Located in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a quaint town nestled within the glorious colors and breathtaking heights of nature. Whether visitors are young or old, this town has much to offer with scenic settings for cabins or motel rooms. For instance, one of the first inns of this vacation town has a mountain stream running through the premises that vacationers can view through their windows. Later on, at a nearby restaurant, they can enjoy a dinner of the trout who have come from this stream.
As a popular site for both couples and families, this Tennessee town has a variety of activities and places to have fun and learn about this delightful area. Here are five adventures that visitors can enjoy that are better than those of an amusement park:
- The Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster
The fastest roller coaster in the area whisks riders at speeds up to 30 mph. Adults can sit alone or with a child in front of them. The entire ride is set on a rail, part of which is enclosed in a protective structure that encircles the rails. On this exhilarating ride, the coaster races in descending loops down the mountain nestled in the colors of the season. To be sure, it’s an exciting race through the forest–one that the vacationer will long remember for the scenic beauty, and the shrieks of excitement, laughs, and smiles.
- Space Needle
The 407 feet high Space Needle offers tourists a panoramic view of the area that is delightful in any season. After ascending in one of two elevators, visitors can look through free viewfinders. There are also Higher Learning exhibits which instruct visitors about fascinating facts on the area, as well as its history.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
The number one aquarium in the United States is home to 10,000 exotic sea creatures and 10 galleries with themes. There are underwater tunnels for up-close viewing of turtles and all sizes and types of fish. With a rotating floor and handicap accessibility, people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the aquarium. There are even areas where children can touch and feed some sea creatures.
- Adventure Vehicle Rental
Off-road vehicle rental for tourists 18 and over offers lots of excitement. Can-Am Maverick MAX 1000R multi-passenger vehicles are designed for comfortable and safe rides as visitors travel along designated paths. These vehicles are even equipped with a stereo system for more fun as tourists drive for miles amid the beauty of the area.
- Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Hidden Cascade Hike is a four-hour trek through the woods where hikers will visit the graveyard of early settlers and learn of the hardy Scot-Irish people who lived in these mountains. The visitors will also experience the most biodiverse location in the world that is north of the tropics. Nature lovers delight in this fascinating hike.
