- Gatlinburg features beautiful outdoor activities, from hiking the Great Smoky Mountains to spending the day at Cherokee Lake.
- Cabin rentals, horseback riding, and Anakeesta all add a romantic touch to date night.
- More date activities include world-class shopping, wine and moonshine tastings, and more.
Due to its breathtaking scenery, courtesy of the surrounding Smoky Mountains, and its amazing downtown activities, Gatlinburg, TN, is one of the premier locations for a quality date night. No matter if the focus is on romance, adventure, or relaxation, you’re bound to find fun things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, for couples.
Below, you’ll find seven incredible Gatlinburg date ideas. From a day on the lake to beautiful nighttime hiking and exquisite wine tastings, you’re bound to find something perfect for your next date.
Hiking the Trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Often, when people think of Gatlinburg date ideas, it’s hard to leave out Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the best national parks in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find anywhere.
For couples looking for a bit of adventure, hiking the various trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wonderful date idea. Hiking here offers quick access to beautiful waterfalls, as well as stunning mountain views. Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls are ideal trails for couples looking for a relaxing hike, while Chimney Tops and Alum Cave Bluffs are for those expecting a bit more adventure.
Enjoy the Various Wine, Cider, and Moonshine Tastings
Some couples are looking for Gatlinburg date ideas that are low-stress but also highly entertaining and interesting. For those couples, we recommend visiting the various wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the greater Gatlinburg area.
For wine tastings, why not venture down the Gatlinburg Wine Trail, featuring the top five wineries in the area? Better yet, if you have several days, you can visit all five of the locations to receive a fun gift. As for distilleries, there are plenty of wonderful options, including the local favorite, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.
Anakeesta After Dark
One of the most popular Gatlinburg date ideas is Anakeesta. This is an award-winning mountaintop adventure park rising 600 feet above downtown Gatlinburg. However, if you venture there after dark, you will notice fewer crowds and activities geared toward a bit more romance.
This is highlighted by the Astra Lumina night trail featuring light, which features light, projection, and sound displays across the mountain. And after you take a stroll down the night trail, it would be the perfect time to visit one of the 13 restaurants at the location, as well as the multiple shops featuring locally made goods.
It’s also important to note that Anakeesta is constantly updating its offerings, allowing for more date options that are great for your next night out.
A Day on Cherokee Lake
If you’re a couple looking for a Gatlinburg date idea that’s a nice mixture of relaxation and adventure, the best option might very well be a day on Cherokee Lake. That’s where Roscoe & Hooch comes in. Roscoe & Hooch has everything you need for a fun day on the water. With rental offerings such as pontoons, tritoons, WaveRunners, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, jet skis, and towables like tubes and wakeboards, you’ll find everything you need for a great day on the water.
Best of all, Roscoe & Hooch features the newest, most beautiful rental fleet on the lake. These boats are clean and feature premium sound systems as well as life jackets provided free of charge for all sizes.
If you’re looking for fun last-minute things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, for couples, Roscoe & Hooch is an especially great option, as you can book a boat rental for the same day.
Shopping in Downtown Gatlinburg
In addition to its stunning views and exciting adventures, Gatlinburg also offers some of the best shopping experiences you’ll find in Tennessee. Simply stroll down the strip, and you’ll find numerous unique shops and attractions that make for a wonderful Gatlinburg date idea.
One of the most unique shopping destinations in the area has to be The Village. This is a location themed around the Old World and features dozens of shops and eateries ready to be explored. If you’re looking for items a bit more handmade, then venture no further than the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This 8-mile loop is a vibrant hub showcasing the beautiful work of local artists, featuring an incredible array of handcrafted treasures.
This is truly one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, for couples.
Rent a Private Cabin
For couples who are excited about a Gatlinburg date idea featuring lush scenery and striking landscapes of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but prefer relaxation instead of adventure, then a cabin rental might be the perfect option. There is no better way to blend comfort, privacy, and scenery.
Many cabins in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains region offer breathtaking views and amazing comfort. Why not sit in a luxurious hot tub while experiencing the beautiful outdoors at the same time? What’s more romantic than cooking a meal together, hanging out by the fireplace, and having immediate access to the outdoors? A private cabin rental in Gatlinburg is perhaps the most romantic option on this list.
Horseback Riding
When couples think of iconic Gatlinburg date ideas, horseback riding always seems to find itself on the list. It’s timeless, fun, and adds quite a bit of adventure to the day. Gatlinburg offers a variety of horseback riding options, including Sugarlands Riding Stables.
Horseback riding might seem a bit intimidating at first, especially for those who have never experienced it. However, when you go with a reputable stable, such as Sugarlands, no experience on a horse is required. From beginners to experts, you’ll enjoy your time riding through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the back of a majestic stead. This is why horseback riding is near the top of the list of fun things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, for couples.
No Shortage of Great Date Activities
From romantic times in a private cabin to an exciting day of boating on Cherokee Lake, Gatlinburg, TN, has so many unique date ideas. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a single location that offers stunning mountain views, world-class shopping, and incredible wineries and distilleries. Gatlinburg truly has it all.
