Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventures Near Gatlinburg Tennessee
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on December 16, 2025
Gatlinburg is one of the best destinations in the Smoky Mountains for families who enjoy outdoor adventure. Surrounded by mountain scenery and located beside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers countless ways for visitors of all ages to experience the outdoors while creating lasting vacation memories.
Whether your family enjoys scenic drives, wildlife viewing, short hikes, mountain attractions, or exciting outdoor adventures, there are activities throughout the Gatlinburg area that combine fun with the natural beauty of the Smokies.
One reason families continue returning to the region year after year is because the Smoky Mountains offer experiences that feel both exciting and approachable for a wide range of ages and activity levels.
If you are planning a complete Smoky Mountain getaway, you can also explore our Smoky Mountain Vacation Planning Guide for additional family-friendly attractions and scenic destinations throughout the region.
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the biggest advantages of staying near Gatlinburg is the easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Families can spend entire days exploring:
- Scenic mountain drives
- Waterfalls
- Picnic areas
- Wildlife viewing spots
- Short hiking trails
- Historic cabins and churches
Popular family-friendly areas include Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road, Laurel Falls, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Many visitors enjoy balancing outdoor sightseeing with attractions and restaurants throughout Gatlinburg during the same day.
Enjoy Scenic Drives Through the Smokies
Scenic drives remain one of the easiest and most relaxing ways for families to experience the Smoky Mountains together.
Popular scenic routes near Gatlinburg include:
- Foothills Parkway
- Newfound Gap Road
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Little River Road
These drives offer mountain overlooks, forest scenery, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
If your family enjoys scenic sightseeing, you may also want to explore our guide to scenic mountain drives near Pigeon Forge.
Take a Family-Friendly Hike
The Smokies offer many beginner-friendly hiking trails that work well for families wanting to spend time outdoors without committing to difficult mountain hikes.
Popular family hiking areas include:
- Laurel Falls
- Cataract Falls
- Gatlinburg Trail
- Kuwohi Observation Area
- Porters Creek
These locations allow families to experience waterfalls, streams, forests, and mountain scenery while keeping hiking distances manageable for most visitors.
Visit Gatlinburg SkyPark
Gatlinburg SkyPark offers one of the most scenic outdoor attractions in the Smokies.
Families can ride the chairlift to the top of Crockett Mountain before exploring scenic viewing areas and the famous SkyBridge.
Visitors especially enjoy:
- Panoramic mountain views
- Family photos
- Sunset scenery
- Outdoor seating areas
- Walkable mountaintop attractions
The combination of mountain scenery and easy accessibility makes the attraction popular for visitors of many ages.
Experience Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is one of the most memorable outdoor activities for many families visiting the Smokies.
Visitors commonly spot:
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
- Elk
- Black bears
- Birds and smaller wildlife
Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley are especially popular wildlife viewing destinations.
Families should always maintain safe viewing distances and avoid feeding wildlife.
You may also enjoy our guide to wildlife viewing tips for families in the Smoky Mountains.
Try Outdoor Adventure Attractions
Families looking for more excitement will find plenty of outdoor adventure attractions throughout Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge.
Popular outdoor activities include:
- Ziplining
- Mountain coasters
- Whitewater rafting
- Horseback riding
- Outdoor mini golf
- Chairlift attractions
These experiences help families create memorable moments together while enjoying the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
Relax at Scenic Picnic Areas
Sometimes the best family moments happen during simple outdoor activities like riverside picnics and scenic breaks.
Popular picnic areas near Gatlinburg include:
- Metcalf Bottoms
- Cades Cove Picnic Area
- Greenbrier
- Chimneys Picnic Area
These peaceful outdoor spaces allow families to slow down and enjoy the scenery away from busy tourist areas.
Experience Smoky Mountain Ziplines
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, families can enjoy exciting outdoor adventure while soaring above the forest canopy near Pigeon Forge.
The professionally guided zipline tours combine mountain scenery with family-friendly excitement and provide an unforgettable perspective of the Smokies.
Many families enjoy pairing scenic sightseeing around Gatlinburg with outdoor adventure during their vacation.
Plan More Family Adventures in the Smokies
Gatlinburg continues to be one of the top family vacation destinations in the Smoky Mountains because of the incredible variety of outdoor activities available throughout the region.
You can continue planning your trip with our Smoky Mountain Adventures Guide, featuring more scenic destinations, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
