Enjoy an extremely thrilling Gatlinburg vacation on your next trip with loved ones by trying our picks for the top three extreme outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you want thrilling action or desire to move around as much as possible, you'll love every moment of the heart-pumping action that awaits you in Gatlinburg and beyond.
Heart Pumping Fun in Gatlinburg
Beyond the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, pure adventure awaits you and everyone else in your group, letting you make fun memories that can't be replicated anywhere else. See the gorgeous views and feel the adrenaline rush kick in while trying out these fun outdoor activities in Gatlinburg.
Off-Road and More
One of the best ways to see the Smoky Mountains is firsthand, but hiking and even horseback riding aren't the most exciting ways to accomplish this. When you want something faster and more aggressive, the only solution is off-roading with ATVs, UTVs, or jeeps. Fortunately, there are many rental options available to cater to your desires.
Off-Road Gatlinburg
The team behind Off-Road Gatlinburg offers two ways to find things to do in Gatlinburg, depending on your mood. One option is to rent street-legal SXS and UTVs if you want to see the cities from a different perspective.
However, the real thrill comes from their off-road tours, which can happen over 1.5 hours. During the tour, you'll experience everything from hill climbs to creek crossings while overlooking the mountain range.
In addition, this company offers vehicles and protective gear for wintertime tours, letting you enjoy the sights and exciting action no matter the time of year.
Rocky Top Adventure Rentals
Another option to embrace the thrills of the Smoky Mountains is Rocky Top Adventure Rentals. All you have to do is rent one of their vehicles, like their UTVS, Polaris Slingshots, and Jeep Rentals, to begin the adventure. The best part about going with this company is being able to do self-guided tours to many sights, from Cades Cove to the Dragon's Tail.
Southland Car & Jeep Rentals
If you like jeep rentals, this is the company for you. You'll have the option to pick from mild stock wranglers to lifted ones with monster tires. Choosing your adventure is fully in your hands. Get behind the wheel and see everything the Smoky Mountains offer how you see fit.
Zip Through The Tree Lines
Exploring isn't the only way to enjoy thrills in the Gatlinburg area. Instead, you can get a bird's eye view of the Smoky Mountains through the magic thrill of ziplines. While not inherently dangerous, it's necessary to adhere to all safety precautions shared by the trained crew when trying this activity. The best options to try out this fun activity are:
Climb Works
One of the best options for zipline fun is Climb Works. The zipline tour sits across the street from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ensuring pure natural beauty is available while skimming through the treetops. Some things you get when visiting Climb Works:
- 6 Side-by-Side Zipline Runs
- 4 Sky Bridges
- 1 Unforgettable Experience
Legacy Mountain Ziplines
When you want the highest zipline available in the Smoky Mountains, the only choice is Legacy Mountain Ziplines. During your experience, you'll fly from mountaintop to mountaintop. With a location only 20 minutes from Gatlinburg, this outdoor activity near Gatlinburg is one option that's within quick reach. Some of the highlights of Legacy Mountain Ziplines are:
- 500 Ft max-height
- 50mph max speed
- Seven Lines
No matter what, you'll enjoy pure thrills at every turn while making fun memories with your loved ones.
Dueling Ziplines at Anakeesta
Are you in the mood for a bit of everything? Get your zipline thrills at Anakeesta! You'll have the chance to enjoy the three zip excursions and multiple rappels for an unbeatable thrill. When done soaring to new heights, the rest of Anakeesta is at your fingertips, letting you diversify your fun and entertainment.
Feel The Rush of Whitewater Rafting
One of the most adrenaline-inducing activities possible in Gatlinburg is whitewater rafting. Take on the rapids and challenge the waters of the river for thrilling moments you'll never forget. For the best experience possible, try one of the following options.
River Rat Tubing & Rafting
Thanks to their versatile packages, River Rat is a popular choice for individuals and families alike. While they offer a tame package that only tackles class I and II rapids, the real thrill comes from challenging the class III and IV rapids.
Do you desire the most extreme ride possible? Consider trying out the harsher rapids in their Xtreme raft. The rafts are narrower than the traditional options, making the rapids more challenging while not compromising the safety provided by the trained world-class guides.
Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting
Another rafting option is to go through Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting (SMO). With this company, you'll tackle class III and IV rapids throughout 6.5 miles. In addition to the traditional experience, this company offers an extreme version for those who desire a more significant challenge.
One way or another, you'll have adventure and heart-pumping action at your fingertips throughout your vacation.
Try Them All on Your Gatlinburg Vacation
The best way to experience Gatlinburg and all the thrills offered is by staying in one of our Gatlinburg cabin rentals. Take a break from the action by enjoying relaxing amenities like hot tubs and mountain views or keep the fun going with a game room or theater room. After recharging for another adventure, you'll be ready to make more memories and tackle one of the many extreme outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains.