There are many things to do in Gatlinburg TN for couples, especially for those who love to have fun!
Gatlinburg is a touristy city settled among the mountains of Tennessee with amusement parks, hiking trails, and delicious Southern-style food. Oh yeah, we forgot to mention lots of moonshine and wine!
Our carefully curated list features the best things for couples to do in Gatlinburg, allowing you to personalize your itinerary to perfectly match your interests.
Below, we’ve covered the top activities for outdoors lovers, including waterfall hikes, stargazing locations, and the best sunrise. If you love some thrills, hop onto a roller coaster, fly zip lining, or speed downhill snow tubing.
After a day of adventure, you’re bound to be hungry — which is why this list also features some of the top places to eat in Gatlinburg for foodie couples!
Ready to make a romantic trip to Gatlinburg? Check out our list below to plan your visit!
Hike to Smoky Mountain Waterfalls
A stroll through nature is one of Gatlinburg’s best romantic date ideas, but one that ends at a gorgeous waterfall? Now, that’s a romantic escape, accompanied by the beautiful sight and sounds of rushing waters.
With over 100 waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone, you’ve got options whether you’re chasing waterfalls with young kids or an adventure-seeking duo! There’s even a small group waterfall tour that will not only take you to the best waterfalls but also give you insider knowledge of the area!
Waterfalls such as Cataract Falls or Grotto Falls are good options if you’re short on time or are looking for a more leisurely hike.
If you want more of a challenge and have the time to spare, go to waterfalls such as Baskin Creek Falls or Meigs Creek Cascade.
Hike & Picnic in the Smokies National Park
Now that we’ve covered the waterfalls you can find in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and are sure we’ve sold you on the date idea, don’t forget to pack a picnic!
After you’ve spent some time hiking and relaxing by waterfalls, we know you’ll be hungry. The park has designated picnic areas, but you can really stop anywhere and enjoy the scenery and your meal together.
Feast on Some Hot Cakes at Pancake Pantry
We suggest you leave your diet at home for this one! Especially here in Tennessee, where one of the most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg TN for couples is to chow down on hotcakes! Be honest, when’s the last time you treated yourself to some gourmet pancakes?
The Pancake Pantry is a true delight for breakfast-loving couples. They serve pancakes such as sweet potato, wild blueberry, pecan, corn meal, and classic buttermilk pancakes. And if you’re not a pancake fan, you also offer crepes, waffles, eggs, and other classic breakfast plates!
Cuddle Up in a Cozy Cabin Rental
If you really want to treat yourselves to one of the most romantic things to do for couples in Gatlinburg, an escape to a cabin or cottage is it. Booking a cabin or cottage will immerse you in the mountain views and green scenery. You’ll relax hearing the birds chirping, and, most importantly, have privacy.
For an extra luxurious stay, book a cabin with a hot tub, pack a bottle of champagne (or drink of your choice!), and spend an evening unwinding.
Here are some cabins to consider for a romantic escape:
Journey’s End Full House with Outdoor Jacuzzi and Mountain Views
Cute Wooden Cabin with Outdoor Jacuzzi near Downtown
Romantic Chalet with Deck near Ober Mountain
There are also tons of amazing Tennessee treehouse rentals you and your person will love!
Fly Over the Trees Ziplining
For adventurous, thrill-seeking couples, Gatlinburg has some incredible treetop zip-lining tours. Sure, taking in the mountain views from a deck or viewpoint is great, but what about flying across the sky? You’ll feel like a kid all over again. Check out one of the most highly-rated zip-lining tours here.
Glide Along a Mountain Coaster
If there are any must-do things for couples in Gatlinburg who love thrills, it’s a scenic mountain coaster ride. Glide and wind along the tracks through the trees and even take in views from above. And if you’re afraid of too much speed, no worries! This is one way to enjoy the scenery of the woods without taking a hike! As the coasters have braking systems you can use at your leisure.
There are a few coasters in the area, with Moonshine Mountain being one of the most popular. Want to go on a night ride? Check out the Rocky Top mountain coaster.
Dress up for Some Old-Timey pictures
No romantic trip is complete without memorable photos! And this is, well, definitely a way to get those shots, Tenneessee-style! Dress up in old-timey costumes and take yourself back in time to the saloon with a bottle of Jack Daniels in hand (as a prop, of course). There are many studios in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, with Old Time Photo Studio being one of the most well-known.
Go Wine Tasting Along the Wine Trail
Wine-loving couples can take advantage of wine-tasting opportunities along the Gatlinburg Wine Trail. Wineries like Bootleggers are located right in Gatlinburg, while others like Cades Cove Cellars are only a short drive away. There are a few others on the Wine Trail, including Little Bear Winery and Sugarland Cellars, but they’re reportedly closed for now.
Taste Moonshine at Local Distilleries or Join a Moonshine Tour
Tennessee is undoubtedly famous for its moonshine. If you and your partner love a unique drinking experience, Gatlinburg is the place to do it! With many distilleries located downtown, including the Tennessee Shine Company and Ol’ Smokey Whiskey Distillery, you can do a self-guided walking and tasting tour.
There’s also a moonshine tour if you want a fun and knowledgeable experience (and to skip the tasting lines!).
Sunset at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Located just a short drive from downtown, this is the romantic sunset spot in Gatlinburg you’ve got to make it to at least once! The view overlooks downtown Gatlinburg, nestled among the surrounding mountains. It’s especially a treat to visit in the fall when the leaves start to beam red and yellow or in the winter when you can see snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Wake Up Early for the Newfound Gap Sunrise
If you’re an early riser (or can be for a day!), the Newfound Gap sunrise is even more mesmerizing than the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook. Plus, there will be even fewer crowds due to the time. Unlike the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, you get pure, distant mountain views here.
The sunrise is a sight, with bright colors and dreamy clouds. If you go in the fall, you’ll get an even more impressive view with the changing colors of the leaves spackled across the mountains.
Visit Ober Mountain and Ride the Aerial Tram
Ober Mountain is one of the most fun places in Gatlinburg for couples (& those with kids!). There’s ice skating, a scenic aerial tram, a rock climbing wall, and more. While there are many things to do, some depend on the season, while others are available year-round. The most popular season is winter when you can glide down the hills, go snow tubing, or ski! Check out their official website for seasonal activities.
Go Smokies Stargazing at Clingmans Dome
You can visit Clingmans Dome anytime, but considering it’s the highest point in Tennessee, it offers unbeatable stargazing. Be sure to dress warmly as the temperature drops at a higher altitude. On arrival, you can stay in the parking lot to enjoy the night show or make a half-mile walk to the platform.
The Newfound Gap and Cade’s Cove are other stargazing places to consider if you can’t make it to Clingman’s Dome (due to winter closings).
Take in the Views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle
A ride to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the easiest ways to get a 360 view of Gatlinburg and the Smokies without driving far. This is especially good news if the roads are bad due to winter weather. At the top, there are binoculars, and you can have fun taking a peek. Aside from the views, it’s also a fun date idea in Gatlinburg because there’s an onsite arcade!
Shop at the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
Creative couples who love to support small businesses and independent artists won’t want to miss out on the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community. The 8-mile creative loop is home to the country’s largest artisan community, where you can shop homemade textiles, fine arts, beauty products, and more. It’s the perfect way to do some home shopping and grab some souvenirs for friends and family back home!
Take on the Trails at the Smoky Mountains National Park
Covering over 500,000 acres between Tennessee and North Carolina, hiking the Great Smokey Mountains National Park trails is one of the best fun things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, for couples who love nature. There are over 150 trails where you can encounter waterfalls or take in endless vistas! If you want to plan an overnight camping trip, get the proper permit and reservation. If you’re still getting familiar with the park, start here to plan your trip.
Hike the Easy Gatlinburg Trail
With so many trails around Gatlinburg to choose from, it can be intimidating to pick one. That said, the Gatlinburg trail is an easy choice for elderly couples, couples with children, or those who just have bad knees! With few inclines and a well-maintained path, it’s one of the easiest hikes that still doesn’t skimp on beauty! There are scenic green views (or romantic snowy ones!), with a river that follows along the side.
Dine for Sunset at Anakeesta
Anakeesta Mountaintop Park offers fun for all kinds of travelers in Gatlinburg with its observation tower, scenic chair lift rides, ziplining, and more. Whether you want an adventurous or relaxing experience, you can have it here. To cap off your visit, grab a seat at the Clifftop Restaurant or Tap House and take in the sunset views over the distant mountains.
Be Amazed at the Anakeesta Astra Lumina Walk
The Anakeesta Lumina Walk is one of the most unique things to do for couples in Gatlinburg TN, as this experience isn’t offered elsewhere! Here, the cosmos of the night sky is brought to life in front of your eyes as you walk through immersive light installations. The Lumina Walk opens each night from 9 PM, and you can buy your ticket separately or as an add-on.
Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour
If you love spooky and historic tales, you won’t be disappointed on this Gatlinburg Ghost tour. This two-hour walking tour takes you along a one-mile trail to visit haunted sites as your guide shares the nitty-gritty stories behind them. And if you’ve ever been curious about ghost-hunting, this is your chance to try it, as the tour even provides ghost-hunting equipment!
Ride the SkyLift or Walk the SkyBridge at SkyPark
With ‘Sky’ in the name, you know you can expect amazing Gatlinburg views here. SkyPark has a variety of attractions, the most famous of which is the SkyBridge. At 700 feet long, it’s the LONGEST cable bridge in the United States! You might even spot a black bear in the valley below!
Start your visit by riding the SkyLift to the SkyDeck. From there, you can access the SkyBridge, SkyTrail, and Tulip Tower.
Have Fun & Feast at Dollywood
Theme parks are one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg for couples. And Dollywood is one that’s shouldn’t be missed! Take a day trip up to Pigeon Forge (about 15 minutes drive), and prepare yourself for a day of amusement park fun—Tennessee style! Dollywood is home to a water park, rollercoasters, games, and, of course, country-themed live shows. This is also an excellent spot for foodie couples with many Southern-style options.
Ride the Island in Pigeon Forge Ferris Wheel
One of the most classic romantic amusement park rides has to be the Ferris wheel. At the Island at Pigeon Forge, you can take a romantic ride with views of the whole park and surrounding mountains. It’s also the perfect thing to do to escape the heat on a hot day, as the rides have air conditioning. Some even have glass bottoms for a more fun ride through the sky!
Splurge on Dinner at Greenbrier
For an upscale dining experience, Greenbrier is the place to go. They offer a range of dishes such as Nashville-style oysters, stuffed trout, lamb, and more. They also have an impressive alcohol menu featuring small-batch whiskeys and creative cocktails If you’re looking for one of the best date night ideas, a romantic dinner at Greenbrier is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN for couples who love to wine and dine.
Grab Morning Donuts n’ Coffee at The Donut Friar
Here’s another one for all our foodie couples: a stop at the Donut Friar! If you catch a sweet tooth for breakfast, this is the top thing to do in Gatlinburg TN, for couples. Donut Friar has sweet creations like cinnamon rolls, eclairs, and Bavarian cream donuts, to name a few. They’ve been in business since 1969, and customers rave on their social media. How can’t you stop by?!
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