Fall leaves at a waterfall near Gatlinburg
July 31, 2016

More than 11 million people come to Gatlinburg, TN each year to take advantage of our city’s natural beauty. Located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor fun. When you stay at our Gatlinburg Tennessee rentals, you will be immersed in the area’s magnificent scenery. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy nature when you visit our Smoky Mountain city:

1. Find the Hike That is Right for You

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 800 miles of beautifully maintained trails. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer or you prefer to spend most of your time on the couch, you are guaranteed to find a hike that is right for you. Here are some trails that you may want to check out during your vacation:

  • Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail - Easy, .5 mile, wheelchair accessible

  • Cove Hardwood Nature Trail - Easy, .75 mile, wildflowers in spring

  • Gatlinburg Trail - Easy, 1.9 miles, pet friendly

  • Andrews Bald - Moderate, 3.5 miles

  • Porters Creek Trail - Moderate, 4.0 miles

  • Abrams Falls - Moderate, 5.2 miles

  • Mt. LeConte (via Alum Cave Trail) - Challenging, 11 miles

  • Gregory Bald - Challenging, 11.3 miles

  • Rocky Top Trail/Thunderhead Mountain - Challenging, 13.9 miles

2. Stay at a Cabin on the RiverCabin on the River

Parkside offers a great selection of Gatlinburg Tennessee rentals on the river, so you can savor some waterfront relaxation during your getaway. Unwind in a rocking chair on the deck and let your mind wander as you listen to the soothing sounds of the bubbling river. For some more active fun, you can wade into the water with the kids and look for fish, salamanders, and frogs. No matter how you spend your time on the river, you will love staying cool on those sweltering summer afternoons.

3. Take a Scenic Drive

When you vacation in Gatlinburg, you can even enjoy the area’s natural beauty right from your car! The Smokies are home to a number of excellent drives that show off some of the region’s spectacular scenery. With your windows open, and a refreshing breeze blowing through your car, you will feel immersed in nature. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to pull over, get out of the car, and take some pictures! Here are some of the top auto tours in the Gatlinburg area:

  • Cades Cove Loop Road

  • Wears Valley Road

  • Newfound Gap Road

  • Lyon Springs Road

  • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

  • Little River Road

  • Upper Tremont Road

  • Foothills Parkway West

BBQ at Your Cabin4. Have a BBQ at Your Cabin

Another excellent way to spend some time outdoors is to have a barbeque at your cabin. Many of our properties come with grills, so you can whip up some burgers, steaks, and vegetables for dinner. Gatlinburg has a number of grocery stores and a fantastic farmers market on Saturday mornings at 849 Glades Road from mid-May through mid-September. Eating your meal on your deck, with the mountains as your backdrop, is the perfect way to end a day in the Smokies.

To start planning your vacation, check out our complete selection of Gatlinburg Tennessee rentals!

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