One of the most important things that you should consider when planning any zipline tour is the braking system used at the end of each line. While some zipline companies require that you use a handbrake to slow yourself down, CLIMB Works takes care of all the braking for you with the innovative ZIPKEA! Here are 4 huge benefits of the braking system on our ziplines in the Smoky Mountains: (more…)
Gatlinburg Tennessee is full of things to do! Driving down the center of this city can leave you a little overwhelmed, and with the vast amount of activities calling for your attention, it can be hard to decide what to do! So, if you want to step away from the madness, and experience the hidden gems of Gatlinburg you will find what truly makes this a special place in Tennessee.
Just like the area, this list is an eclectic bunch of things but are worth a visit!
1. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum: This may seem like an odd one, and well….it is! You don’t quite know what to expect of this little oddity but you don’t want to miss it! Upon walking in you are greeted by the owners, whose mom is the one who started it all, and your eyes will behold this immense collection that will leave your mouth open in awe! You would never believe it until you saw it. This place is open everyday from 10am-2pm and only costs $3 to enter, to which you can apply to buying your own salt and pepper shaker at the end!
2. Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House: Right across from the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is a unique place of various jellies, jams, butters, spreads, preserves, pickles, and hot sauces. You will never see a more diverse set of options for your tastebuds. Come in, sample some, and take home a souvenir that may beg you to return to Gatlinburg for a refill.
3. Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community: Discover the lives of hundreds of artists as they gather along this 8 mile loop in a community that is open to sharing their passions with others. Each shop is unique and if you see something you like, get it because you won’t see it again! A few must stop places are the Wild Plum Tea Room, Ogles’ Broom Shop (This family has been making brooms for 100 years!), and the Cliff Dwellers Gallery (specifically the little crafts shop entrance to the right and upstairs where you can sit and do your own little craft for free).
4. Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens: Right off the main strip of Gatlinburg you can experience lifelike exhibits and representations of the life of Jesus Christ as the museum takes you back 2,000 years and into the story of Christ with remarkable effects, lighting, life-size figures and music. Guests who go to the museum park for free and from there it’s a short walk to the strip where you can continue to explore downtown Gatlinburg.
5. Cataract Falls: About 10 minutes away from the bustling streets of downtown you’ll find the Cove Mountain Trailhead. Take a 5-10 minute nature walk and you’ll find Cataract Falls! A perfect escape from the manmade attractions and a breath of fresh air. Pack a lunch and enjoy a little down time by the falls.
6. Aunt Debbie’s Country Store: A short drive outside of Gatlinburg will lead you to this quaint store full of unique gifts to give, or items to collect for yourself! All items are either made by the owner herself or done locally. Don’t forget to say hi to Bullet the store’s pup!
7. Cakes by Bakin’ Bishop: Just down the street from Aunt Debbie’s Country Store is this perfect baked goods store. What’s great about this bake shop, apart from the delicious goodies, is that you get to choose what cake you want followed by the frosting you want it to have. Mix and Match different flavors and take your tastebuds on a delightful journey of flavor.
8. CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains: Of course we had to add ourselves to this list! Give yourself the best views of the Smoky Mountains by zipping in and above them! Learn about the area, master new challenges, and conquer your fears with guided tours to help you have the most memorable experience during your family vacation.
What is special about each one of these hidden gems is that they are either businesses that are locally run and have been in the family for years, are an escape from the main streets of Gatlinburg, and each place has free and available parking, which is extremely hard to come by! It is at these locations that you will meet people who are passionate and open to giving you a glimpse into their world, truly showing you what it is we love about Gatlinburg.
If you always wanted to experience the adrenaline rush of ziplining but have a fear of heights, you can put your mind at ease knowing that you are always in safe hands with CLIMB Works! We not only follow and exceed all industry safety standards, but have years of professional training experience! Here are 4 ways our Smoky Mountain ziplines can actually help you to overcome your fear of heights: (more…)
If you are looking for something a little different for a girls’ day out, come on out to CLIMB Works for the adventure of a lifetime! Our thrilling ziplines offer the perfect opportunity to share some unique time together with your girlfriends! Whether you are cheering on your friends as they soar through the sky or screaming in delight as you race along on our dual ziplines, you are sure to enjoy this incredible experience! Here are the top 5 reasons why our ziplines in the Smoky Mountains are perfect for a girls’ day out: (more…)
While you might already know that CLIMB Works offers thrilling zipline tours, you can make your Smoky Mountain vacation even more exciting with our adventure packages! One of these convenient packages combines our world-class ziplines with the Lumberjack Feud Show and Adventure Park, a Pigeon Forge attraction with several incredible thrills of its own! Here are the top 4 reasons why you will love our adventure packages with Lumberjack Feud: (more…)
A question we often get asked, especially as the seasons begin to change, is when is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains for the fall colors? Well, here are 5 Tips to planning your trip for one of the most magical times of year!
When is best time to come for the color transformation?
The Smoky Mountains are covered in a variety of trees including sugar maples, hickories, sweetgum, scarlet oaks, red maples and nearly 100 other species of native trees. This makes for amazing fall colors from vibrant golds to oranges and reds! The best time to catch this transformation is mid-October to the beginning of November. This splendor of colors will last for about 7 weeks, depending on the temperature and length of sunlight in the day. For that reason it’s always a little tricky to predict when the exact “best” time will be.
How does fall in the mountains work?
What’s incredible about fall in the mountains is that it’s like a cascade of color. The leaves will begin to change at the highest elevation first and throughout the weeks will make its way down the mountain as temperatures cool. The green in the leaves will start the break down process and in turn create those vibrant colors we all love.
How soon should you start planning your trip?
The Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in America! That being said, it is always wise to plan your trip at least a few months in advance, especially for this time of year. The last three weeks of October hosts the most people.
What are the best ways to see the fall colors?
There are so many ways to enjoy this display of colors, and maybe we’re a little biased, but ziplining is our favorite way! But in all seriousness, most people will take in the views by driving through Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Road (US 441), but those roads can get pretty congested during this time of year! Being able to zipline amongst the trees is something else entirely! You don’t have to worry about getting distracted while you drive, you can pause on our platforms and take pictures, and you can feel like the wind as you zip through the many fall colors. It really is the most breathtaking experience.
After you zipline with us we can suggest a few hikes where you can continue to take your time and soak in the beauty that is all around you!
What are the best views of the foliage?
Both our zipline courses offer unique ways to experience the fall colors. The tree top course puts you right in the middle of it all! Zipping from tree to tree, you’ll be right amongst the leaves. Our Mountain Top Course will give you the full picture and view of all the colors as they cover the mountains. If you can’t decide, that’s ok! You can do both 🙂 Afterwards you can take a short drive up the Foothills Parkway to take some epic pictures. Pack yourself a lunch and have a little picnic on your car as you enjoy these scenic spots of the epic Smoky Mountains.
If you are looking for a unique and fun activity that your entire family will enjoy, look no further than CLIMB Works in Gatlinburg TN! Our thrilling zipline tours will bring your family together for an adventure that you will remember and cherish for a lifetime! Whether you have grandparents, teenagers or kids in your family, everyone can get into the action! Here are the top 4 reasons why our Gatlinburg ziplines are perfect for family bonding: (more…)
When it comes to experiencing the best scenery in the Smoky Mountains, there is no better place to be than on a zipline tour with CLIMB Works! Our ziplines not only offer the thrills of a lifetime, but the opportunity to soar above the trees for the most spectacular views anywhere in the Smokies! Here are the top 4 reasons why our ziplines offer the best views in the Smoky Mountains: (more…)
CLIMB Works not only offers the most thrilling zipline experience in the Smoky Mountains, but plenty of bonus perks that you can enjoy just for joining us on a tour! Whether you are taking our breathtaking Mountaintop Zipline Tour or our top-rated Treetop Zipline Tour, you will love some of the extras that we have added just for you! Here are 4 of the bonus perks that you can enjoy when joining CLIMB Works for a day of ziplining in Gatlinburg: (more…)
While our zipline tours offer a thrilling experience at any time of the year, there is just something magical about the fall season in the Smokies! This is the perfect time to experience a zipline adventure with your family and friends as you enjoy the spectacular weather and beautiful scenery! Here are the top 4 reasons why you should join our Smoky Mountain zipline tours in the fall: (more…)