Nestled high above downtown Gatlinburg, Ober Mountain offers a thrilling escape from the ordinary. But is it worth the money? What is there to do? We spent a day there to bring you an accurate and honest review.
Our adventure began with a scenic tram ride from the heart of downtown, a journey that itself was a highlight, providing stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. The tram driver is hilarious, telling jokes while pointing out some of the more interesting things to view along the way (such as a rental property that is a life size version of the Barbie toy house). The tram does get crowded. For those who prefer a more direct route, or just don’t like being too close to other people, driving up is also an option, ensuring easy access for everyone.
There is a lot to do at Ober Mountain. The first major attraction you come to is the ice skating rink. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a complete novice, the rink offers fun for all skill levels. We did not ice skate (your humble reviewer is not built for that), but we did do the ice bumper cars, which were quite fun.
For thrill seekers, Ober Mountain features a mountain coaster. This exhilarating ride twists and turns down the mountainside, giving you control of your speed and offering breathtaking views at every corner. The Alpine slide is another must-try, providing a fast-paced descent that’s perfect for thrill-seekers.
For those who enjoy a challenge, the rock climbing wall is a fantastic way to test your skills. And if you’re an avid cyclist, the downhill mountain biking trails at Ober Mountain are second to none, offering varied terrain and stunning scenery. You can rent a bike there.
Animal lovers will find the animal sanctuary particularly enchanting. Home to black bears, river otters, owls, hawks and more, the sanctuary offers a chance to see these majestic creatures up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors. It’s a perfect stop for families and anyone interested in wildlife.
To top it all off, we took the chairlift even higher up the mountain, reaching the highest observation point in all of Gatlinburg. The panoramic views from this vantage point are simply breathtaking, offering a perfect photo opportunity and a moment of tranquility amidst the adventure. The chairlift is also how you get to the starting point of the Alpine slide.
Throughout our visit, we noticed the buzz of construction, a sign of exciting developments to come. Ober Mountain’s new owner is hard at work building new attractions and improving the existing facilities, ensuring that this beloved destination continues to evolve and offer fresh experiences for all visitors.
When we got hungry, we ate hotdogs Daddy’s Dogs which were, no joke, some of the best hotdogs we have ever had. We enjoyed our hotdogs while listening to live music provided by a bluegrass band on the stage in the outdoor play area.
In conclusion, our day at Ober Mountain was packed with adventure, natural beauty, and a hint of nostalgia. Whether you’re looking for thrills, relaxation, or family fun, Ober Mountain has something for everyone. We can’t wait to see what new attractions will be unveiled in the future, making this an even more irresistible destination for all.
You CAN just purchase a tram ticket and then separate tickets for various attractions. Our recommendation is to go ahead and purchase a wristband that includes many of the attractions. If you do very much there, the wristband will save you a bunch of money.
We recommend Ober Mountain for a great way to spend a day in Gatlinburg without spending a fortune.
To ride the tram to Ober Mountain, visit the Aerial Tramway Mall at:
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN
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