Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a magical place nestled right by the Smoky Mountains. It’s a town full of beautiful nature, fun activities, and attractions that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you’ve been to Gatlinburg before or this is your first trip, September 2024 is an exciting time to visit. There are new attractions, fresh updates to old favorites, and awesome events happening all month long. In this post, we’ll explore all the fun things you can’t miss when you visit Gatlinburg this September.
1. Anakeesta’s New Adventure Park: The Treetop Skywalk Expansion
Anakeesta is one of Gatlinburg’s most popular adventure parks, and this September, they’re unveiling a brand-new section to their already amazing Treetop Skywalk. The Treetop Skywalk is a series of bridges that let you walk among the treetops in the Smoky Mountains. It’s like walking through a real-life forest from a bird’s eye view!
In September 2024, Anakeesta is adding more bridges and extending the Skywalk to offer even better views. Imagine walking across swaying bridges, hearing the sounds of birds, and seeing the beautiful mountain landscape all around you. The new expansion will also include some educational features, like signs that teach you about the different types of trees and animals that live in the Smokies.
If you’re a nature lover, this is a must-see attraction! The expansion makes the experience even longer and more fun, giving families more reasons to explore Gatlinburg’s natural beauty.
2. Ober Mountain’s Scenic Tramway Upgrade
Ober Mountain is known for its ski resort, but did you know that the fun doesn’t stop in winter? This September, Ober Mountain is upgrading its famous aerial tramway. The tramway takes you from downtown Gatlinburg all the way up to the resort, offering stunning views of the mountains below.
In September 2024, Ober Mountain is launching brand-new tram cars that are bigger and provide an even better view! These new tram cars are designed with more windows, so you can see all the way around, giving you a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains.
The tram ride isn’t just about getting to the top of the mountain. It’s an attraction in itself! As you ride up, you’ll see lush forests, sparkling rivers, and maybe even some wildlife, like deer or black bears, in the distance. At the top, Ober Mountain offers activities like ice skating, mountain coasters, and even a wildlife encounter where you can see native animals up close.
3. The Skylift Park’s New Glass Walkway
Skylift Park is famous for its iconic yellow chairlift that takes visitors to the top of Crockett Mountain. But September 2024 brings an exciting new addition: a glass walkway! This isn’t just any glass walkway — it stretches out over the mountains, giving you the feeling of walking on air while looking down at the trees and valleys below.
Imagine standing on a clear glass floor, with nothing but the sky above and the mountains beneath your feet. It’s a thrilling experience for those who love heights and want to see Gatlinburg from a whole new perspective. The glass walkway is safe, but it’s sure to give you butterflies as you take in the breathtaking views!
In addition to the walkway, Skylift Park offers amazing views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Be sure to bring your camera — you won’t want to miss capturing the beauty of this incredible experience.
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Updates: New Exhibits for 2024
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is one of Gatlinburg’s most famous and quirky attractions. This museum is packed with strange, unusual, and unbelievable exhibits that entertain visitors of all ages. For September 2024, Ripley’s has added new exhibits that will surprise even the most experienced visitors.
The new exhibits include artifacts and displays from around the world. There’s a section dedicated to world records, including the tallest man who ever lived, and a new interactive area where visitors can test their own skills. Can you break a world record? Try your hand at some of the challenges to find out!
Ripley’s also has some new, weird items like a two-headed calf and a shrunken human head. It’s both fun and educational, teaching you about the weird and wonderful things that exist in our world. Whether you’re young or old, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a fun stop during your Gatlinburg adventure.
5. Gatlinburg Craftmen’s Fair: Fall Edition
One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg in September is the start of the Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. This event brings together artisans and crafters from all over the country to display and sell their handmade items. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, home décor, or just something special to remember your trip by, the Craftsmen’s Fair has something for everyone.
In 2024, the fair will feature even more booths and artists, making it one of the biggest in recent years. You can find everything from pottery, paintings, wood carvings, and jewelry to delicious homemade treats like fudge and apple butter.
The fair also offers live music, so while you shop, you can enjoy some bluegrass or country tunes. It’s the perfect way to spend a day in Gatlinburg, soaking up the local culture and taking home a piece of the Smokies.
6. Gatlinburg Skybridge: New Seasonal Decorations
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Walking across this massive bridge gives you incredible views of the Smoky Mountains and the town of Gatlinburg below. For September 2024, the SkyBridge will feature special fall-themed decorations to celebrate the upcoming autumn season.
The bridge will be adorned with colorful fall leaves, pumpkins, and other festive decorations that make it even more photo-worthy than usual. As you walk across, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of fall in the Smokies, with the first hints of changing leaves appearing in the trees below.
For those who visit at night, the SkyBridge will be illuminated with special lights, making it a magical experience after dark. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Gatlinburg, the SkyBridge’s fall transformation is not to be missed.
7. New Dining Experiences: Gatlinburg’s Latest Restaurant Openings
After all that exploring, you’re going to need some food! Luckily, Gatlinburg has some fantastic new restaurants opening in September 2024. Whether you’re looking for Southern comfort food, a sweet treat, or something more exotic, Gatlinburg’s food scene has you covered.
One exciting new opening is Smoky Mountain BBQ House, which offers mouth-watering smoked meats, homemade sauces, and all the fixings you’d expect from a great barbecue joint. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s perfect for families looking for a hearty meal after a day of sightseeing.
For something sweeter, The Sugar Shack is a must-visit. This new dessert café specializes in massive milkshakes topped with everything from donuts to candy bars. If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss trying one of their over-the-top creations.
And if you’re craving something a little different, Tennessee Tacos, a new Mexican restaurant, is offering a unique fusion of Southern and Mexican flavors. Think BBQ pulled pork tacos and cornbread with a twist!
8. Dollywood Harvest Festival: A Short Trip from Gatlinburg
Just a short drive from Gatlinburg, Dollywood is one of the region’s biggest and best theme parks. And September kicks off their annual Harvest Festival! While it’s technically in Pigeon Forge, the Harvest Festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Gatlinburg in the fall.
The festival features special fall decorations, live bluegrass music, and even a pumpkin-lights display that makes the whole park glow at night. It’s a family-friendly event that includes crafts, games, and, of course, plenty of fun rides and attractions at Dollywood itself.
Make sure to plan a day to visit Dollywood during your September trip — the Harvest Festival is one of the most popular events of the season!
9. Gatlinburg Wine Tour: New Stops for 2024
If you enjoy a glass of wine, Gatlinburg has a wonderful new wine tour that takes you to some of the area’s best wineries. The tour has added new stops for 2024, offering visitors an even more complete experience of the region’s wine culture.
You’ll get to sample delicious local wines made from Tennessee-grown grapes, learn about the winemaking process, and pick up a few bottles to take home as souvenirs. Some of the new wineries on the tour also offer food pairings, like local cheeses, smoked meats, and chocolates, which perfectly complement the wine tastings.
The Gatlinburg Wine Tour is perfect for couples, groups of friends, or anyone looking to relax and enjoy the local flavors. It’s a great way to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: New Ranger-Led Programs for September
Last but not least, a visit to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This September, the park is offering brand-new ranger-led programs that give visitors a deeper understanding of the park’s wildlife, history, and unique ecosystem.
The new programs focus on things like wildlife tracking, the history of the park’s early settlers, and night sky viewing. You can join a ranger for a guided hike, where they’ll teach you about the plants and animals that call the Smokies home, or attend an evening program where you can learn about constellations and stargaze in the clear mountain skies.
For families, there are also special programs for kids, where they can become Junior Rangers and earn a badge by completing fun activities in the park. These ranger-led programs are a fantastic way to add education to your adventure, and they’re available for free with park admission!
Conclusion
September 2024 is shaping up to be an incredible time to visit Gatlinburg. With new attractions, events, and exciting updates to old favorites, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful mountain town. Whether you’re walking among the treetops at Anakeesta, crossing the glass walkway at Skylift Park, or sampling local wines, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that Gatlinburg has to offer this fall! With so many new and exciting things to see and do, your September vacation is sure to be one for the books.
