Ober Gatlinburg Fun For All

Growing up my parents loved to visit Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. In fact my family visited this area almost every three years during my childhood. My favorite visits always included a trip to Ober Gatlinburg. It was there on a warm summer’s day my brother and I rode the twisting Alpine Slides down the mountain side, the cool mountain brushing our faces, as we raced down the mountain. I will never forget the thrills of this place, plus the spectacular view of Gatlinburg and the majestic Smoky Mountains.

Ober Gatlinburg is still a “must-do” for any visitor to the Gatlinburg area. This one stop spot is a Mecca of family fun. There is truly something for everyone!

Start your Ober Gatlinburg experience by taking the “Aerial Tramway” from downtown Gatlinburg up to the Ober Gatlinburg resort. On your 2.1 mile journey you can marvel at the breathing taking view of the surrounding mountains. The Aerial tramway is just 10 minutes from Elk Springs Resort Luxury Gatlinburg Cabins main property located at:

Elk Springs Resort
125 Silverbell Ln
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: 865-233-2390

Once you arrive at the top there are a multitude of activities to choose from. Your young ones can explore the tunnels, chutes, swinging bridges and play ground called Kidde Land. There is also a carousel, swings rides and the Amaze N Maze-where they can enjoy getting lost and found.

For your older adventurers that don’t mind getting wet, there is Lighting Raft Ride and Shoot-the-Chute and Blue Cyclone Rapids. The whole family can enjoy ice skating, the Alpine slide (my personal favorite), the scenic chair lift, mini-golf, and an arcade and redemption room.

Also, don’t miss your chance to see some of the famous wildlife of the Great Smoky Mountains at the Wildlife Encounter exhibit. This exhibit includes a Nocturnal House with numerous wildlife native to the area like raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles and snakes. This exhibit also has a River Otter viewing area, an enclosed aviary called “Birds of Prey” and the Black Bear exhibit is a must -see.

During the winter months, Ober-Gatlinburg has many options for the snow-bunnies in your family. Ski Mountain Sports is a full service winter sports outfitter onsite. They specialize in ski and snowboard equipment; as well as winter apparel. The resort offers ski and snowboard runs as well as a recently opened Free Style Terrain Park. For the non-skiers in your family there is state-of-the-art Snow Tubing Park.

Ober Gatlinburg is an all day event, and there are a range of eateries to satisfy your cravings between adventures. They offer a restaurant and lounge with spectacular views of the ski slopes and mountains. For lighter fare there is the Snack Bar and Market and Sidewalk Cafe. Visitors with sweet tooth should also sample some of the delicious homemade fudge at the Fudge Shop.

For those who like to shop Ober Gatlinburg has an abundance of options including: The Galleria Gift Shop, Kinderspiel, Joyce’s, The Ober Haus, and the Bear Shop. Also, there are two specialty shops that are truly unique. Visitors will want to visit the Family Crest and Puzzled Store to purchase their family coat of arms and browse 3-D puzzles, jigsaws, and specialty games. The Leather Shop also offers quality leather items made onsite.

Visitors to Gatlinburg have numerous choices, but Ober Gatlinburg is not to be missed. I can personally vouch for the barrels of fun to be had there. It’s a visit well worth your while, and something your family is sure to remember for a very long time!