Inexpensive Things To Do in Gatlinburg

In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite Inexpensive Things To Do in Gatlinburg. Whether you’re looking to explore the Great Smoky Mountains or sample some of the local food, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Gatlinburg is a beautiful town in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with lots of things to see and do. If you’re on a budget, though, it can be tricky to find ways to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank—but not anymore! I’ve put together this list of inexpensive activities that are sure to keep your travel budget in check while still letting you get outside and enjoy nature at its finest:

Driving along Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road is a scenic road that runs between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. The road is closed in the winter, so you can only drive it when it’s open, but if you’re looking for something different to do while visiting in Gatlinburg or nearby, this is one of the best options. You can get up to the top of Newfound Gap by car or hike it if you’re more fit than me (I’d recommend hiking). There are many scenic overlooks along this route as well as plenty of outdoor activities available near Gatlinburg including hiking trails and mountain biking trails.

Hiking the Chimney Tops Trail

The Chimney Tops Trail is a 2.4-mile hike that starts at the top of Clingmans Dome, one of the tallest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s strenuous and should only be done by experienced hikers who are fit to handle it (and don’t mind getting wet). This trail stays open year round but gets crowded during peak season (April through October) because it’s such an easy hike; however, you can still find solitude on other trails throughout the park if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.

The best time to take this trail is spring or fall—the weather conditions are usually better at these times of year—but it could also be sunny in winter with little snow cover!

picnicking in Cades Cove

You can also picnic in Cades Cove. The Cades Cove picnic area is located near the visitor center and has plenty of tables, chairs and fire pits to enjoy during your visit. If you’re feeling ambitious, you’ll find several overlooks along Highway 129 where you can stop and take in the view of Smoky Mountain National Park’s mountains while sitting on a rock overlooking a valley below.

hiking the Laurel Falls Trail

The Laurel Falls Trail is a moderate 2.4 mile hike that leads to an overlook of the falls, which are said to be the tallest in East Tennessee. You can find this trail at the start of the Sugarlands Visitor Center shuttle bus route and it’s open all year round.

The hike starts off through old growth forest before it ends up at a viewing area where you can get close enough for some impressive photos or even take in some great views from above!

The hike is relatively easy and the trail is well maintained, making it a good choice for all ages. From the shuttle stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, follow the road until you come to a large parking lot on your left with restrooms and an information center.

taking a walk along the Little Pigeon River

The trail is about 2.5 miles long, so it can be a bit of a walk if you’re not used to hiking. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s worth every step!

The path follows along the Little Pigeon River through picturesque forests and wetlands, giving you an opportunity to see wildlife all around you—including some friendly deer that may approach your side as they graze on flowers or leaves from surrounding trees.

The trail is very well marked with signs that indicate the distance and time it will take to complete each section. There are also benches along the way, so you can stop and take in the scenery if you need a rest.

visiting the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a great place to take your kids. It’s located in Gatlinburg and you can spend as much time exploring its exhibits as you want. You will see plenty of fish, sea creatures, and other animals that live in their natural habitat. They have an awesome aquarium tank so you can get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures.

The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is worth checking out if you’re looking for something inexpensive yet fun!

You can enjoy yourself in Gatlinburg without going broke.

You can do a lot in Gatlinburg without spending a lot of money. You don’t need to spend a fortune on food and lodging to have fun, because there are lots of inexpensive options available in the city.

Here are some great things you can do:

Enjoy the outdoors! There’s plenty of outdoor space for hiking or biking around town (you’ll find some great trails just outside downtown). If that’s not your thing, there’s also an aquarium on nearby Roaring Fork River that has beautiful views and lets you touch stingrays at certain times each day during its season (July through September). And don’t forget about Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum where they’ve got everything from shrunken heads to giant squid penis!

Conclusion

We hope that after reading this article, you have discovered some new things to do in Gatlinburg. We also encourage you to explore the city by yourself or with friends and family members who want to get out and enjoy nature on their own terms.