Top 6 Outdoor Activities near Gatlinburg to Try in the Spring

When the weather gets warm in the mountains and the sun is shining, there is no better way to enjoy it than by trying some of the many exciting outdoor activities near Gatlinburg. You can take in the beauty of the mountains on a hike or soar through the air on a zipline — all that matters is that you’re outside having fun. Here are 6 of the top outdoor activities for you to try this spring.

1. Spring Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 800 trails you can hike! During the spring, you’ll be able to see cascading waterfalls, running streams and the gorgeous wildflowers that attract thousands of visitors each year. Going for a hike is one of the best ways to experience all the amazing views the mountains have to offer, all while enjoying the sweet sunshine.

2. Go Ziplining

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity near Gatlinburg that’ll get your adrenaline pumping, you should go ziplining! You’ll soar higher than the trees while seeing the Smoky Mountains from a bird’s eye view. One of the best places to go ziplining in the Smoky Mountains is at CLIMB Works. On your zipline canopy tour at CLIMB Works, your feet won’t touch the ground for more than 2 hours! You’ll see breathtaking views of the Smokies from above as you experience at ATV ride, 9 world-class ziplines and 3 sky bridges. There are plenty of places for you to zipline while you’re in the Smokies!

Click here for out list of the best zipline coupons!

3. Go Whitewater Rafting

Another exciting outdoor adventure you have to try is whitewater rafting! If you go rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, you can go on an exciting rafting trip down the Pigeon River. If you’re looking for a thrill, try rafting on the Upper River, where you’ll coast down the river over class 3 and 4 rapids and hit plenty of big waves and big drops. If you want a more relaxing rafting ride, try rafting on the Lower Pigeon River, where you’ll take a leisurely trip down the river and can enjoy the scenery.

Click here to see our complete list of White Water Rafting coupons.

4. Ride the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster

The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster is a must-do attraction that’s even more enjoyable when the weather is nice! On the mountain coaster, you’ll get to take a ride in the driver’s seat as you ride down the mountain at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. It’s a family-friendly thrill ride you can try during the day or at night when the track is all lit up!

5. Play Mini Golf

Gatlinburg has so many mini-golf courses for you to master while you’re in the area. Even though mini golf is open all throughout the year, it’s even better when the sun is shining during the spring. Try Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf to play 2 uniquely themed courses and try to get a hole-in-one to win a free game! Another popular place to play is at Gatlin’s Mini Golf, where you can enjoy two outdoor courses with each hole telling you a fun fact about the history of Gatlinburg.

6. Go Fishing

What better way to enjoy the spring weather than by going fishing? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers fishing year round in open waters, but there’s nothing more relaxing than feeling the sunshine and a warm breeze hit you as you wait for the fish to bite. The park has everything from headwater trout streams to coolwater smallmouth bass streams. There are more than 2,900 miles of streams for you to fish in!

These outdoor activities near Gatlinburg are the perfect way for you to enjoy the beautiful spring weather! Check out more things to do in Gatlinburg and start planning your vacation!