Gatlinburg in Smoky Mountains is becoming more and more popular each year, with nearly 10 million visitors arriving in the area each year. With mild winters and summers, Gatlinburg and the nearby small towns are a common destination for those who enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding, bike riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, river tubing, skiing and snowboarding. Gatlinburg accommodations range from moderately priced Gatlinburg cabins to private Gatlinburg chalets with their truly European charm.

When staying in a cabin in Gatlinburg, you are still close shopping and theaters and can enjoy all kinds of outdoor fun such as hiking, fishing, or skiing.

Here are ten things to do while staying in Gatlinburg cabin or chalet:

1. Take a country car trip. You can easily take all the scenic routes and visit all the historic sites – by car. The Newfound Gap Road runs across the Smoky Mountains and links you to the most of park roads and footpaths that will take you to other places of interest in Gatlinburg.

2. Take a walk along a picturesque path. Nothing beats the pleasure of sightseeing from a smooth well-groomed path across a spectacular forest with breathtaking mountain views. Fitness and stress relief of walking can never be underestimated. All the walking trails are carefully mapped and available from all main roads. Any Gatlinburg hotel will provide you with a guide that helps you find a trail that fits your speed and ability.

3. Bike in the mountains. If you decide to take a biking trip, alone or with your family, you can choose from a number of different trails. Biking trails in Gatlinburg range from easy family friendly paved or gravel path, to the challenging mountain bike trails that require special equipment and can be quite enduring. You can rent a bicycle or bring one if you travel by car.

4. Ride the horse. If horseback riding suits your sense of adventure, you will find this family attraction to be quite popular in Gatlinburg. Hundreds of horses are located in stables across Gatlinburg. It is a great place to learn horseback riding, and no matter your riding skills, you will have a fun of your life. Gatlinburg cowboys even perform weddings in western style!

5. Hike the country. Overnight back country hiking requires a back country use permit. Proper equipment, preparation, information, and for some areas, reservations are a must to hike the great trails of the Great Smoky Mountains. Do not feed wildlife or pick flowers as it is a $5,000 fine and six month imprisonment.

6. Golf. The Gatlinburg Golf Course that is close to all Gatlinburg cabins and Gatlinburg chalets is a fabulous year-round modern facility challenging layouts and emerald fairways to beautifully wooded landscapes and well-manicured greens, plus a full service pro shop and food services area.

7. Visit the wild life. Beware of hungry bears can cause a major problem if you give them the opportunity. Store all food in the trunk of your car and place all trash in bear proof trash cans or dumpsters.

8. Enjoy the traditional American food. If you want to try real American food, Gatlinburg is the right place to start. From authentic regional cuisine in rustic settings to kid-friendly theme restaurants, over 100 great restaurants offer everything from good old down-home Southern cooking to Park Avenue gourmet.

9. Shop till you drop. Gatlinburg has more than 400 quaint shops and five malls with handmade arts and crafts, unique traditional apparel and special souvenirs. While loading up on souvenirs for everyone back home, you're sure to find a little something for yourself.

10. And 100s of other things – including Gatlinburg Sky Lift that rides in the center of town for a spectacular view of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, Mysterious Mansion, Gatlinburg's largest scary house, rafting in the whitewater rapids, and visiting Star Cars Museum with it’s world's best star car collection. 

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