One of the best things about taking a vacation to Gatlinburg is that there are so many fun things to do in the area for free! Whether you want to take a scenic hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park or enjoy window shopping among quaint stores, you can do it all without spending a dime! Here are the top 4 free things to do in Gatlinburg during your vacation:
1. Visit the National Park
While most national parks throughout the country require an entrance fee, you can visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for free! This means that you can enjoy countless scenic drives throughout the park without spending a dime! If you plan to park your vehicle for more than 15 minutes inside the national park, daily parking passes are just $5. There are hundreds of miles of wonderful hiking trails where you can explore everything from gorgeous wildflowers to historic buildings, and perhaps even come across some of the local wildlife! You can take a short drive to the park entrance from The Appy Lodge or walk to the Sugarlands Visitor Center from the Gatlinburg Trail, which starts at the southern end of River Road.
2. Stroll Through the Village Shops
Another one of the fun free things to do in Gatlinburg is strolling through the Village Shops! This is one of the top shopping destinations in downtown Gatlinburg and features a collection of 27 unique boutiques and restaurants. The part that makes it so special is that all of the shops are set up within a quaint, European themed village with a large fountain! The complex is located near traffic light #6 along the Parkway, so just look for the Archway leading into the shopping area!
3. Free Tastings on the Rocky Top Wine Trail
Enjoy free wine tastings at 5 local wineries in the heart of the Smoky Mountains along the Rocky Top Wine Trail! There are more than 70 unique wines to sample along the trail, making it a perfect option for those looking for a day or two of wine tasting! You can start at any of the wineries on the Rocky Top Wine Trail, where you can enjoy a free tasting and pick up a passport. When you visit each location, you will receive a stamp on your passport. Once you have visited 3 locations, you will receive a free wine glass! If you happen to finish the trail with all 5 locations, you will receive another free gift!
4. Free Fudge Samples at Kilwin’s of Gatlinburg
If you have a sweet tooth, head on over to Kilwin’s of Gatlinburg for some of the best candy in town! This shop has built a reputation for its Mackinac Island fudge, a style of fudge that was developed in Michigan in the years following the Civil War. The fudge at Kilwin’s is made fresh in the store and is exceptionally creamy, so feel free to ask for a free sample if you don’t know what flavor to choose! In addition to fudge, you will also find a fantastic selection of homemade candy and ice cream with freshly baked waffle cones!
Check out all of our hotel rooms in Gatlinburg TN today to plan your vacation near all of these fun and free things to do in Gatlinburg! We hope to see you soon at The Appy Lodge!
