What to do in Gatlinburg while house and pet sitting

Looking to visit a small town in Tennessee? Gatlinburg’s population is just over 4,100 but yet it’s one of the state’s busiest tourist destinations. Why? We’re glad you asked! The resort city is home to the incredible Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the US.

The mountain city is home to many attractions so if you find yourself in there during your next pet sit wondering what to do in Gatlinburg, we’ve done all the hard work for you with our guide.

Gatlinburg attractions

1. Rafting in the Smokies

If you lean towards a daredevil persuasion, the Smoky Mountain Outdoors is the perfect place to get your kicks. The experienced guides accompany guests on each rafting trip to guarantee complete safety but if you’re up for a more thrilling trip down the river, there’s class III and IV rapids to enjoy. 

2. Gatlinburg Trolley

Originally established in 1980 with a fleet of six trolleys, the Gatlinburg Trolley System has over 20 trolleys servicing the Gatlinburg area. They operate on a daily basis, 365 days a year and you can board any trolley at any stop in the city and explore. 

3. Anakeesta 

Anakeesta is a mountaintop park with adventure and relaxation. You can get day access with unlimited scenic rides of the Smokies or if a low-key afternoon is more your thing, you can visit the Firefly village where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants amidst the picturesque mountain atmosphere. 

4. Ober Gatlinburg 

Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and amusement park offering year-round recreational activities. The complex includes a chairlift, indoor ice-skating, skiing, an alpine slide and mini golf to name just a few activities. It’s a great place for nature lovers too with a habitat for native animals like black bears and possums.

5. Clingmans Dome 

Clingmans Dome is, at 6,643 feet, the highest point in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 45-foot-tall observation tower perched atop the mountain's summit offers 360-degree views of the Smokies and on a clear day seven different US states.

Free things to do in Gatlinburg

What is there to do in Gatlinburg on a budget? Well, plenty! Below we share our top 3 faves:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The country's most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has everything from nature you could possibly want. Cascading waterfalls, roaming wildlife and an incredible view that stretches out over 500,000 acres. You can hike through the Appalachian Trail, go on a wildflower walk or take in one of the many waterfalls. 

2.  Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community

The Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg is the largest independent organization of artisans in the US. There’s a huge diversity of crafts, from dulcimers to ceramics. There’s plenty of opportunity to talk to the artists and learn about the history of their craft, too. 

3. Walk along Pigeon River

If you’re looking for a scenic walk, you won’t get much better than walking along the city’s riverwalk path that takes you by the Little Pigeon River. Take in the natural beauty of the area on one of the many benches or gazebos along the path. 

Fun things to do in Gatlinburg

1. Mountain Moonshine Tastings

Tennessee is known for its moonshine history, particularly in the Great Smoky Mountains region. There are many different distilleries you can visit but probably the most widely known is the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. The first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee uses time-honored recipes and processes passed-down through the year so if you’re looking for authentic moonshine this is your place. 

2. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

Departing regularly from downtown Gatlinburg, the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a cable car that will take you on a breathtaking 2.1-mile ride up to the Amusement Park & Ski Area.

3. Gatlinburg Space Needle

The iconic space needle landmark is a 407ft observation tower overlooking downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Ride the glass elevators to the observation deck to see a three hundred and sixty degree view of the breathtaking mountains. 

4. The Hollywood Star Cars Museum 

The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a fun museum to go to when you’re visiting Gatlinburg. There’s over 40 cars to see – all of them used in Hollywood movies, including vehicles from Gone in 60 Seconds, The Fast and the Furious, and Days of Thunder.

What to do in Gatlinburg with pets?

From dog parks to pup-friendly eateries, Gatlinburg’s a pet-friendly paradise. Whether you’re looking to get out and about with your new favourite pup, or looking for a great place to eat where they can tag along too, Gatlinburg has no shortage of great spots. 

1. Hiking trails 

Sitting a pup? Take them on a new route on one of the many dog-friendly trails like the Gatlinburg trail which starts at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and stretches nearly two miles along the picturesque Pigeon River. Mynatt Park and Mills Park are also fantastic places to get your dog exploring and experiencing some new scents.

2. Sevierville’s Petsafe Dog Park

This great dog park offers separate areas for large and small dogs, fully equipped with agility equipment and observation cameras. There’s even Wi-Fi if you need to search for a nearby pet-friendly pit stop for lunch. Speaking of which...

3. Tennessee Jed’s 

Tennessee Jed’s serves breakfast classics, sandwiches & Frito pies all in a laid-back location with outdoor patio seating that welcomes dogs.

Best restaurants in Gatlinburg

Looking for the best restaurants in Gatlinburg? Here’s some of our top places to chow down: 

1. Wild Plum Tea Room

A picturesque cabin in the woods that serves quintessential family and community recipes. How much cuter could it get? Known for the Wild Plum Tea served hot or cold, there’s no need for pinkies up, and the dog-friendly outdoor seating is a bonus if you’re out and about with your pup. 

2. Red Oak Bistro 

Specialising in Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine, this tapas bar is owned by chef Olga Branka who takes pride in sourcing her ingredients from area farmers' markets and invites all to “come in as guests and leave as friends.” Reservations are highly recommended for this popular spot. 

3. Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar 

Love seafood? This Knoxville-based seafood-forward hotspot boasts a bounty of flown-in-daily catches. The steamed seafood feast and seafood tower are popular options and you must try their namesake oysters Chesapeake topped with creamy blue crab, mushrooms and Benton’s bacon. There’s full bar service too!

4. New Orleans Sandwich Company 

This family-owned and operated New Orleans-inspired casual sandwich shop offers Cajun and Creole classics like po’boys, muffalettas, gumbo, crawfish etouffee and jambalaya. 

5. Anakeesta 

We mentioned Anakeesta earlier but there are several dining options all boasting 360° views of the Great Smoky Mountains, including The Bar at The Top of the World if you just want to enjoy a drink. There’s also classic American cuisine including signature salads and steaks to bison short ribs and sea scallops. 

With so many exciting things to do and see in Gatlinburg, we’re sure you’ll need more than just one pet sit there to explore everything we’ve mentioned. So, why not look for a long-term pet sit in Tennessee? Remember, there is no limit to the amount of pet sits you can do and there’s always someone out there looking for a wonderful sitter to take care of their beloved pet. In the meantime, be sure to share your pet sitting adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #TrustedTales.