If you are coming to East Tennessee and looking for non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, get ready to navigate the country’s most visited national park while still enjoying more local and unique experiences.
My mom moved to Gatlinburg a handful of years ago, and so I’ve been lucky enough to have had the Great Smoky Mountains at my doorstep whenever I visited.
Whether you are looking for quirky experiences like a Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum or want to know where the locals unwind, follow this off-the-beaten-path Gatlinburg, TN guide.
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Why explore unique things to do in Gatlinburg, TN?
Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains are highly trafficked throughout the year. This is particularly obvious in summer when hiking to waterfalls is the thing to do, and in fall when driving up to Clingmans Dome or walking along the town’s skyline bridge for picturesque foliage views are all the rage.
While I definitely recommend a lot of these touristy experiences, there is a much more beautiful side to life in this mountain town. These low-key things to do in Gatlinburg offer you a closer look at the area’s country charm, less-trafficked nature sites, and awesome places to eat off the main strip.
This Gatlinburg, TN itinerary is for those who want to go beyond the tourist attractions and enjoy a more raw, slow travel experience in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Non-touristy things to do in Gatlinurg
Soak up the authentic charm of this mountain town with is off-the-beaten path itinerary guide.
Glades Road
Glades Road is my all-time favorite area here and it’s full of non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s a long country road full of boutiques, eclectic shops, picturesque wedding chapels, and local ambiance.
There is a lot to see and the road caters to so many interests. When you first turn onto Glades from Birds Creek/Buckhorn Rd, you’ll quickly see what I’m talking about.
You’ll see the Make It Magic Magic Shop, which is more than a shop for magicians of all skills, but an artisan shop with carved wooden goodies like mushroom stools, quirky framed drawings, carved “welcome” bears for your front lawn, and more.
Plus, it is set within a historic cabin with loads of charm. The Magic Shop sets the scene for the rest of your little drive along Glades Road. Remember to drive slow though – the speed limit is 25 mph.
Anyway, there are a lot more off-the-beaten path Gatlinburg places I want you to see along Glades Road, so read on for more.
And for more scenic drives, check out this self-guided (as in you’ll do it from your own car) Great Smoky Mountain driving tour for just $15.
Morning Mist Village
One of the cutest arts and crafts community villages in the area, the Morning Mist Village is quaint, picturesque, and has some delightful shops – much better than the touristy ones you’ll find downtown.
For locally made soaps, lotions, shampoos, etc made from natural ingredients, stop by the Misty Mountain Soap Company. The owner, though she’s really there, is a sweetheart and she loves what she does.
You’ll find a lot of different soap bars as well as CBD lotions, essential oils, shampoo bars, and much more. The prices are affordable and it’s a great way to support sustainable tourism by shopping truly locally.
The Glades Soda Fountain is another popular spot for homemade sodas, shakes, and Americans-style snacks.
And for more shopping, I adore the Shop Africa for African woven goodies and the Beech Branch Crafts & Signs.
Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a cute and quaint area with a stream running through it and in the warmer months it’s full of potted flowers.
Morning Mist Cafe
Also in the Morning Mist Village, as the name suggests, Morning Mist Cafe is a delicious eatery serving breakfast and lunch with both a sun-kissed patio and low-key indoor dining room.
Everything is homemade and they specialize in yummy sandwiches, fried pickles, and burgers. They usually have a delicious pimiento cheese sandwich as well – which I only recently learned that pimento cheese wasn’t an everywhere-in-the-US thing but rather a Southern thing.
They usually close between 3:30 – 5 p.m. depending on the time of year, so keep that in mind when planning to visit.
Locals love this spot and it’s one of my favorites when it comes to non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg Grind
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, it wouldn’t be a travel guide from The Spirited Explorer without mentioning at least one coffee shop.
For pastries like cheese danishes, savory treats, and jumbo cinnamon rolls paired with some good coffee at great prices, please stop by Gatlinburg Grind – also on Glades Road.
It’s a small cafe attached to a short row of other businesses like a The Smiths silversmithing shop and a sugar shack.
Take your items to-go, preferably bringing along a reusable cup, or sit at the window bar or one of the few outdoor patio seats.
Gatlinburg Grind is part of the Glades Village which offers a lot of unique things to do in Gatlinburg, TN so feel free to take your coffee and enjoy a little wander around the area here.
Sparky’s Glass Blowing
Meet some cool locals, watch the glass blowing process, and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your trip to the Smoky Mountains when you visit Sparky’s Glass Blowing near the Morning Mist Village.
They even offer classes, which is certainly a non-touristy thing to take advantage of!
Greenbrier
I’m almost biting my tongue (fingers?) sharing this local gem with you, but I’m going to assume you’re cool and worthy of enjoying this favorite summer spot among locals in the area.
Greenbrier is a long gravel road set along the Little Pigeon River with laidback hiking trails around it.
People come here in summer with beach chairs, floats, and picnic lunch to catch some sun and chill out in the super refreshing water.
Some parts of the river are very rocky and help create swimming holes. It’s also really picturesque with the cascades, surrounding foliage, and jutting rocks.
Baskins Creek Falls
Tourists are likely familiar with popular waterfall hikes in Gatlinburg like Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls, but if you’re looking to get off the beaten path, definitely visit Baskins Creek Falls.
It’s in the same area as Grotto Falls but much less trafficked. Overall, it’s a 3.7 out and back trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. There’s a bit of ups and downs in elevation, but it’s a moderate hike overall.
It starts off with some beautiful views of the mountains in the distance and then slowly descends and ascends winding along the ridge toward Baskins Creek Falls.
You’ll have to cross over a few streams, so waterproof hiking boots or these chacos are going to be the best choice.
One of the things that makes this a unique thing to do in the Smoky Mountains is how it has a small, mysterious cemetery a little over halfway to the waterfall.
Remember that you now need a day pass to park within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Grab yours at the Gatlinburg Visitors Center or the Sugarlands Visitors Center (this one is a little closer to the trail.)
The Brown Farm
See American Bison at the Brown Farm on Birds Creek Road for an easy family-friendly pit stop on Gatlinburg’s country roads.
You can’t do tours or go in and interact with the animals or anything, but you’re allowed to pull off to the side and park there and take photos of these rare animals.
If you liked your visit and want to support the farm, feel free to leave a tip in the box on the fence!
Stargazing at Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is Tennessee’s highest point. You drive through downtown Gatlinburg and wind up the mountain. Once you get there, there’s a park area and visitors center.
You’ll already have a stunning view from here, but then you can keep going up the paved pathway to Clingmans Dome (it’s very short but also VERY steep).
It’s open all day and night and since it’s the highest point, you’ll have an opportunity for some incredible stargazing and admiring the Milky Way.
Whether you just want to lay up there and take in the night sky or practice your night photography, it’s definitely a cool thing to do in the Smokies.
Museum of Salt & Pepper Shakers
This one is fun to me because my great-grandparents were huge salt and pepper collectors. It’s pretty much the only thing I can remember about going to their house… shakers everywhere!
So, check out the quirky and unusual Salt & Pepper Shakers Museum and see more than 20,000 historic, odd, and funny salt and pepper shakers from around the world. Easily one of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg.
We’re not just talking about the south! There’s even a sister museum in Alicante, Spain with another 20,000 shakers.
Plus, it’s only $3 so it’s a cheap and fun thing to do right outside downtown Gatlinburg.
Hillbilly Mini Golf
If you like a little bit of mini golf while on vacation, this is probably the most touristy attraction to take part in but it’s also unique and off the main Gatlinburg strip.
Hillbilly Golf is in a nice leafy and mountainous area and has unusual challenges with 2 Appalachian-themed, 18-hole miniature courses. It’s been coined “the world’s most unusual miniature golf course.”
This is fun, especially if you’re looking to do some typical vacation stuff without heading to Ripley’s or into Pigeon Forge (which is where you’ll find a lot of mini golf, the Dollywood Theme Park, etc.) It’s a very touristy hub near the Smokies.
Green Eye Hemp Cafe
If you’re a fan of good coffee, CBD, edibles, Delta whatever, this is one of the coolest places to visit in Gatlinburg.
The Green Eye Hemp Cafe makes homemade cookies and pastries, many of which are infused with CBD/Delta 8/Hemp.
What I personally love is that all their teas and coffees are both organic and fair-trade AND the staff is so friendly and welcoming. The interior is also lovely; it’s just all-around good vibes.
Behind the counter is a giant fish tank and behind that is their exposed grow room. Yes, it’s legal – don’t worry.
Please stop in and have a nice coffee, even if CBD and hemp isn’t your thing.
Dinner at Three Jimmy’s
If you want to have a tasty dinner near the Smoky Mountains without the hefty prices of touristy downtown Gatlinburg, visit Three Jimmy’s right off Glades Road.
This local’s spot has a piano player, a full bar with cocktails and craft beer, and a great menu of burgers, grilled dishes, sandwiches, and classic Southern appetizers. There’s seating both indoors and on the patio.
Haven’t seen a bear in the Smokies yet? Keep your eye out at the dumpers in the back when you leave/arrive and you might just see a bear… yes, digging in the trash.
Where to stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Since this is a non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg guide, we’re staying off the downtown Parkway and enjoying some closer by and tucked away options.
Carr’s Northside Hotel & Cottages: Cute, warmly-decorated rooms with outdoor pool, walking distance to downtown and budget-friendly. See current rates & available rooms
Sky View Mountain Dream: 2-bedroom apartment with modern and wooden decor, mountain views from the balcony, onsite indoor pool, jacuzzi, and playground. Check rates & availability
Bluebearry Patch: Charming cabin that sleeps up to 7 guests, has a jacuzzi and is right off Glades Road. See current rates & availability
Gnoming Around: Unique place to stay in Gatlinburg; octagon-shaped chalet,sleeps 4, and has a big balcony and jacuzzi. Check rates here
What to pack for hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Here are a few items you will probably need for day hikes at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Chacos for easy to moderate summer hikes
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Natural bug repellent for summer (you can find this at the Misty Mountain Soap Company)
- Raw Elements Sunscreen (better for your skin and the planet)
- Quick-drying hiking pants or shorts (I use these)
- Day pack
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks and a bag to put your trash in
- Hat if it’s really sunny
- Trekking poles, optional
I hope this low-key, non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg guide was helpful for your upcoming trip. If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, check out my guide to the best of the Smoky Mountains.
