If you are planning a trip with your church group, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains are a great choice. Among the many different wholesome attractions and activities, there is sure to be something appealing to every member of your group. Here are some of the region’s most popular activities to consider as you are planning your trip:
Hiking
With over 500,000 acres of forest and 800 miles of trails, there is really nothing better to do in Gatlinburg than hang out in the Great Smoky Mountains. Your group could spend their entire day here, packing a lunch or pick up a picnic lunch at Old Dad’s. Enjoy the long trails of varying difficulties, which are perfect for a group with mixed age participants. Bring your binoculars, as the Smokies are home to over 200 species of birds.
Dining
There are lots of delicious restaurants to choose from in Gatlinburg. The Parkway, Gatlinburg’s main street, offers food choices ranging from Tennessee’s famous barbecue to seafood and pizza. Your church group can go to one of the area’s many family dining establishments to find cuisine that is varied enough to please a large group.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of Gatlinburg’s most attended attractions. When you stop in you will understand exactly why. This fully-stocked aquarium has over eight different exhibits to explore, from Shark Lagoon to Touch A Ray Bay to Penguin Playhouse. Get up close and personal with some of the world’s most interesting sea creatures in the Discovery Center, where you and your group can touch the oddly fantastic horseshoe crabs. Best of all, Ripley’s offers group rates on admission, making it an affordable stop for your group.
Ober Mountain Ski Resort and Amusement Park
Walk over to the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway to take a ride high above the Smokies. The Tramway’s 120-passenger gondola will give you and your group the lift you need to take it all in. The trip, covering two miles in 10 minutes, will take you 2 miles to the top of the Mount Harrison. When you arrive, your group can indoor skate year-round and ski or snowboard in the winter. Summer also offers an alpine slide, black bear habitat, bungee fun and miniature golf. Be sure to have lunch up there, too. You’ll want to spend as much time catching the mountain air as you can.
Church, of course!
No matter your church’s denomination, there is sure to be a house of worship for your group. There are also revivals happening throughout the year in Sevier County. Gatlinburg is a great place for group worship, as the natural beauty of the mountains commands a strong spiritual quality.
These are just a few of the many options for your church group to choose when planning a Great Smoky Mountain vacation. Be sure to ask wherever you plan to visit if they offer group discounts, a huge perk of traveling together. Regardless of what you pick, the family fun that eastern Tennessee offers its tourists is definitely ideal for any church group.
Be sure to check out all of our vacation guides for planning your Smoky Mountain getaway. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest area information!
