The romantic Smoky Mountains are a paradise for couples to have fun together. From solitude in the misty mountains to fun in the myriad attractions of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the chances to enjoy life in each other’s company are abundant – and here are some of the best.
Photo by David Lees
First, it takes a romantic luxury cabin in the mountains for the setting, for the togetherness of sharing a private home away from home with all the amenities to please. Laze in the hot tub or on the porch swing, soak in the heart-shaped Jacuzzi or the vertical jetted shower. Snuggle by the fireplace with a midnight snack from the fully equipped kitchen, or wake up slowly with your own homemade breakfast, and no need to appear in the world just yet.
Venturing outside the cabin, how about a scenic drive to almost anywhere, since everywhere is scenic? Stop to listen to nature on a quiet walkway or an easy nature trail. Take a stroll hand in hand along one of the very easy trails close to Gatlinburg, or the Riverwalk Greenway of Pigeon Forge.
Feeling ready to mingle among people? Hit some of the attractions in town for a fun time with mini-golf or bumper boats on the water. Take the lift up to gorgeous Anakeesta, SkyLift Park or Ober Mountain for a mountaintop lunch, a selfie against the mountain backdrop or to gaze at the views together.
Try a downhill coaster together for a chance to hold on tight and share the thrill. And try it in the evening on the Mountain Coaster when it’s lit with thousands of lights, an especially enchanting experience for couples.
Hungry for lunch? With hundreds of fine eateries in the area, see some of our favorite places to grab a bite, from a walk-up street treat to a midday dining experience. Or pick up some deli fixings for a picnic in the national park at one of the beautiful spots set aside for this.
Rainy day adventures? Try one of the unforgettable museums or larger-than-life immersive attractions. Try some indoor snow tubing or ice bumper cars. Hit the arcades or a mirror maze or a black-light quest. For the adventurous, try a unique indoor sky-diving thrill.
And for the adventurous couples in the outdoors, take a zipline across the treetops, go horseback riding together, or go whitewater rafting in the summer. For the more sedate outdoors adventure, the many excellent golf courses provide superb conditions for an afternoon’s play.
Evening says maybe take in a show or head into town with a dinner reservation. Live music? Comedy? Theater? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have it all. And the many bars, distilleries and wineries of the area can keep you hydrated and entertained at any time.
If marriage is on your mind – or on one of your minds – the mountaintop venues of the Smoky Mountains are a favorite place to propose, as well as a favorite setting for the ceremony itself. We have special romance packages and wedding packages to help couples enjoy their time together.
Valentine’s Day is a popular time to propose marriage, and May is one of the peak times for weddings in the Smokies. October is the all-time biggest month, during the spectacular leaf fall of the area. And whatever the time of year, the romantic cabin in the mountains is the anchor to the trip that gives every couple a private and spacious getaway place to live on vacation, especially when just hanging out with each other is the most fun of all.
TIP: See our many guides to Things to Do in the area for lots more ideas.
TIP: here’s how to find an affordable Gatlinburg cabin, and see all of our cabins in the Smoky Mountains, including our Pigeon Forge cabins and our Wears Valley cabins.
