Top 15 Date Ideas in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains

Discover the best couples things to do in Gatlinburg TN, from scenic hikes and cozy cabins to romantic dining, sunrise views, and unforgettable date ideas.

Best Date Ideas & Couples Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN

There are plenty of places that promise romance, but few deliver it as naturally as Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.

Here, date ideas are easy with the pairing of dramatic natural scenery with cozy accommodations, memorable dining, and just enough adventure to keep things exciting.

Couples come to the Smokies for many reasons:

• First trip together
• Engagement or proposal getaway
• Honeymoon or mini-moon
• Anniversary escape
• Babymoon
• Or simply time away — just the two of you

At Stony Brook, we're all about making your vacation unforgettable. Our selection of vacation cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby is set against the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.

For amazing local tips, dive into our destination blog. From delicious local cuisine to indulging in some great shopping, we've got the scoop on the best things to do in the region.

Today, we're talking romance (with a hint of adventure). Here are the top date ideas and couples things to do in Gatlinburg TN.

TLDR: Romantic Activities Gatlinburg

1. Explore the trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2. Take a scenic drive through the Smokies
3. Watch sunrise and sunset from mountain overlooks
4. Stay in a private cabin with a hot tub and mountain views
5. Start the day with a classic Smoky Mountain breakfast
6. Dine at Gatlinburg's most romantic restaurants
7. Sip your way through local wine, cider, and moonshine tastings
8. Visit Anakeesta after dark
9. Chase waterfalls throughout the Smoky Mountains
10. Book a couples spa treatment or massage
11. Stroll and shop through downtown Gatlinburg
12. Capture the Romance With a Private Photo Shoot
13. Experience Dollywood's festivals, shows, and fireworks
14. Ride horses through the Smoky Mountain trails
15. Plan a stargazing night away from city lights
    
    

1. Explore the Trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hiking is the single most referenced activity for couples visiting Gatlinburg, and for good reason. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, yet it offers an incredible range of trails that feel intimate, peaceful, and immersive.

Couples can set their own pace, from easy waterfall walks to more challenging hikes that lead to rewarding mountain views. Trails like Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls are well-suited to relaxed outings, while Chimney Tops and Alum Cave Bluffs add a bit more adventure.

Those looking for quieter paths will find longer trails that offer a greater sense of solitude, while the Sugarlands Visitor Center area provides shorter, accessible options for mornings or late afternoons.

Here, hiking becomes less about distance and more about discovering the landscape together.

2. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Smokies

Not every romantic experience requires hiking boots. Scenic drives are a favorite alternative for couples who want incredible views with minimal effort, especially during fall foliage season or early morning hours.

Newfound Gap Road crosses the park from Tennessee into North Carolina, offering multiple pull-offs and constantly changing scenery. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a slower, more intimate loop lined with streams, historic cabins, and trailheads. Foothills Parkway delivers wide-open mountain vistas, particularly beautiful near sunset.

Cades Cove Loop Road adds history and wildlife viewing, while Lakeview Drive, often called the Road to Nowhere, offers a quieter drive ending at an abandoned tunnel with trails and lake access nearby.

These drives allow couples to explore at their own rhythm, stopping whenever the view feels worth lingering over.

3. Watch Sunrise and Sunset from Mountain Overlooks

Few moments feel as quietly romantic as watching the Smoky Mountains shift colors together. Sunrise and sunset are among the most romantic activities Gatlinbug offers.

Clingmans Dome, also known as Kuwohi, is the highest point in the park and offers expansive 360-degree views. Morton Overlook is a popular west-facing pull-off for sunset, while Newfound Gap Overlook and Luftee Overlook are ideal for sunrise, with cooler air and softer light.

These overlooks require little planning but deliver unforgettable atmosphere, especially when shared in silence.

4. Stay in a Private Cabin with a Hot Tub and Mountain Views

For many couples, the cabin is the centerpiece of a romantic trip. Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas are known for private mountain cabins that blend comfort, privacy, and scenery.

Cabin stays often define the pace of the getaway. Mornings begin with coffee on the deck. Evenings are spent soaking in the hot tub, sharing a bottle of wine or moonshine, or watching the sun set behind the ridgelines.

Cooking dinner together, lingering by the fireplace, and spending uninterrupted time outdoors — what more can you expect from a romantic getaway?

5. Start the Day with a Classic Smoky Mountain Breakfast

Mornings in Gatlinburg have their own rhythm, and a hearty Smoky Mountain breakfast is a ritual many couples come to love.

Local pancake houses are a staple, serving generous stacks, country ham, eggs, biscuits, and freshly brewed coffee in cozy, unpretentious settings. These early meals tend to be relaxed and conversational, offering a moment to linger before the day unfolds.

For couples staying in a cabin, breakfast can be just as memorable at home. There's nothing like cooking together, opening the curtains to mountain views, and easing into the day without rushing.

6. Dine at Gatlinburg's Most Romantic Restaurants

Candlelight dinner, anyone? This one's a no-brainer, and Gatlinburg has plenty of restaurants known for great atmosphere and reliable favorites.

Here are a few good choices:

• The Greenbrier: An intimate, dimly lit favorite known for refined dining and special-occasion romance.
• The Peddler Steakhouse: A classic candlelit steakhouse with river views that feels tailor-made for anniversaries.
• Park Grill: A cozy, lodge-style restaurant with soft lighting and a dependable date-night atmosphere.
  
  

7. Sip Your Way Through Local Wine, Cider, and Moonshine Tastings

Wine, cider, and moonshine tastings are frequently recommended as relaxed, low-pressure activities for couples.

Here are the top-rated picks:

• Tennessee Homemade Wines: A longtime favorite for easygoing tastings and fruit-forward wines in a relaxed setting.
• Apple Barn Winery: A charming stop with a rustic setting that pairs well with strolling the historic Apple Barn grounds.
• Ole Smoky Moonshine: The most iconic moonshine experience in Gatlinburg, blending Appalachian tradition with a lively atmosphere.
  
  

8. Visit Anakeesta After Dark

No doubt about it: Anakeesta is definitely one of the top couples things to do in Gatlinburg TN, particularly in the evening hours. Reached by chondola ride, the mountaintop park offers elevated views and a calmer pace after sunset.

Couples can stroll along the treetop skywalk, experience the Astra Lumina night trail, dine at Cliff Top restaurant, or enjoy the observation tower with sweeping views of the Smokies and Gatlinburg below.

9. Chase Waterfalls Throughout the Smoky Mountains

The Smokies are home to dozens of waterfalls, each offering a unique setting.

Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls are among the most accessible, while Ramsey Cascades, Rainbow Falls, Baskins Creek Falls, Abrams Falls, Cataract Falls, and Spruce Flat Falls require more time and effort but reward couples with quieter surroundings. These spots invite lingering, photography, and moments of reflection together.

10. Book a Couples Spa Treatment or Massage

Spa treatments are a great way to balance outdoor adventure with rest. Gatlinburg offers several local spas, but the Wellness House at Blackberry Farm is among the best thanks to its refined setting and comprehensive wellness offerings.

Couples massages, facials, and relaxation therapies are especially appealing after long days exploring the park.

11. Stroll and Shop Through Downtown Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg is compact and walkable, making it ideal for casual exploration together. Pedestrian-only streets lead to The Village Shops, Three Bears General Store, and seasonal favorites like Christmas Place.

Evening strolls are especially pleasant, with mountain backdrops and lights creating a relaxed, festive feel.

12. Capture the Romance With a Private Photo Shoot

A private photo session is a great addition to engagements, honeymoons, and anniversary trips.

Booking a photographer lets you stay in the moment while the experience is captured naturally. Local professionals know how to work with timing, light, and pacing, so the session feels comfortable rather than posed.

Most shoots are relaxed and tailored to the tone of the trip, making them an easy fit for honeymoons, anniversaries, or even proposal weekends.

The result is a set of images that feels personal and genuine, without turning the moment into a production.

13. Experience Dollywood's Festivals, Shows, and Fireworks

For couples staying longer or visiting during festival seasons, Dollywood offers live entertainment, seasonal décor, and evening fireworks. It blends nostalgia, music, and spectacle, making it a lively contrast to quieter mountain experiences.

14. Ride Horses Through the Smoky Mountain Trails

Horseback riding, especially at Sugarlands Riding Stables, offers a slower, more grounded way to experience the landscape. Guided rides pass through forest trails and open areas, allowing couples to enjoy the scenery side by side.

This is one of the most relaxed and scenic date ideas for Gatlinburg, especially for couples seeking something different from hiking.

15. Plan a Stargazing Night Away from City Lights

One of the Smokies' most underrated romantic experiences happens after dark. Away from downtown Gatlinburg's glow, the mountains offer pockets of deep quiet and surprisingly clear night skies, especially on crisp fall and winter evenings.

Couples staying in mountain cabins often have the perfect setup built in, thanks to elevated decks, open clearings, and minimal light pollution. For a more intentional outing, quiet stretches along Foothills Parkway or higher elevations in the national park provide expansive views once traffic thins out.

Wrapped in blankets, sharing a warm drink, and letting conversation slow naturally, stargazing becomes less about astronomy and more about romance.

Make the Most of Your Visit to the Smoky Mountains

Why not enhance your vacation with the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in a great rental property like the ones we listed above?

At Stony Brook, we offer an exceptional array of cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, ranging from one to 16 bedrooms. As a family-owned service, we guarantee you'll have the best experience in the Smokies.