Things to do in and near Gatlinburg?

[sonofabeach]

I'm looking for some ideas. Next week I'll be there with my wife Vickie and our 8 year old son Tyler. I have not been there since the mid 90s.
I don't mind doing the touristy things since this is the first time my son is going. We might go tubing one day, I'm not sure if they're up for whitewater rafting.
I'm sure we'll hit spots such as Clingman's Dome, Cades Cove, head into Cherokee, do Ober Gatlinburg. I remember a big knifeshop in Pidgeon Forge. I hope it's still there.

The place we're staying at has a huge indoor waterpark.
We don't really wanna hit Dollywood (i did once) since it's about the same price as Disney down here and we just did that.
I remember years back driving down a road and seeing people jumping off of a cliff into a river. Unfortunately I was with my extended family and they would not stop. Anybody know where that's at?

Hiking to a waterfall or something like that would be cool. I did Laurel Falls once.
Anything y'all recommend?

[Calypso Poet 99]

We did Ruby Falls when I was a Kid, 30 years ago. It was in that area and kind of cool as I remember.

[citcat]

Do the craftsman's loop (that road that circles around and has BUNCHES of craftsman shops on either side of it). It's most cool. I did NOT want to do that for the first two decades we went to the mountains, but we broke down and did it and I LOVED it. Take a Christmas present list and get stuff. Speaking of Christmas, go to that Christmas store in Pigeon Forge. It is freakin' amazing and you WILL get lost !

Some good websites:
www.mypigeonforge.com
www.discoverthesmokies.com
www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com

Oh. And try to get to the Smoky Mt. Brewery. ESPECIALLY if Tall Paul is playing.

[Bob Roberts]

I remember years back driving down a road and seeing people jumping off of a cliff into a river. Unfortunately I was with my extended family and they would not stop. Anybody know where that's at?

You're talking about "The Sinks".


The Sinks are located approximately 15 miles from Gatlinburg on the Little River Road and approximately 5 miles from Townsend. The Sinks is a very rocky area with massive waterfalls but is a very dangerous swimming area. Many deaths have occurred in this area.

Supposively, it's nicknamed "The Sinks" because it is so deep that no diver has ever been able to get deep enough to find the bottom. It gets pretty crowded in the summer. Most people dive off of a tree into the frigid water.

Hiking to a waterfall or something like that would be cool. I did Laurel Falls once.
Anything y'all recommend?

Here's a website I found that might help...
http://www.smokymtnmall.com/mall/gsmnpwaterfalls.html

[Dr.Corona]

If you're wanting a good chance to see a bear roadside take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail drive at the north end of the park, east out of G'Burg.

[Gypsy In The Palace]

Eat at the Peddler in Gatlilnburg. It is very expensive (about $25-$30/person), but it is the best steak I have ever had in my life. I eat there everytime I go there and never regret it. They also have a wonderful chocalate mouse desert.

Call early, and get your name on the list. They don't accept reservations but will put your name on a list. It's a very popular place, and you'll be waiting a long time if you don't.

[sonofabeach]

We just got back yesterday and we had a blast!!!
Thanks for the tips although we did not do all but still we did a lot!

I went to The Sinks but was a little too skeered to jump in.
Especially after reading the sign saying "five people have died here, don't be next". Perhaps if there were some other crazies there I would have joined in, the sheep that I am.
It was our best vacation as a family yet!

And I gained 10 pounds!!!!
The whole time there I was on a rotation diet..............every time I turned around I was eating