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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and around
A day in Gatlinburg · 9:30–17:15 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/gatlinburg/itineraries/ripley-s-aquarium-of-the-smokies-and-aroundA walking day around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, The Village Shoppes and Anakeesta, with a lunch break nearby and Sugarlands Visitor Center to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies ↗2 h 30 minGo early · Weekdays · Book ahead · Allow a few hours
Large aquarium with a shark tunnel and penguin habitat.
↓ 4 min walk
12:002The Village Shoppes ↗30 min
Charming Bavarian-style courtyard of small independent shops.
- Fountain courtyard is very photogenic
- Good bakery and cheese shops inside
↓ 2 min walk
12:303Anakeesta ↗1 hSunset · Book ahead
Mountaintop park with treetop walkways, gardens and views, by chondola.
- Sunset visits are the most scenic
- AnaVista Tower gives 360-degree views
Lunch
13:30Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 6 min walk
Afternoon
15:004Gatlinburg SkyLift Park & SkyBridge ↗1 hGo early · At night
Chairlift up Crockett Mountain to a long suspension footbridge.
- Glass panels in the bridge centre for thrills
- Evening visits show the town lights
↓ About 24 min by metro or taxi
16:155Sugarlands Visitor Center ↗1 h
Main gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with exhibits.
- Buy your park parking tag here
- Free nature exhibits and park film
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Gatlinburg tips
Transportation
- Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley: Trolleys loop around downtown and nearby attractions, saving you from parking on the busy Parkway.
- Get a park parking tag: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has free entry, but parking for longer than a short stop requires a parking tag.
- Drive Roaring Fork early: The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one-way and narrow; go early to avoid traffic and see wildlife.
Local Hacks
- Cycle Cades Cove: On certain summer days the Cades Cove loop is closed to cars, making it a peaceful bike ride; check the park schedule.
- Ride the aerial tram: The tram to Ober Mountain offers views and seasonal skiing above town.
- Walk the SkyBridge: The Gatlinburg SkyBridge offers dramatic views of town and the Smokies; go at sunset for fewer crowds.
Saving
- Enjoy free park entry: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fee; hiking trails like Alum Cave and Laurel Falls are free.
- Stay outside downtown: Cabins and motels in nearby Pigeon Forge or Sevierville can be cheaper than central Gatlinburg.
- Picnic in the park: Pack lunch for the Smokies instead of eating on the Parkway; there are picnic areas at Chimneys and Cades Cove.
Security
- Be bear aware: Black bears roam town and park; never feed them, use bear-proof trash bins and keep food out of sight in cars.
- Beware of timeshare offers: Discount attraction tickets are often tied to timeshare presentations; read the fine print before accepting.
- Check road closures: Newfound Gap Road can close in winter for snow and ice; check park alerts before driving into the mountains.
Cultural
- Visit the Arts and Crafts Community: The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community loop showcases local crafts, from pottery to woodworking.
- Taste moonshine: Gatlinburg has moonshine distilleries offering tastings, part of Appalachian tradition.
- Eat a Southern breakfast: Pancake houses are a Gatlinburg institution; expect queues on weekends.
Weather/Clothing
- Layer for elevation: Mountain peaks are much cooler than town; bring a fleece and rain jacket even in summer.
- Expect fall crowds: October brings colourful leaves and heavy traffic; book early and wear warm layers for cool mornings.
- Pack rain gear: The Smokies get frequent rain, especially in summer; waterproof shoes help on muddy trails.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/gatlinburg/itineraries/ripley-s-aquarium-of-the-smokies-and-around
Day 1 of 19:30–17:155 stops
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and around
A walking day around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, The Village Shoppes and Anakeesta, with a lunch break nearby and Sugarlands Visitor Center to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 2 h 30 minLarge aquarium with a shark tunnel and penguin habitat.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Weekdays
- Tip: Book ahead
- Tip: Allow a few hours
📷 Photos
4 min walk
212:00 · 30 minCharming Bavarian-style courtyard of small independent shops.
3 tips
- Fountain courtyard is very photogenic
- Good bakery and cheese shops inside
- Quieter than the main Parkway
📷 Photos
2 min walk
312:30 · 1 hMountaintop park with treetop walkways, gardens and views, by chondola.
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Sunset visits are the most scenic
- AnaVista Tower gives 360-degree views
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:30
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps6 min walk
Afternoon
415:00 · 1 hChairlift up Crockett Mountain to a long suspension footbridge.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: At night
2 tips
- Glass panels in the bridge centre for thrills
- Evening visits show the town lights
📷 Photos
About 24 min by metro or taxi
516:15 · 1 hMain gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with exhibits.
3 tips
- Buy your park parking tag here
- Free nature exhibits and park film
- Short walk to Cataract Falls starts here
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Gatlinburg. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.