Fall in Gatlinburg
Late fall in the Great Smoky Mountains: There are many ways to experience this legendary destination in it’s most vibrant season but almost every itinerary has to get around to Gatlinburg at some point. Over the last few years, my husband Sean and I have stopped through frequently enough for me to lose count of the trips even if it’s sometimes only on the way to another destination. It was high time for us to check out some of the recent buzz-worthy additions in town and we were delighted to find some new favorites worthy of sharing.
The SkyBridge
One of Gatlinburg’s oldest attractions was the original SkyLift that gave visitors a 500 ft ride up to the top of Crockett Mountain in it’s iconic orange chairs. Since it’s 1954 debut as one of the first chairlifts in the South, thousands of people made it their annual tradition to ride up and enjoy a view of the city and the Great Smoky Mountains beyond. Over the last few years, an exciting expansion has been underway and now the updated SkyLift conveys visitors to the spacious SkyDeck where they are greeted by the beautiful arching entrance to the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Stretching an astonishing 680 ft. with a glass window viewing floor at the highest point (140 ft.), there could be no more spectacular way to experience the city and the surrounding vista - especially when the fall colors are at their peak. The oldest and the newest attractions come together to create the new must-see experience for tourists and locals alike. PRO TIP: your admission ticket lasts all day, so consider starting your day with a morning visit to get the lay of the land and then returning at the end of your day before it closes to see a different side of the city with the lights and nightlife scene below.
2. Anakeesta
For a whole world of immersive exploration and full-day fun for all, Anakeesta is the new standout. This outdoor family theme park has a duel zip-line course, beautiful botanical gardens, a treehouse village playground, the tranquil treetop skywalk, the only single-rail mountain coaster in the United States, food, shopping, live music performances and breathtaking views. Each year has brought significant additions since it’s opening in 2017 including a moving display of pictures and personal accounts from locals that chronicle the 2016 Wildfires and it’s effects on this courageous and resilient community. Coming up in 2020 is a 360 degree observation tower and a plethora of special seasonal events. In a town where there are so many signs, sights, sounds, and competing activities, I was struck by the seamless and harmonious nature that Anakeesta captures with every impeccable and intentional detail. A special self-contained world awaits there, seamlessly nestled into the top of the mountains.
3. Sugarlands Distillery
In 2019, the Sugarlands Distilling Company reigned as the #1 rated TripAdvisor attraction in Gatlinburg and has become the hub of activity on the Parkway. Although we’ve sampled our share of moonshines over our travels, we immensely enjoyed our visit here. Our snowy-bearded tour guide was a hoot while still being educational as he shared with us the distilling process in detail. For our tasting experience at one of the large bars on the main floor, we were astonished by shots that would showcase different flavors when you breathed in and then breathed out. (Step by step experience: #1. Sip, #2. Breath in and taste Crisp Green Apples, #3. Breath out and the taste transitions to Caramel delight!)
4. Camp LeConte
If you should feel the need to truly get off the grid and connect straight to the beautiful surroundings sans neon lights or traffic, why not try a bit of glamping Great Smoky Mountain style? Camp LeConte is tucked in a quiet little wooded haven just three miles from Downtown Gatlinburg and has some truly memorable ways to stay including a one-of-a-kind treehouse, Instagram-ready canvas safari-style tents, retro campers and regular RV and tent sites. Even if you pitch your tent here, you won’t be roughing it too bad with the free wifi, heated pool, playground and convenient trolley service to downtown.
5. Clingmans Dome
A fitting finale for this trip and another first for me, was a trip up to Clingmans Dome, the tallest point in all of Tennessee. After a large pancake breakfast at the ever delicious must-stop Pancake Pantry at The Village, we loaded up and drove just less than an hour into the beautiful wild. At the end of a spacious parking lot, the paved trail up the mountain begins. It is short, at only half a mile, but it is quite steep. When we arrived panting at the top, we climbed a little further to summit the Observation tower and get a few photos - we even caught some of Gatlinburg on the horizon.
I’m sure it won’t be too long before we’re back at the foot of the Smoky Mountains again and we’ll always make sure to share our findings with you adventurous folks! See ya next time…
- Jess and Sean and Co.