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The Best Parks In Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee has a lot for visitors to do and see. You can visit local shops on the Parkway, experience unique museums, and eat some amazing food while on your Smoky Mountain getaway.
However, if you love sunshine, open spaces, and exploring the beauty of nature, then make it a point to visit one of the area’s scenic parks. Gatlinburg has a variety of outdoor spaces to visit with all kinds of activities for the whole family – walk the trails and enjoy the gorgeous scenery, have a picnic, fish, jog, hit a basketball court, fire up a grill, and more! Let’s take a look at the best parks in Gatlinburg, TN.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Let’s start with the big one. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America, receiving over 14 million visitors in 2021 alone. The park contains over 500,000 acres, and is one of the largest national parks east of the Mississippi River.
Great Smoky Mountains Park also has dozens of waterfalls, mountains and streams to explore. The park’s hiking trails carry visitors to amazing Appalachian vistas. However, keep in mind that the wildlife is abundant, so you may run into a few black bears and deer along the way.
City Parks
Gatlinburg’s city parks are a fantastic way to spend a quiet afternoon away from the hustle of the town.
Herbert Holt Park
Tucked away in a valley near Downtown Gatlinburg, Herbert Holt Park has a playground area, kids-only fishing stream, walking trails, and picnic tables. A covered pavilion is available if you want shade or need to get out of the rain. Fun fact: this park is home to Tennessee’s only trout farm!
Mynatt Park
Mynatt Park is one of the best places for a family outing, which is probably why it’s a popular “hidden gem” with the locals! This gorgeous park, located off Asbury Lane, has plenty of activities for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, and a playground.
Mills Park
There are so many fun options at Mills Park that you can easily spend your entire day there. It has just about every activity available, including a 9-hole disc golf course, 400 meter track, football field, basketball court, softball field, and playground. Public restrooms are also onsite. There are multiple parking areas, accessible off of Proffitt Road and Mills Park Road.
Waterparks and Amusement Parks
If you want some thrilling fun and excitement, the following parks have exactly what you’re looking for. These family attractions have it all: water slides, zip lines, sky lifts and more. They’re an incredible experience for people of any age. Pack your swimsuit!
Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Parrot Mountain and Gardens (in nearby Pigeon Forge) is a beautiful nature park that has tropical birds from all over the world. Visitors enjoy up-close interaction with these spectacular birds! Hold them, feed them, and even let them take the treats directly from you.
You will feel as though you have been whisked away to a tropical paradise. You can also walk the trails and gardens to see some of the most breathtaking plants and flowers anywhere in the world. Parrot Mountain and Gardens is open from March through December, and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Anakeesta
Located above the Parkway in Downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta is an award-winning theme park that’s filled with adventure! Ride the Chondola or the Ridge Rambler to the park where you then walk across the Treetop Skywalk (a connected series of sixteen bridges) or climb the Anavista tower (for clear, 360 degree views from the highest point in Downtown Gatlinburg).
While you’re there, enjoy shopping, restaurants and cafes, and thrills like the Dueling Ziplines and the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster!
Wild Bear Falls Waterpark
This world-class waterpark has it all! Boasting 60,000 square feet, Wild Bear Falls Water Park is one of the largest water parks in Tennessee. The entire park has a retractable roof for water fun all year round!
Go for a swim, play in the tree house, or take advantage of other water activities like the giant water slides and the lazy river. The park also has a restaurant, The Roaring Fork, where you can get all-American favorites and drinks. It’s amazing aquatic fun for everybody in the family!
Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area
Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessee’s only ski resort, but it has so much more! In the summertime, visitors enjoy water tubing and miniature golf. In the winter, there’s ice skating, ice bumper cars, and of course, skiing on the slopes! Ober Gatlinburg also features an aerial tramway, beautiful trails you can explore, an alpine slide, and wildlife encounters. Have fun any time of the year!
Gatlinburg Parks: Outdoor Fun for Everyone
The parks in Gatlinburg, TN are some of the best in the nation – see for yourself! No matter what you’re interested in, our parks offer the good, wholesome, family fun that you’re looking for. Pay a visit soon!
If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg, be sure to inquire about group reservations at the area campgrounds, too. And, for the insider info on where to eat and additional activities in the area, visit Relax Gatlinburg for everything you need to know!
