Top Unique Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Adults: Experience the Unexpected

Gatlinburg has way more to offer adults than most people think. Sure, it’s known for family fun, but there are tons of unique things to do in Gatlinburg for adults that go beyond the typical tourist stuff. 

There’s a whole different side to this mountain town once you know just where to look. Whether you’re into adventure, spooky stories, good food, or just want to relax, Gatlinburg delivers. The key lies in knowing which places to visit and what unique things to do in Gatlinburg for adults are worth your time.

Explore Anakeesta

Anakeesta is one of those places that completely surprises you. You take a chairlift up to this outdoor adventure park, and suddenly you’re in a whole different world. While views themselves make the trip worth it, there’s so much more to do once you get up there.

The Rail Runner mountain coaster is absolutely wild, even if you’re with kids. It’s the only single-rail coaster in the entire United States, which means you’re getting an experience you literally can’t have anywhere else. Racing through the forest on this thing is incredible, as you’re flying around trees and rock formations at speeds that’ll get your heart pumping.

Then there’s the Hellbender coaster (as long as 3,350 feet!), which is just as exciting but different. Both coasters give you this amazing rush while showing off the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. 

The treetop walk is another of the unique things to do in Gatlinburg for adults where you can stroll through the forest canopy and see the mountains from angles most people never get to see.

The adventure park also has zip lines, obstacle courses, and plenty of spots to just sit and take in the mountain views. It’s one of those places where you can spend hours without getting bored.

Try Something Spooky with a Ghost and Haunt Tours

Now here’s something that’ll really surprise you about Gatlinburg, the ghost stories are incredible. I’m not talking about cheesy haunted house stuff. These are real stories in real places that you get to visit, and they’ll give you chills.

The Ghost and Haunt Tours takes you through downtown Gatlinburg after dark, sharing stories that locals have been talking about for generations. The guides know their stuff, and they take you to actual locations where these spooky events happened. 

Walking through the streets at night while hearing about mysterious deaths, unexplained sightings, and strange occurrences really changes how you see the town.

What makes this tour special is how they mix history with the supernatural elements. You’re not just getting ghost stories, you’re learning about real tragedies and mysteries that shaped Gatlinburg’s character. The regular tour runs every night at 9:00 PM.

If you really want to go all out, they offer extended investigation tours that last about 3.5 hours. You get to use actual ghost hunting equipment and explore paranormal hotspots around town. It’s like being part of your own ghost hunting show.

Book ghost tours ahead because they fill up fast, especially on weekends. The website shows you all the different tour options so you can pick what sounds most interesting to you.

Take a Stroll Across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is one of those experiences that looks simple but ends up being pretty amazing. You ride a chairlift up to the top of the mountain, then walk across this suspension bridge that stretches 680 feet across a valley.

The views from up there are incredible. You can see for miles in every direction, with the Smoky Mountains stretching out below you. It’s especially beautiful during fall when all the leaves are changing colors, but honestly, it’s stunning any time of year.

What I like about the SkyBridge is that it’s not just about the bridge itself. Once you’re up there, you can explore the area, take photos, and just enjoy being up in the mountains. There are also some shorter hiking trails if you want to explore a bit more.

The chairlift ride up is part of the fun stuff too. It gives you time to take in the scenery and get excited about what you’re about to see. Going up during sunset is particularly beautiful if you can time it right.

Enjoy Local Distillery Tours

Gatlinburg’s distilleries share stories and techniques that were hidden in these hills for decades. These aren’t just places to get drunk – they’re preserving mountain traditions that go back generations.

Sugarlands Distilling Company is probably the most popular, and for good reason. Their tours teach you about Appalachian moonshine culture while letting you taste some pretty unique flavors. Apple pie moonshine, Tennessee honey, and others are among the rare combinations you’ve probably never tried before.

As per history, moonshine wasn’t just about making alcohol, rather it was about survival and tradition for mountain families. Today, these distilleries are bringing those old methods into the open and sharing the stories behind them.

Most distilleries offer free tastings with their tours, so you can try different flavors and learn what you like. The staff usually knows a lot about the local area too, so they’re good sources for other recommendations.

Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community

The Arts and Crafts Community is this 8-mile loop of local artisans and craftspeople showing off their work. It’s one of the largest groups of independent artists in the country, and wandering through it is a great way to spend a relaxed afternoon to unwind.

You’ll find everything from pottery and woodworking to jewelry and paintings. What makes it special is that these are real local artists, not mass-produced tourist stuff. Many of them are happy to talk about their techniques and inspiration, which gives you insight into mountain culture you won’t get anywhere else.

The loop takes you through some beautiful countryside too, so even the drive between shops is scenic. You can take your time, stop wherever something catches your eye, and discover artists whose work really speaks to you.

It’s also a good place to find unique souvenirs that actually mean something. Instead of generic tourist stuff, you’re getting handmade items from local artists who put real skill and creativity into their work.

Experience Things to Do in Gatlinburg at Night

Gatlinburg’s nightlife is more diverse than most people realize, reserved for adults, of course. Beyond the distilleries, there are comedy clubs, live music venues, and bars that cater to adults looking for evening entertainment.

The comedy shows feature both local performers and touring acts. The venues are intimate, so you feel connected to the performers in ways that don’t happen in big city clubs. Local musicians also perform regularly, showcasing everything from traditional bluegrass to contemporary mountain music.

Several bars and clubs stay open late, giving you options for continuing the night after dinner. Some feature live music, others focus on craft cocktails or local beers. The atmosphere varies from laid-back mountain casual to more upscale lounges.

Walking around downtown at night gives you a completely different perspective on Gatlinburg. The mountain mist often rolls in after dark, and the lights from the various attractions create this almost magical atmosphere that’s totally different from the daytime tourist hustle.

Dining in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg’s food scene goes way beyond the famous pancake houses. While those are definitely worth trying (especially if you’re with your kids), there are restaurants serving cuisine that’ll surprise you in a mountain town.

The Greenbrier Restaurant is special because of its history and atmosphere. This place has been serving fine dining since the 1930s, and eating there feels like stepping back in time. The building itself has character, and the food reflects both traditional mountain cooking and more sophisticated preparation.

Local breweries are creating beers using mountain spring water, giving them flavors that reflect the landscape. These beers are unique to the area. 

Farm-to-table restaurants work with local producers to create menus that change with the seasons. You’re getting ingredients that were grown or raised right in the area, prepared by chefs who understand mountain flavors and traditions.

For a unique experience, some restaurants offer outdoor dining with mountain views. Eating while looking out at the Smokies adds something special to any meal, whether it’s a casual lunch or romantic dinner.

Outdoor Activities

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers incredible hiking opportunities right from Gatlinburg. With 800 miles of trails, you can find everything from easy walks to challenging climbs that lead to spectacular views, perfect for all levels of hikers.

Cataract Falls and Laurel Falls are popular destinations, but exploring some lesser-known trails can lead to discoveries that feel more personal. Finding a waterfall or mountain vista without crowds lets you really absorb the beauty of the landscape.

White water rafting on the mountain rivers is another adventure that showcases what makes this area special. The rapids are carved by centuries of mountain runoff, creating challenges that test your teamwork and courage. Different companies offer various difficulty levels, so you can find something that matches your experience.

For those who prefer calmer water activities, there are fishing opportunities in mountain streams and lakes. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile, even if you don’t catch anything.

Seasonal Attractions and Events

Each season brings different opportunities for things to do in Gatlinburg for adults. Winter transforms Ober Mountain into a snow sports destination with skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating. The mountain takes on a completely different personality when covered in snow.

Spring brings wildflower blooms that carpet the mountainsides in colors that seem almost unreal. The timing changes every year based on weather, so each spring visit offers something different.

Fall is famous for autumn colors that attract visitors from around the world. But locals know the best viewing spots that most tourists never discover. Timing and location make all the difference for seeing peak colors.

Summer offers the longest days and warmest weather for outdoor adventures. It’s also festival season, with events showcasing local music, crafts, and culture throughout the warmer months.

Plan Your Perfect Visit

When planning your trip, think about what kind of experience interests you most. Adventure activities, cultural exploration, culinary discoveries, or supernatural encounters in Gatlinburg offer all of these, but knowing your preferences helps you make the most of your time.

Ghost and Haunt Tours should definitely make your list if you want one of the most unique things to do in Gatlinburg for adults. Book a ghost tour now because these tours can fill up, especially during busy seasons. The website shows different tour options so you can choose what sounds most appealing.

Different seasons offer completely different experiences, and weather can affect what activities are available. As mountain weather changes quickly, pack layers and be prepared for conditions that might be different from the valley.

Transportation around Gatlinburg is pretty straightforward. Downtown is walkable, but some of the best attractions require short drives into the surrounding mountains. Moving around in a car, even a taxi, would be a better choice. 

Final Thoughts

Gatlinburg offers way more unique things to do in Gatlinburg for adults than most people realize. From spine-tingling ghost tours that are unmatched, to thrilling mountain coasters, and from unique dining experiences to peaceful mountain hikes, there’s something here for every type of adult traveler.

The best things to do in Gatlinburg for adults often combine different types of experiences. You might start with a mountain adventure, spend your afternoon exploring local arts and crafts, and end your evening on a ghost tour that completely changes your perspective on the town.

What makes Gatlinburg special is how it balances tourist amenities with authentic mountain culture. You can have genuine encounters with local traditions while still enjoying modern conveniences and entertainment.

Ready to experience something truly unique? Book an exciting and thrilling ghost tour and discover the supernatural side of Gatlinburg that most visitors otherwise miss out on!