Gatlinburg Girls Trip
This article on Gatlinburg is way overdue. Back in September, I went on a girl’s trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and I was totally blown away by how great it was on basically every level. So much so, it made my list of the 10 best places to visit in 2025. Here’s everything I think you need to know to have a killer girl’s trip to Gatlinburg!
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
We stayed at the Embassy Suites Gatlinburg Resort and I gotta say it was great. The rooms were large like you expect at any Embassy Suites but because it’s a resort it has so much more. From multiple pools including a zero-entry pool, lazy river, and large hot tub to an onsite restaurant, bar, and ice cream shop there’s more right there for the guests. They even have an on-site activity center where you can book fly fishing trips, hiking excursions, and more.
Fly Fishing
In my opinion, fly fishing is a must here even if you’ve never done it before. It’s fun and relaxing at the same time. Plus, it’s thrilling when you do catch a fish. We did a lesson with Smoky Mountain Guides because my two friends had never done it before. Just like me, they ended up loving it.
Hiking
There is an abundance of hiking including one trail right in town! Gatlinburg is right at the entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains so whether you are looking for a super easy trail or super advanced trail they’ve got it. If you do not want to go hiking on your own I suggest booking a tour with Smoky Mountain Guides.
For tips on specific trails read 13 Best Hiking Trails in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Moonshine Tasting
Downtown has a ton of moonshine tasting rooms to choose from, each with every possible flavor of moonshine. My favorite was the pecan pie.
Shopping
Downtown is adorable and full of shops. You could shop around for hours if you wanted to and not make it into all of the shops here. We were on the hunt for cowboy boots and although we found a lot they were a little to pricey for us.
Anakeesta
A must while in Gatlinburg is Anakeesta, a mountaintop adventure park packed with activities for all ages. Stroll along the scenic TreeTop Skywalk, one of the longest tree-based bridges in North America, offering breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Kids will love the whimsical Treehouse Village Playground, while thrill-seekers can enjoy the adrenaline-pumping Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, the first of its kind in the United States. With ziplining, shopping, dining, and spectacular views from the Anavista Observation Tower, there’s truly something for everyone at this unique outdoor destination.
Lunch at Tennessee Jed’s
You can dine in at Tennessee Jed’s or grab food to-go and have a picnic, like I did inside The Great Smokey Mountains park. I had the smoked chicken salad and watermelon slices. The picture doesn’t may not look like much but this sandwich was crazy good.
Dinner at Ole Red
Craving dinner with a side of honky-tonk charm, Ole Red is the place to be. I sat down expecting some solid Southern grub, but what I got was a delightful rollercoaster of flavors and vibes. My salad was shockingly amazing—fresh, crisp, and almost too healthy for a place serving up fried everything. But the real plot twist? A Lucky Charms cheesecake for dessert. Because nothing screams “Tennessee fine dining” like a nostalgic sugar rush masquerading as a gourmet treat. Meanwhile, a local band was absolutely killing it on stage, belting out country hits.
Clifftop Tap House
During sunset hours, I highly recommend grabbing dinner at Clifftop Tap House’s patio. You can watch an epic sunset while dining on high-quality food. Kick off your meal with a southern favorite, fried green tomatoes, and treat yourself to steak or fish for your main dish. This is located up at Anakeesta so work it into your day when you visit there.
A girls’ trip to Gatlinburg is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and downright fun. From indulging in delicious meals to mastering the art of fly fishing (or at least attempting it), every moment is packed with laughter and unforgettable memories. Hiking through the Smokies provided breathtaking views and just enough cardio to justify all the treats we devoured. Anakeesta added a touch of magic with its mountaintop charm, and everywhere we turned, there was something new to explore. Whether you’re craving outdoor thrills, incredible food, or just a weekend away with your besties, Gatlinburg delivers the ultimate getaway—no planning stress required, just pure, unfiltered fun.
