Top 6 Romantic Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

May 8, 2025

The Great Smoky Mountains are the perfect destination for a romantic getaway! There are so many incredible things to do in Gatlinburg for couples, as well as options in Pigeon Forge! You’ll have so many choices when you visit the area with your sweetheart. To help you make the most of your retreat, we’ve put together a guide to 6 of the most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

1. Visit Gatlinburg SkyPark

If you're looking to enjoy stunning views of the Smokies with your sweetheart, Gatlinburg SkyPark is the place to go! You can enjoy several of the most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg at this attraction, from walking across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge overlooking town to riding the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the top of the mountain and much more. The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America! Meanwhile, you can relax together and soak up the views from the Gatlinburg SkyDeck while sipping on a beer or enjoying a snack. There are even some trails you can take to enjoy some exercise.

2. Stroll Around The Village

Walking around The Village is one of the best romantic things to do in Gatlinburg for couples. It’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with your sweetheart. This shopping area behind the Pancake Pantry is designed to look like a romantic European village, complete with a cobblestone walkway and a charming fountain. Couples can do a little shopping at one of The Village’s 27 boutiques, enjoy a sweet treat at the Donut Friar or The Village Cafe & Creamery, or simply see what they come across. Strolling around The Village is definitely at the top of the list of romantic things to do in Gatlinburg for couples.

3. Take a Scenic Drive Through the National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers plenty of romantic scenery for couples to enjoy. One of our favorite ways to see the sights is with a relaxing drive along one of the national park’s scenic roads. Some of the best places to go auto touring in the Smokies are:

• Cades Cove Loop Road
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
• Newfound Gap Road
• Wears Valley Road

Nothing beats taking in the gorgeous scenery next to the one you love. You’ll even have the chance to see some Smoky Mountain wildlife along your drive, like white-tailed deer and black bears! For some of the best views, visit shortly after sunrise or shortly before sunset in the Smoky Mountains.

4. Sample Local Wines Along the Rocky Top Wine Trail

Wine tasting is another one of the most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The Rocky Top Wine Trail is a collection of five wineries in the Smoky Mountain area that offer free samples and tours. To take advantage of the fun, simply pick up a Rocky Top Wine Trail Passport at any of the wineries along the trail. Be sure to get your passport stamped at each location, because you’ll receive free gifts as you complete the tour!

The wineries that comprise the Rocky Top Wine Trail are:

• Hillside Winery
• Apple Barn Winery
• Apple Barn Cider House
• Apple Barn Dessert Wine Shoppe
• Mountain Valley Winery

5. Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island

No date night in Pigeon Forge is complete without a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island. This 200 ft. tall Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the city’s glittering lights in the evening. The wheel itself is also a sight to behold, as it is covered with beautiful lights of every color. The wheel’s all-glass, climate controlled gondolas are the perfect place to snuggle up with the one you love as you take in the majestic panorama all around you. It’s one of the best romantic things to do in Pigeon Forge.

6. Have a Romantic Dinner

Nothing says romance like a delicious dinner for two at one of the best restaurants in the area. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to a number of superb restaurants that are ideal for an anniversary dinner or another special occasion. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a more casual setting, you can find the perfect place in the Smoky Mountains. Some of our favorite places for a romantic meal include:

• The Melting Pot
• Bullfish Grill
• The Peddler Steakhouse
• Cherokee Grill

More Romantic Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Other romantic things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge include taking a scenic helicopter ride, visiting Anakeesta, and enjoying the view from the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Perhaps the most romantic thing to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, however, is stay in a cozy 1 bedroom cabin! When you stay with Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals, you will be just a short drive from all of the other romantic things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. With breathtaking mountain views, bubbly hot tubs, warm fireplaces, and other wonderful amenities, our cabins are the perfect place to stay for your couple’s retreat.

To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of romantic 1 bedroom cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!