The cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN are home to some of the most-buzzed-about attractions in the state! Big-name destinations like the Dollywood theme park and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies draw in millions of visitors each year. In addition to these famous spots, the Smoky Mountains are also home to a number of lesser-known attractions that are definitely worth a visit. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Timber Tops Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to the top seven things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge off the beaten path.
1. Outdoor Gravity Park
Outdoor Gravity Park is the only place that you can go zorbing in Pigeon Forge. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, a “zorb” is a giant transparent hamster ball that is large enough for up to three people to fit inside. At Outdoor Gravity Park, you’ll climb inside a zorb that is filled with more than 10 gallons of water and then roll down a 100-foot hill. Trust us, riding inside a zorb is an experience that you will never forget!
2. Walker Sisters Place
The Walker Sisters Place is a historic cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is located along the Little Brier Gap Trail, which begins at Metcalf Bottoms. This log home belonged to five unmarried sisters who insisted on living traditional lives in their family cabin, even after the national park was established. The Walker Sisters acted as quasi-ambassadors for the park, welcoming guests to their home and even selling homemade treats, doilies, and toys. The roundtrip hike to the Walker Sisters Place is around 2.6 miles.
3. Smoky Mountain Cat House
The Smoky Mountain Cat House is a can’t-miss stop for anyone who is a feline fanatic! This quirky shop is overflowing with cat-themed memorabilia, including jewelry, clocks, home decor, handbags, pillows, wallets, T-shirts, and many more items. The Cat House is also a great place to make some feline friends, as many of the owner’s cats live at the shop. It’s easy to see why visiting the Smoky Mountain Cat House is one of the best things to do in Pigeon Forge off the beaten path.
4. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
If you want to see more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from about the world, visit The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg! It is the only one of its kind in the world. One of the main purposes of the museum is to show the changes in society that are represented in shakers. You can see the changes from ancient times to the 1500s, 1800s, 1920s, 1940s, 1960s, all the way to present time. It only costs $3 to enter, which can go toward any salt and pepper shaker in the gift shop, and children 12 and under get in for free!
5. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
If you're craving a quieter side of Gatlinburg, leave the Parkway and head for the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. It's one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg off the beaten path! It's an 8-mile loop featuring studios and shops where local artisans make their work by hand. There's everything from pottery to wood carvings, paintings, handmade soaps, jewelry, and so much more. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is the largest independent organizations of artisans in the United States and a visit makes for a relaxing experience that gives you an up close look a Smoky Mountain culture and traditions!
6. Elkmont Ghost Town
Elkmont Ghost Town sits quietly deep inside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This place started as a logging community and later became a resort destination for wealthy families in the early 1900s before it was eventually abandoned all together. Today, you can wander the area and see preserved cottages, old cabins, and the remnants of historic structures. Don't let the name fool you; Elkmont is more nostalgic than spooky. It's an area of the park that feels like a true time capsule. A trip to Elkmont Ghost Town gives you a chance to slow down and soak in a quieter, older side of the Smokies.
7. Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton
The Remembering Red show at the Red Skelton Tribute Theater pays tribute to the legendary comedian Red Skelton. Brian Hoffman brings all of Red Skelton’s classic characters to life with the same infectious spirit that made them so popular in the 50s and 60s. Whether you’re a longtime Red Skelton fan or you’ve never seen any of his bits, the Remembering Red show is guaranteed to keep you in stitches.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
When you stay with Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of the best things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge off the beaten path. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 17 bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the perfect property for your vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
