From Dollywood (10 minutes away) to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, here are our favorite attractions within a short drive.
Last updated: February 2026
$$$World-class theme park with over 50 rides, live entertainment, Southern food, and seasonal festivals. The park is literally at the bottom of our mountain.
Host tip: Skip the mile-long stop-and-go traffic on Veterans Blvd. Just cross the street at the stoplight at the bottom of our hill and you're directly in the Dollywood parking lot. Fireworks are visible from our deck every summer night.
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Thistle Britches sits at the highest point on Parrot Mountain with panoramic views, a private hot tub, and Dollywood at the bottom of the driveway.
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$$$35-acre water park with slides, wave pool, lazy river, and mountain views. Open late May through Labor Day.
Host tip: Visible from above our cabin by drone. Go on a weekday for shorter lines.
$$Mountain-top theme park with treehouse village, zip lines, rail runner coaster, and stunning views of Gatlinburg from above.
Host tip: The views from the Treetop Skywalk are incredible at sunset. Get there around 4pm for the best light.
FreeAmerica's most visited national park with 800+ miles of trails, waterfalls, wildlife, and the famous misty mountain views. Free admission, always.
Host tip: Download the NPS app before you go. Clingmans Dome road closes in winter but the lower trails stay open year-round.
Free11-mile scenic loop through a historic valley with wildlife (bears, deer, turkeys), pioneer homesteads, and mountain views. One of the most popular drives in the park.
Host tip: Go early morning (before 8am) or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings. Wednesdays the road is closed to cars for bicycles only.
Free6-mile one-way drive through old-growth forest with short hikes to waterfalls (Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls). Starts right in Gatlinburg.
Host tip: Grotto Falls is the easiest waterfall hike (2.6 miles round trip). You can actually walk behind the waterfall.
$$Tropical bird garden with hundreds of exotic parrots, macaws, and cockatoos. Walk through lush gardens and hold the birds. Our cabin shares the same mountain.
Host tip: Our cabin land joins with the 800 acres owned by Parrot Mountain and Dollywood. You're literally on the same mountain.
$$Year-round mountain adventure park. Skiing and snow tubing in winter, alpine slide, scenic chairlift, and ice skating year-round.
Host tip: Take the aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg for the best views. The ice rink is open even in summer.
$$Open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (200-foot observation wheel), shows, and fountains.
Host tip: The fountain show is free and runs every 30 minutes in the evening. Great photo opportunity with the wheel lit up at night.
$$Historic chairlift to the top of Crockett Mountain with the SkyBridge (North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge at 680 feet) and SkyDeck.
Host tip: Go near sunset for the best mountain views from the SkyBridge. The glass floor panels are a thrill.
$Charming European-style shopping village in downtown Gatlinburg with 27 boutiques, candy shops, and local artisan stores.
Host tip: The Pepper Palace is a must-stop for hot sauce lovers. Day Hiker is great for last-minute trail supplies.
$Over 100 brand-name outlet stores with savings of 25-65% off retail. Nike, Coach, Under Armour, and more.
Host tip: Tax-free shopping on clothing in Tennessee. Go on a weekday morning for the best parking and smallest crowds.
$$Walk-through aquarium with shark tunnel, stingray bay, penguin playhouse, and touch tanks. One of the top-rated aquariums in the US.
Host tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the line. The shark tunnel and penguin feeding are the highlights.
$$Indoor amusement park with over 100 interactive exhibits, ropes course, laser tag, and 4D motion ride. The upside-down building on the Parkway.
Host tip: The all-access pass is worth it. Kids love the space zone and earthquake simulator.
$$Half-scale replica of the Titanic with over 400 artifacts. Each guest gets a boarding pass with the name of an actual passenger.
Host tip: Touch a real iceberg and see if your feet fit in Kate Winslet's actual movie shoes. More engaging than you'd expect.
$$Indoor snow tubing year-round. Real snow, even in the middle of summer.
Host tip: No reservations needed. Just show up and play in the snow.
FreeThe main road through the Smokies from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC. Climbs to 5,046 feet with overlooks, hiking trailheads, and the state line marker.
Host tip: The road is winding and can be foggy. The overlook at Newfound Gap is where FDR dedicated the park. Fall color peaks mid-October.
FreeRidgetop road with sweeping 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. The 'Missing Link' section opened in 2018 with stunning bridges and overlooks.
Host tip: Less crowded than Newfound Gap. The section between Walland and Chilhowee has the best overlooks. Great for sunset drives.
“The most private quiet cabin we've ever rented with the most spectacular views. The hot tub was fabulous. The kitchen was beyond fully stocked. Jamie is a great host. Can't wait to visit again!”
“Jamie's place checked every box! Beautiful cabin, secluded yet gorgeous views, a fire pit, and plenty of room for the fur baby. Downtown Gatlinburg is just a short drive away. 10/10 recommend!”
“Probably the best vacation rental we've ever stayed at. The cabin was immaculate, the views were stunning, and the amenities were top-notch. The hot tub was a dream. Highly, highly recommend!”
Thistle Britches