Planning group activities in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is easy; there are numerous attractions, accommodations, dining and entertainment options perfect for groups, no matter the size. When deciding on group things to do in Gatlinburg, the options are endless. Read on to learn about 5 planning tips to maximize the fun for your group vacation to Gatlinburg.
Explore the National Park
One of the most popular group activities in Gatlinburg is a memorable hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This massive park covers over 521,000 acres and features more than 800 miles of hiking trails. There are endless options for your group trail adventure. From a rewarding waterfall hike such as “Rainbow Falls” (2.7 miles one way) to a moderate and historic hike such as “Porters Creek” (2 miles round trip) to a more rugged journey such as “Charlies Bunion” (8.1 miles roundtrip), your group vacation to Gatlinburg will be one to remember.
Go Whitewater Rafting
A group vacation to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without a whitewater rafting trip. Not only are there numerous rafting companies, but many specialize in group sales and have designated staff to work with groups. No matter what white water rafting company you choose, your group will most likely be journeying down part of the Pigeon River, a clear mountain that river runs through a deep gorge on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains park near the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Companies such as Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting, Big Creek Expeditions, Rapid Expeditions, and the world-famous Nantahala Outdoor Center can all help you plan a thrilling group activity in Gatlinburg the whole group will love.
Take a Trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokys
Rain or shine, one of the best group things to do in Gatlinburg is visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokys. This incredible aquarium features fascinating exhibits with all sorts of sea creatures including sharks, sting rays, sea turtles and many more. A top group vacation destination, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokys offers special group discounts when you purchase tickets in advance. Your group will also be delighted to view their latest exhibit, “Penguin Playhouse,” which features a special colony of Penguins (Frank, Suzie and Tara to name a few) and a live Penguin cam so you can check on your friends long after your group’s visit!
Go Ziplining at CLIMB Works
Another amazing group activity in Gatlinburg is ziplining, and a group treetop tour at CLIMB Works will not disappoint. CLIMB Works is a world-class adventure park that offers zipline tours that set themselves apart with truly immersive, educational, and absolutely unforgettable experiences. Groups can choose from the Mountain Top Zipline or Treetop Zipline tour, Both of these group activities in Gatlinburg have extraordinary views and last around two hours. However, Mountain Top tour has more of a focus on the history of the Smokys while the Treetop tour takes a deeper look at the Biology of the surrounding mountains.
Group Cabin Rentals in Gatlinburg
The most important planning piece is finding the perfect group cabin to rent in Gatlinburg. Elk Springs Resort features a huge array of group cabins that will serve as the perfect place for your group to convene, relax, and enjoy nature and the company of each other. Their spacious, luxury group cabins will be the perfect springboard for all your group activities in Gatlinburg.
Consider cabins such as “Diamond in the Rough.” This 5-bedroom cabin sleeps 16 people and features wrap-around decks with stunning mountain views, a game room, and its own private theater.
Mountain View Mansion is another phenomenal group cabin rental in Gatlinburg. As one of Elk Springs Resort’s premier group cabins for rent, this fully remodeled cabin-lodge will make your group like royalty as you enter a private gate to your 2-acre mountain top estate with majestic mountain views, a private indoor, heated pool, a personal home theater and many more luxury amenities.
“Pool and Theater Lodge” is a great choice for a group cabin rental in Gatlinburg.. This massive lodge sleeps a whopping 28 people, which is perfect for a family/friend reunion, wedding party, or work group. Featuring an indoor heated pool, spacious game room, private theater, and relaxing covered decks, this luxury group cabin rental in Gatlinburg has everything you need.
