10 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Couples

Gatlinburg is filled with exciting activities for everyone. However, as a couple, you can enjoy scenic views on a walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in America. No matter what season you pick to visit Gatlinburg, the view of the Smoky Mountains rising above the treetops will immerse you in a romantic atmosphere.

Each season brings a spectrum of colours: vibrant spring blooms, lush summer forests, fiery fall foliage, and the sparkle of ivory winter snowfalls. Don’t forget to check out the SkyDeck for more views. Visit the gift shop to find the perfect souvenir to remember your visit to the SkyBridge together.

Situated on a mountaintop at the heart of city centre Gatlinburg, Astra Lumina is an immersive experience that celebrates the celestial wonders of the night sky that will delight your senses with an array of lights, projections, and music. As you embark upon your terrestrial stargazing experience, each element you encounter is part of an immersive storey.

You’ll be dazzled by the light of falling stars and hear the ethereal song of a cosmic choir. Enhance your romantic tour of this cosmic realm by sharing a kiss in the photo booth at the conclusion of your adventure. To ensure the best experience in this mystical attraction, it’s recommended to pre-book your tickets in advance.

A shared adventure on a mountaintop zipline tour with CLIMB Works offers couples a zipline ride with 360-degree views of the spectacular scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Embrace the thrill of this ride that simulates soaring above the forest canopy. Immerse yourself in the educational aspect of this experience and find a deep connection with each other through nature. Strengthen your bond and encourage each other as you zipline side by side.

Consider booking a private zipline tour exclusively for you and your partner. This allows for a more intimate and personalised experience, where you can enjoy the tour at your own pace and create lasting memories together. Reservations are required for this tour.

Ober Gatlinburg offers a variety of fun experiences for couples through adventurous activities. Nestled in the mountain scenery, couples will enjoy the experience of watching the colours unfurl across the sky at sunrise and sunset. Take an adventure together to conquer challenges, cheer each other on, and create lasting memories.

There are plenty of ways to share time together in all seasons at this mountaintop adventure park, whether you want to relax and rejuvenate with a day at the spa, sip a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace, embark on a thrilling chairlift ride, or take a stroll on a forest trail.

Located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Chimneys Picnic Area offers an escape to the beautiful surroundings of the Great Smoky Mountains in a serene and natural setting. Bring your own picnic basket or pick up lunch. Local restaurants offer a range of American cuisine and homemade comfort food with a Tennessee twist. Or stop by a food lorry and choose from a range of flavourful selections.

Chimneys Picnic Area offers a perfect lunch spot beneath the shade of forest trees. After your meal, explore the surrounding trails and enjoy the experience of hiking together, immersed in the delightful sounds of nature made by mountain streams. This pet-friendly area of the park is also enjoyed by furry family members.

The iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle offers spectacular views of city centre and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains from its 407’ (124 m) observation deck. An experience to remember awaits day or night. Step into 1 of 2 glass lifts for an enjoyable ride to the top where you’ll see captivating mountain views by day and dazzling city lights at night. Take a closer look at the action below through one of the viewfinders provided to visitors at no cost.

Did we mention unforgettable moments? With its unique backdrop, the Gatlinburg Space Needle’s observation deck is at the top of the list for romantic marriage proposals. You’ll enjoy more than just the view at this attraction. Visitors also have access to Higher Learning exhibits, including fun facts about the history of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

Part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove offers an 11-mile one-way loop tour through a valley surrounded by verdant meadows and mountain scenery. As you drive around the loop, stop and explore. Wildlife viewing in Cades Cove is ideal for creating lasting moments together. Look for horses, black bears, groundhogs, turkeys, and the elusive whitetail deer.

Rocky Top Trail is considered one of the best hikes in the Smokies. Rocky Top’s scenic vista inspired the popular state song of Tennessee. Rich in history, Cades Cove was once a fertile hunting ground for Cherokee Indians and home to European Settlers in the early 1800s. Look for historical homesteads that can be seen along the loop.

Located in the neighbouring town of Pigeon Forge, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel offers couples a thrilling romantic experience. Ferris wheels have a timeless appeal, and this 200-ft.-tall (61 m) wonder wheel will not disappoint you with its expansive views of the surrounding mountain scenery. Each gondola is fully enclosed, adding a sense of comfort and privacy that is especially appreciated by couples. This fun-filled experience promises a sense of romantic nostalgia.

Riding the Wheel at sunset creates a delightful ambiance as dazzling orange and purple hues transform the sky into nighttime. The ride at night is also popular because the Wheel comes alive with an exciting display of vibrant colours.

Embrace your inner artist and unleash your creative potential at the Art Studio of the Smokies. Ideal for couples of all ages, join a sip and paint party or take a relaxing art lesson where you can explore your artistic expression and let your own masterpiece come to life.

Unleash your imagination and explore the wonderful world of colour, as you experiment with your favourite hues on the colour wheel. Learn techniques from an instructor that will help create a sense of depth and balance in your artwork. Dive deeper in the creative realm with photography, graphic design, and digital art classes. Don’t miss this chance to discover art together in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

The bold, rich flavours of the Smoky Mountains await you on a tour to some of the region’s most popular wineries. Wine tours in Gatlinburg offer couples immersion in the storey of the region’s most celebrated wine varieties and the climate, local culture, and natural surroundings that play a role in their creation.

Sip and savour fine wines as you learn from a wine expert about the winemaking process, from fruit harvesting to fermentation and bottling. You will come away from your interactive experience with intriguing insights into the local wine industry and the distinct regional flavours that are produced as a result of the natural elements found in this mountain climate.