When you want to spend a fabulous vacation without spending a fortune, there is no better place to visit than Gatlinburg TN! This is because there are plenty of fun activities that you can enjoy throughout the area without spending a dime! When you combine the value of our affordable cabin rentals and these free things to do, you can see why Gatlinburg is the perfect place for your vacation! Here are the top 4 free things to do in Gatlinburg TN:
1. Take a Scenic Drive
Take advantage of one of the best free things to do in Gatlinburg TN with a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! While most national parks charge an entry fee, you can drive through this wonderful park for free due to a long-standing land deed restriction with the federal government. Popular scenic drives include Cades Cove Loop Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Newfound Gap. You can see gorgeous views, historic structures, and even wildlife! If you plan to park and explore, keep in mind that parking tags are required for visitors who stop longer than 15 minutes. A daily pass only costs $5. All proceeds go directly to the operational costs for managing the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only filled with scenic wonders and wildlife, but more than 90 historical structures that have been preserved or rehabilitated!
2. Stroll Through Downtown Gatlinburg
One of the most pleasant ways to experience the area is with a stroll through downtown Gatlinburg! While there are many attractions, restaurants and souvenir shops where you can spend money, it can be just as fun to enjoy the atmosphere along the Parkway. This is a fantastic place for window shopping and people watching, and it makes the perfect destination for a romantic walk in the evening! If you want to get off the beaten path, take a stroll over to River Road. While this road runs parallel along the Parkway, you will find far fewer visitors and a more peaceful environment.
3. Enjoy an Afternoon Picnic
An afternoon picnic with your family and friends is another one of the fun free things to do in Gatlinburg TN! There are several great picnic spots in Gatlinburg where you can eat outside among the beautiful surroundings of the Smokies! Some of the best spots in town are at the Gatlinburg City Parks, such as Herbert Holt Park, Mynatt Park, and Mills Park. These parks not only feature picnic tables, but free recreational facilities including tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds! The only thing you need to provide is the food for the picnic, which you can prepare in your fully-equipped kitchen when staying at Alpine Chalet Rentals!
4. Visit a Gatlinburg Moonshine Distillery
Experience the long-standing tradition of moonshining in the Smoky Mountains with a visit to one of the Gatlinburg moonshine distilleries! Some of these exciting distilleries include the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Company, and Tennessee Shine Company. While there is a small fee for moonshine sampling, you are free to explore each of these distilleries at no charge! You can also catch free live music outside of Ole Smoky!
Looking for even more ways to save money? Check out these cheap things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
Where to Stay Near the Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN
Check out all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals today to plan your vacation near all of these fun things to do in Gatlinburg TN! We hope to see you soon at Alpine Chalet Rentals!
