Gatlinburg for Couples: 10 Romantic Spots in the Smoky Mountains

Warning: This Gatlinburg getaway may cause spontaneous hand-holding, stolen kisses, and an irresistible urge to book that cozy cabin.

Wondering where to plan a memorable couple's getaway in the Smoky Mountains? Gatlinburg, also known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, is a beautiful mountain town situated in eastern Tennessee at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is known for its breathtaking mountain views, scenic chairlifts, cozy cabins, vibrant Parkway, and wide range of attractions, drawing visitors from all around the world.

But did you know Gatlinburg also offers several romantic things to do in Gatlinburg? From walking across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge holding hands, enjoying the mountain adventures at Anakeesta, sampling local wines at the Gatlinburg Wine Trail, and admiring the marine life at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, there is something for every preference.

Below is the list of the top 10 romantic things to do in Gatlinburg. Check them out and make your journey a beautiful one!

A wine-tasting experience is a great way to slow down and enjoy quality time together with your loved one in Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail features five stops, including four walkable locations along the Parkway and a fifth in nearby Sevierville. A $10 Wine Trail Pass includes VIP tastings at all five wineries and is valid for seven days.

Sample Southern sweet wines at Tennessee Homemade Wines, try creative hard ciders at the Tennessee Cider Company, unique creations at Smokin’ Banjo, or enjoy the wines, ciders, and meads with patio seating at Old Mountain Wine Company. Each location provides a fun and memorable date activity in the Smokies.

Address:

Tennessee Homemade Wines: 643 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Tennessee Cider Company: 611 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Smokin’ Banjo: 631 Parkway, Suite A8, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Old Mountain Wine Company: 408 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

If you want a quiet and scenic date, take a stroll along the Gatlinburg Trail, which is one of the few pet- and bike-friendly trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This easy and mostly flat trail stretches 1.9 miles one way (3.8 miles round trip) between Sugarlands Visitor Center and River Road in Gatlinburg, following the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

Along the way, you will come across beautiful pedestrian footbridges, pass historic stone chimneys from old homesites, and enjoy peaceful forest and riverside views, making it a perfect place for couples.

Address:

Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead: River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

A visit to Gatlinburg SkyPark is a memorable experience for couples, combining breathtaking views with adventure. Ride the famous SkyLift with your loved one to Crockett Mountain, then walk across the 680-foot Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, featuring glass floor panels.

You can also get panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains from Clayton’s Landing, relax by fire pits, or explore the 1.5-mile SkyTrail, including a 70-foot Tulip Tower with its spectacular 360-degree mountain views. It’s also one of the greatest Smoky Mountains romantic spots for photos and watching sunsets.

Address:

765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Spend a few hours exploring Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies together for a unique date idea. Stroll through the 340-foot underwater tunnel as sharks, sea turtles, and thousands of tropical fish glide overhead. After that, watch the adorable African penguins and share an interactive experience at the Touch A-Ray Bay and Horseshoe Crab Exhibit.

You can also catch the daily dive and feeding shows or book a special Penguin Encounter for an unforgettable experience. It’s a fun mix of adventure, laughter, and shared moments with your significant other, making it one of the best couple attractions in Gatlinburg.

Address:

88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

If you and your partner love adventure, then whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River is one of the best things to do. It is just a short drive from Gatlinburg and features guided trips that take you through exciting Class III and IV rapids surrounded by the scenic Appalachian Mountains.

Whether you are a first-time rafter or an experienced paddler, expert guides and quality equipment make the adventure safe and thrilling. Companies such as Smoky Mountain Outdoors, Nantahala Outdoor Center, and Big Bear Whitewater Rafting offer a range of trips, making this an exciting way to bond and create lasting memories.

Address:

Smoky Mountain Outdoors: 3299 Hartford Road, Hartford, TN 37753

Nantahala Outdoor Center: 1138 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Big Bear Whitewater Rafting: 3165 Hartford Road, Hartford, TN 37753

Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg that offers romance, adventure, and breathtaking mountain scenery for couples. Ride the scenic Chondola to the mountaintop, then walk through Firefly Village and the beautiful Vista Gardens. Walk hand in hand across the 800-foot Treetop Skywalk, which is the longest tree-based skybridge in North America and is suspended 50 to 60 feet above the forest.

You can also climb AnaVista Tower, which is the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg, for panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. End your visit with Astra Lumina, which is a magical nighttime walk experience through an illuminated woodland trail.

Address:

576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

If you and your partner enjoy discovering treasures together, then the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a must-visit. This 8-mile artisan loop is home to more than 100 independent craftspeople and is the largest artisan community in the United States.

Explore handcrafted pottery at Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery, watch traditional broom-making at Ogle’s Broom Shop, admire mountain-inspired artwork, and shop for handmade jewelry, candles, leatherwork, and glass art at various shops. Many studios also offer live demonstrations, giving you a chance to meet the artists. You can also relax at one of the cozy local cafés.

Address:

668 Glades Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

A romantic dinner is the perfect way to end the day in the Smokies. Visit The Peddler Steakhouse, which offers an intimate riverside setting with hand-cut steaks, an extensive wine list, and views of the Little Pigeon River. Another option is Cherokee Grill, which creates a cozy mountain lodge atmosphere, serving premium steaks, seafood, and ribs.

For oak-fired, in-house-aged steak, Alamo Steakhouse is a local favorite, while Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse provides an interactive dining experience with expertly carved grilled meats. Each restaurant offers a memorable setting for a special evening in Gatlinburg.

Address:

The Peddler Steakhouse: 820 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Cherokee Grill: 1002 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Alamo Steakhouse: 705 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse: 111 Valley Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

For a memorable date in downtown Gatlinburg, head to the Gatlinburg Space Needle, a 407-foot observation tower offering sweeping views across the city and the Smoky Mountains. Glass elevators carry visitors up to the observation deck, where couples can take in panoramic scenery from every direction. Complimentary viewfinders and Higher Learning exhibits provide extra ways to explore the landscape, while sunset or nighttime visits offer a particularly scenic setting as the surrounding mountains fade into the evening and Gatlinburg begins to glow below. After taking in the views, couples can grab a bite at Slice Pizza Bakery or add some playful competition to the outing with arcade games at Arcadia.

Address:

115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Ober Mountain is a great place to visit for couples looking for adventure and beautiful views. Start your experience by riding the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to the mountaintop and enjoy stunning views along the way.

In winter, you can spend the day here skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, or ice skating, while warmer months bring the Alpine Slide, Ski Mountain Coaster, Scenic Chairlift, Summer Tubing, and wildlife encounters. After exploring, relax at the mountaintop restaurant or explore the Ober shops, making it a fun and memorable destination for a Gatlinburg couples’ getaway in any season.

Address:

1339 Ski Mountain Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

 Make Brookside Lodge the starting point for a Gatlinburg getaway filled with mountain scenery, downtown attractions, and Smoky Mountain adventures. Check availability and reserve a room today for a comfortable stay close to the action.