Before Dollywood, the most affluental and famous amusement park in the Smoky Mountains was, and in many ways still is, Ober Gatlinburg overlooking the city it’s named after. And while Dollywood exploded in size and popularity, Ober Gatlinburg has maintained its own fanbase and is consistently busy during the tourism seasons while maintaining the high quality of its attractions the same as it has for over five decades.
Trying to compare the two parks is comparing apples and oranges and visitors won’t need to choose between them at all – Ober Gatlinburg offers many things Dollywood does not, and even some things you can’t find anywhere else in the county! First and foremost, Ober Gatlinburg’s biggest claim to fame is their iconic Aerial Tramway that carries visitors from downtown Gatlinburg all the way up to the front gates of the amusement park. This is very much considered a ride of its own accord and you and your group can enjoy it without being obligated to visit the main park. The ride is 2.1 miles in length, carries a maximum of 120 passengers, and ascends over Wiley Oakley and Chalet Village providing more than 10 minutes of sights high above the city.
Next, Ober Gatlinburg offers a huge wildlife habitat for local wildlife where visitors can see black bears, river otters, bobcats, an enclosed aviary full of bird species, foxes, raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles, snakes, insects and more. These animals are well taken care of by
habitat staff and operates in full accordance with Tennessee state law (as these animals are protected native species) and you and your family will have many awesome memories and pictures taken of your Wildlife Encounter at Ober.
The main park from there offers its main attractions inside a multi-level facility and outside along the hill. Some of the attractions change seasonally and during the warmer months, you can enjoy a three water raft slides, the “Amaze’n Maze”, a large chair swing, outdoor mini-golf, a scenic chairlift and their famous alpine slide. Year-round attractions include an arcade/redemption center, the ski mountain coaster, indoor mini-golf, classic-style carousel, and the only ice-skating rink in Sevier County!
And speaking of Winter-themed sports, Ober Gatlinburg is also the only place for miles around to offer winter sports between December and March. People come from across states to ski, snowboard, snowtube and receive tutoring on them as well. Ober Gatlinburg is fully equipped to meet the needs of winter sports enthusiasts from amateur to professional and everything in-between.
There’s still more to know about Ober Gatlinburg and whether you’re never been, haven’t been in decades or just haven’t been this year yet, you’ll want to get to know what continues to make Ober Gatlinburg an icon in the Smokies. Get to know this at www.obergatlinburg.com.