breathtaking and fun activities that will linger in their minds for a very long time. While planning a trip to this mountain town and looking for a place to stay there, here are some romantic things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee to make your visit a memorable one.

1. Go for an adventure at CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains (from USD 123.0)

Have you and your newly married partner ever thought about taking a thrilling, death-defying ride across the Smoky Mountains? Consider adding this combined zipline and sky bridge adventure to your growing list of things to do in Gatlinburg for your honeymoon.

Esteemed local outfitter CLIMB Works offers couples the chance to test their compatibility with a jam-packed experience. The activities begin with a fun ATV ride uphill. Participants will then stop at a station, where they are tasked to walk across a series of sky bridges and glide atop the trees with over six zipline tracks.

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Gatlinburg Mountaintop Zipline and Sky Bridge Experience

Duration: 2 hours

395 reviews

2. Take in the views at Gatlinburg Space Needle

Space Needle from Gatlinburg - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Evan Nichols (Vir... used under CC BY 3.0

A wonderful couple’s trip to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its famous Space Needle tower. Standing at a staggering 407 feet (124.05 meters) in height, the Gatlinburg Space Needle offers tourists round-the-clock views of the town, as well as the surrounding Smokies.

While you may visit this attraction at any point of day, the best time to do so is at night, when the sun rolls down and the lights from downtown buildings shine bright. While there, do take full advantage of its other features, such as a large arcade game center and a pizza parlor. Most of these are conveniently found at the tower’s base.

Gatlinburg Space Needle

Address: 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Website: Gatlinburg Space Needle

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 1am; Fri - Sun: 9am -1am (Holidays may affect opening hours)

Price: 15.95 USD (adult)

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3. Take a waterfall hike in the Smoky Mountains (from USD 59.0)

Whether you and your partner are avid hikers or just discovering the wonders of this outdoor activity, this waterfall hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains is sure to provide a thrilling experience. Take on an adventurous journey and enjoy the breathtaking views of three large waterfalls and several other cascades that surround the trail. Allow yourselves to relax and savor the experience of being away from the stressful city life. Delight in the tranquility of nature without the distractions and let this extraordinary moment invigorate both you and your loved one. It will be a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively.

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Unplugged Waterfall Hike in the Smokies

Duration: 3 hours

77 reviews

4. Sample the Smoky Mountain cuisine

The Food at Davids Kitchen 087
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Reber used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Get ready to indulge during your honeymoon, because as you walk down the Gatlinburg Parkway, your senses will be overwhelmed with aromas oozing from the restaurants, candy shops, and bakeries. If you choose to start your day at one of the many Gatlinburg pancake houses, don’t go crazy with your pancake stacks. Pancakes sound like a good way to start a good day if you’re going to spend hiking in the mountains. For a delicious lunch, you can choose from the endless restaurants along the Parkway. From classic chain restaurants to hall-in-the-wall gems, you will find good places for lunch. Dinner timer you can even make a reservation at The Park Grill.

The Park Grill

Address: 1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Website: The Park Grill

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, Sunday 11:30am-9:00pm, Saturday 11:30am-10:00pm

Average price for two people: 11-30 USD

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5. Do it all at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris Hagerman used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Looking for more things for couples to do in Gatlinburg? Why not experience a mountaintop amusement park? You need to pay Ober Gatlinburg a visit, it is the ultimate romantic activity, and getting there is part of the experience. The Aerial Tramway is the best way to get to Ober, a cable car ride that leaves from the Parkway to the top of Mt. Harrison. You and your love will get to enjoy stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg as you travel the 2.1 miles (3.3.7 km) to the resort via the Tramway. Ober Gatlinburg offers a lot of fun things to do. Take advantage of Ober’s year-round skating rink, and take your loved one for skating through the indoor rink. It sure will be a romantic experience to skate while holding hands.

Ober Gatlinburg

Address: 1001 Parkway #2, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Website: Ober Gatlinburg

Opening hours: Monday, Friday-Sunday 7:45am-10:00pm, Tuesday-Thursday 9:40am-10:00pm

Price: 5 USD and above

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6. Watch the sunset at Newfound Gap

Romantic things to do in and near Gatlinburg
Source: Photo by user Gary Millar used under CC BY 2.0

Newfound Gap is surely one of the places you should make a point of visiting while you’re in Gatlinburg. Newfound Gap is approximately 3,000 feet (914 meters) high, a gorgeous journey that will take you through Cove hardwood, pine-oak, northern forests, and eventually reaching the evergreen forest at Newfound Gap. Just imagine holding your loved one and watching the sunset, particularly in the fall when the hills burn with shades of orange, red, and yellow. That would be a romantic experience to behold. During those clear evenings in the Smokies, you and your loved one can witness one of the most picturesque sunsets.

Newfound Gap

Address: Tennessee 37738, USA

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7. Check out Gatlinburg Bypass scenic overlook

Gatlinburg, Tennessee IMG 6797
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Don McCulley used under CC0

If you’re on the lookout for fun things to do in Gatlinburg for couples, before you finish up your romantic adventure here you should not pass the chance to visit the Gatlinburg Bypass scenic overlook. It offers a spectacular view of Gatlinburg and the surrounding scenery. If you and your loved one would like to have an incredible view of downtown Gatlinburg, then the Gatlinburg Bypass is the place to go. The journey to this spectacular point might be a little bit long but it’s worth the effort. Your reward is an amazing view of Gatlinburg downtown, the Smoky Mountain and in the fall, vibrant foliage. It’s a free area to visit and the perfect place to take some pictures for your honeymoon.

Gatlinburg Bypass

Address: U.S. 441 Bypass

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Nearby options

8. Go for a ride in Cades Cove (from USD 75.0)

Cades Cove has got stunning mountain views and historic cabins making it arguably one of the most romantic places in the Smoky Mountains. You may use a car to tour the 11 miles (17.7 km) long Cades Cove or a bike ride is also another way to enjoy the views of Cades Cove. The picturesque historic cabins are such a gorgeous view it is bound to linger in your memory for many years. If you and your loved one want to see the valley up close, there are hourly bikes available for rent at the Cades Cove visitor center. Take that chance to connect with nature and each other.

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Cades Cove Sightseeing Bus Tour from Pigeon Forge

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

48 reviews

9. Enjoy a soothing couples massage

Aroma Massage
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tara Angkor Hotel used under CC BY 2.0

A honeymoon is meant to be relaxing and that’s why after all the touring and hiking you need to relax, slow down and unwind. A good body massage is a great way to relax your body. There are several places that offer a couple’s massage, pedicures plus many other relaxing treatments. For the ultimate relaxation, rent a cabin for yourselves. You will find cabins here which feature cozy accommodation with premier facilities such as hot tubs, pool tables, state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Such amenities offer plenty of ways to relax. Enjoy a lounge in the hot tub with your loved one, cook a romantic dinner together, and even enjoy a movie night. This is a great option if you’re looking for more romantic things to do in Pigeon Forge.

Pure Mountain Therapy

Address: 1052 Scenic Hills Rd Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Website: Pure Mountain Therapy

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00am-7:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm

Price: 140 USD

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10. Go wine tasting

Wine tasting
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user PRA used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Smoky Mountains are known for their thriving wine community, a place where you and your better half can enjoy good wine while on your Gatlinburg honeymoon. This is a good chance to explore the local wineries that makeup Rocky Top Wine Trail, a feature that throws in a few free gifts for visitors who stop by all the five wineries in the trail. At the first winery you visit, simply pick your “passport” and collect stamps from the other wineries. If you stop by all the wineries on the trail, you will receive a souvenir wine glass plus other gifts. If you’re a couple that enjoys wine, then a glass of wine is a good way to share light moments with each other.

Rocky Top Wine Trail-Mountain Valley Winery

Address: 2174 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

Website: Rocky Top Wine Trail-Mountain Valley Winery

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 9:00am-9:00pm

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11. Experience extreme thrills (from USD 44.0)

Are you an adventurous couple? Gatlinburg will thrill you with exhilarating experiences which will fill your honeymoon with fun. Your honeymoon isn’t complete until you visit Dollywood, the southern theme park which offers endless thrills. From drop rides to rollercoasters coupled with a few other surprise attractions, your honeymoon will be an unforgettable experience. The fun is even more if you consider yourself a daredevil, you should try out the new Lightning Rod coaster. After you and your sweetheart have had enough fun for the day and are hungry, you won’t have to walk far to find something to eat because Dollywood offers extreme eats with pastries and skillet meals throughout the park.

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All-Access-Pass: Admission to 4 Pigeon Forge Attractions

Duration: 1 to 3 hours

2 reviews

12. Take a scenic helicopter ride (from USD 263.0)

If you are looking forward to creating an unforgettable trip, book two seats on a scenic helicopter ride high above the Smoky Mountains for you and your sweetheart. Compared to similar tours in other areas which are expensive and cost hundreds of dollars, you can enjoy a helicopter tour in Tennessee for fairly low prices. You can choose from mountain ridges, scenic lakes, winding rivers, or even a grand tour of the national park. For sure, you won’t be short of places to visit. If you have never been in a helicopter before, you can try a short “sample” ride around the helicopter before you can start the longer tour.

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The Great Smoky Mountain National Park Tour by Helicopter

Duration: 25 minutes

109 reviews

13. Cuddle up in your cabin

cuddle up in your cabin
Source: Pixabay

As you may have noticed, in and around Gatlinburg there’s no shortage of activities you can do. There is no doubt you and your sweetheart will enjoy touring the local area and getting to experience some of these sights for yourselves. After all, it is your honeymoon and that should mean having plenty of alone time. That should be enough reason to warrant some privacy and seclusion of a romantic honeymoon cabin. After a long day of touring and sightseeing, imagine coming “home” to a luxurious log cabin with a cozy fireplace. Pour a glass of wine and relax in the hot tub or in the patio and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the mountains with your spouse. This experience is what makes Gatlinburg one of the most beautiful honeymoon capitals in the US.

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Explore Gatlinburg, Tennessee during your honeymoon

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, you’ll find fun things to do and some of the most romantic places in Gatlinburg. From sight-seeing to skiing, this city will leave you with cherishable memories of your honeymoon.

Frequently asked questions about the romantic things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Stephen is an avid content writer with a passion for adventure. He enjoys traveling and has visited several countries around the world. So far, South Africa stands out as his most exciting...Read more

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