Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Best Scenic Attractions in Gatlinburg for Families
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on February 17, 2026
Gatlinburg combines mountain scenery with family-friendly attractions better than almost anywhere else in the Smoky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy panoramic overlooks, scenic chairlift rides, peaceful nature drives, mountain-top attractions, and outdoor adventures all within a short distance of one another.
For many families, Gatlinburg becomes one of the highlights of a Smoky Mountain vacation because it offers so many ways to experience the beauty of the mountains without requiring difficult hikes or long travel days. Parents, children, grandparents, and first-time visitors can all enjoy scenic experiences together while exploring the area at their own pace.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer Smoky Mountain vacation, Gatlinburg provides countless opportunities to combine sightseeing, outdoor scenery, and memorable family experiences throughout every season.
You can also explore our Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville Guide for more family vacation ideas throughout the region.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Gatlinburg SkyPark remains one of the most popular scenic attractions in Gatlinburg because it combines mountain views, outdoor walking areas, and family-friendly sightseeing.
Visitors ride the chairlift to the top of Crockett Mountain where they can enjoy:
- Panoramic Smoky Mountain views
- The SkyBridge
- Family photo opportunities
- Outdoor seating areas
- Sunset scenery
The attraction works especially well for families because visitors can enjoy mountain scenery without needing to complete difficult hikes.
Anakeesta
Anakeesta offers another popular scenic mountain-top experience in Gatlinburg.
Guests ride to the summit before exploring:
- Mountain overlooks
- Family attractions
- Walking trails
- Gardens
- Scenic dining areas
- Observation towers
The combination of mountain scenery and family entertainment makes Anakeesta appealing for visitors of many ages.
Even simple walks through the attraction often provide beautiful views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the best scenic attractions near Gatlinburg is the national park itself.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides countless opportunities for families to experience:
- Scenic mountain drives
- Waterfalls
- Wildlife viewing
- Picnic areas
- Mountain overlooks
- Short hiking trails
Because Gatlinburg sits directly beside one of the park entrances, families can quickly transition from downtown attractions to peaceful mountain scenery.
You may also want to explore our Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers one of the most peaceful scenic drives near Gatlinburg.
The narrow one-way road winds through dense forest scenery while passing:
- Mountain streams
- Historic cabins
- Waterfalls
- Forest overlooks
- Natural roadside scenery
Families often enjoy taking their time along the drive and stopping at scenic pull-offs throughout the route.
The area becomes especially beautiful during spring, summer, and fall foliage season.
Kuwohi Observation Tower
Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, remains one of the most iconic scenic destinations in the Smoky Mountains.
As the highest point in Tennessee, Kuwohi offers panoramic mountain views stretching across multiple states on clear days.
Families visiting the observation tower enjoy:
- Long-range mountain views
- Cooler mountain temperatures
- Sunrise and sunset scenery
- Scenic photography opportunities
- High-elevation mountain landscapes
The paved walk to the tower is steep but relatively short, making it manageable for many visitors wanting one of the best scenic views in the Smokies.
You may also enjoy our guide to the best mountain views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain combines scenic mountain views with year-round family activities.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Chairlift and aerial tramway rides
- Mountain-top scenery
- Seasonal activities
- Wildlife encounters
- Family entertainment
During winter, the area becomes especially popular for snow activities, while warmer months provide scenic outdoor sightseeing opportunities.
Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is one of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains and is easily accessible from Gatlinburg and nearby towns.
Visitors appreciate:
- Panoramic mountain overlooks
- Peaceful driving conditions
- Sunset photography
- Less crowded scenic areas
- Beautiful views year-round
Many families enjoy stopping at overlooks along the drive for photos and scenic breaks.
You may also enjoy our guide to scenic mountain drives near Pigeon Forge.
Downtown Gatlinburg Scenic Walks
Not all scenic experiences in Gatlinburg happen high above the mountains. Simply walking through downtown Gatlinburg can be enjoyable for families because of the mountain backdrop surrounding the Parkway area.
Visitors often enjoy:
- Mountain views between buildings
- Creekside walking areas
- Family photo spots
- Local shops and attractions
- Relaxed evening walks
The walkable layout allows families to move at their own pace while exploring attractions, restaurants, and scenic corners throughout downtown.
You may also enjoy our guide to exploring downtown Gatlinburg at your own pace.
Add Outdoor Adventure to Your Gatlinburg Vacation
Many families enjoy combining scenic sightseeing with outdoor adventure during their Smoky Mountain trip.
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, visitors can soar above the forest canopy near Pigeon Forge while enjoying incredible Smoky Mountain scenery from a completely different perspective.
The experience pairs naturally with scenic drives, mountain attractions, and family sightseeing days throughout Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smokies.
You may also enjoy our post on why families love ziplining vacations in the Smoky Mountains.
Plan a Scenic Family Vacation in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg offers one of the best combinations of mountain scenery and family-friendly attractions anywhere in the Smoky Mountains region.
Whether your family enjoys scenic overlooks, mountain-top attractions, peaceful drives, outdoor adventure, or relaxing sightseeing, Gatlinburg provides countless opportunities to experience the beauty of the Smokies together.
Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and let the mountains become part of the memories your family carries home long after the vacation ends.
