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If you’re looking for a Halloween destination that has something for everyone, look no further than Gatlinburg, Tennessee! There are haunted houses, costume contests, carnivals, sweet treats and more. There is fun on Halloween night and also Halloween weekend.
You can also take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage by going on hikes or taking scenic drives. And don’t forget to check out the Great Pumpkin Luminights at Dollywood or the Halloween Carnival at the Island in nearby Pigeon Forge!
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a must-see for any horror fan. This fun event features live actors, special effects, and authentic props from some of your favorite horror movies.
This creepy haunted house is open year round, but is especially fun at Halloween. You have to be at least 6 years of age to enter, so it’s not for young kids.
Famous for: Over 10,000 square feet of haunted house with live actors lurking around every corner. Great for those who love haunted houses.
Location: 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg
Visit the website here for more information
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Haunt Tours of Gatlinburg
If you’re looking for a more lighthearted Halloween experience than an actual haunted house (but one that is still a little spooky), check out the Ghost Tours of Gatlinburg.
These guided tours with amazing tour guides of the city of Gatlinburg take you around to some of the most popular haunted places in downtown Gatlinburg. You’ll hear stories about ghosts, murders, and more spooky things – some factual, some not.
Most tours are suitable for all ages, so they’re perfect for families with young children.
Famous for: Ghost stories and legends for the areas plus historical facts with a guided walking tour. There are several tours to choose from, so see the link below if you want more information.
Location: Check the tour you are interested in for meeting spots
View the full post here for more information
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Gatlinburg Sky Lift Park
If you’re looking for a breathtaking way to see the fall foliage, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift.
This scenic chairlift takes you up 1800 feet above sea level for stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. You can also take a hike on the SkyTrail and walk across the SkyBridge – with 30 feet of see-through glass in the middle!
Famous for: Amazing views of the Smokies, the SkyTrail and SkyBridge
Location: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg
View the website for more information
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Halloween Weekends at the Mysterious Mansion
Weekend evenings for the month of October this haunted house features extra actors and a theme every year. You can see the normal haunted house Monday through Thursday, and then check out the Halloween Weekends Friday through Sunday.
Famous for: The “turn of the century” mansion and haunted adventure.
Location: 424 River Rd, Gatlinburg
Visit the website here for more information
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Gatlinburg’s Trick or Treat Carnival at Ripley’s Aquarium
Every year on Halloween, there is the Annual Trick or Treat Kickoff Karnival at the Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza! Contests, food vendors, costumes and candy make this a memorable event.
Famous for: Various contests, candy, costumes and fun information from the Gatlinburg Fire Department (fire safety) and the Gatlinburg Police Department (trick or treat safety).
Location: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg
Click here to check out the Aquarium’s website
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Activities Near Gatlinburg for More Halloween Fun
Great Pumpkin Luminights at Dollywood
If you’re looking for a truly magical Halloween experience, don’t miss the Great Pumpkin Luminights at Dollywood.
This event features pumpkin carvings, pumpkin displays, and festive decorations. There is also the Harvest Festival with craftsmen from all over the country and amazing food.
The event is included with admission to Dollywood theme park and is not scary at all, so it is a very family friendly event (we have often taken our very small children to this event even at night).
Famous For: The Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Luminights. Crafts, festival food, amazing local musicians, pumpkin carvings, fall photo opportunities and lights.
Location: Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge
Visit the website for more information
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Wildnerness at the Smokies Halloween
If you’re coming into town for all the excitement of Halloween in Gatlinburg, why not stay a short drive away at the Wilderness of the Smokies?
Famous for: Their indoor water park (and outdoor parks, but they are not open in October) and every year they offer fun Halloween-themed activities for guests! Past years have featured a “Trick or Treat Trail” where where kids can dress up and get goodies along the trail. They’ve also hosted coloring contests and a costume contest.
Location: 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville
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Trick or Treat at the Island
The Island at Pigeon Forge is a wonderful family-friendly place to visit any time of year, but they go all out for Halloween and have a wonderful Trick or Treat event that runs from 5-7 on Halloween night.
Famous for: The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and other rides, shops and the trick or treating in a safe environment.
Location: The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge
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Kyker Farms Corn Maze
Get “Kornfused” in this amazing corn maze on a family farm. There are also hayrides, a pumpkin patch, tunnel slides, zombie blasterz, swings, and so much more.
Famous for: Amazing corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patch.
Location: 938 Alder Branch Rd, Sevierville
Visit the website for more information
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Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Not interested in ghosts and goblins? No problem! There is so much to do in the fall in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will let you enjoy the best this time of year has to offer.
Enjoy the fall foliage by hiking or driving through the park. Take a scenic drive on the Newfound Gap Road, or hike to a waterfall like Laurel Falls or Grotto Falls.
If you want to see the leaves from above, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift or Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway (not a part of the park, but a great way to see it). And don’t forget to check out the Sugarlands Visitor Center for information on all the best hiking trails and attractions in the park.
Famous for: Hiking, scenic drives, and views of the fall foliage
Location: Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Visit the website here for more information
Conclusion
The Gatlinburg area is the perfect place to spend Halloween! There are so many different things to do, including haunted houses, costume contests, and carnivals. You can also take advantage of the fall foliage by going on hikes or taking scenic drives.
And don’t forget to check out the Great Pumpkin Luminights at Dollywood or the Halloween Carnival at the Island! Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a spook-tacular time!
