Take Your Kids Hunting in Gatlinburg
HomeAway 02.03.12
With all the beauty and natural wonder of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, it is not surprising that the pretty town of Gatlinburg has become one of the most sought-after vacation spots for families looking to get away from it all.
On the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are lots of fun outdoor activities. When you take your kids hunting in Gatlinburg’s beautiful surroundings, you can teach them in some of America’s most pristine wilderness. Book a comfortable cabin right in the woods and enjoy some family time on your own out in nature.
Teach the Kids about Hunting
Gatlinburg is ideal for family hunting trips. There is a variety of game in the Cherokee National Forest, including deer, grouse and wild turkey. Before heading out, it is important to note that certain areas of the forest are closed to hunting, and a valid Tennessee or North Carolina hunting license is required.
There is also hunting in the nearby Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests across the state line in North Carolina, where a North Carolina hunting license will be needed.
Kids under the age of 10 do not need a hunter safety certificate, but they must always be accompanied by an adult over age 21.
The Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide is a great resource for information about hunting in this area, including the dates of the various hunting seasons, bag limits and necessary permits and licenses. This guide can be found at any sporting goods store in Gatlinburg.
Other Things to Do in Gatlinburg
If the kids are done with hunting and want something else to do for the day, there are plenty of great attractions and other outdoor activities all around the Gatlinburg region. There’s excellent whitewater rafting for kids over the age of 12, and more than 600 miles of marked trails for hiking. Young anglers will find hundreds of places to fish in the region’s lakes and streams. Fun urban attractions right in Gatlinburg include bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf and the famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, with an aquarium, a theater and a “fun zone.”
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
With all the natural beauty surrounding you, the best place to stay is in one of the hundreds of excellent Gatlinburg cabin rentals in the woods. There are plenty of authentic log cabins available, many with modern amenities like satellite television and hot tubs. A vacation cottage rental in the woods will offer gorgeous views across the Smoky Mountains and plenty of room for the kids to run and play, not to mention the privacy and relaxation of being surrounded by nature.
Every kid deserves to spend time learning about the joys and wonders of the great outdoors, and the outdoors doesn’t get any greater than here in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Start planning today to take your kids hunting in Gatlinburg on a trip that will create wonderful memories to last a lifetime!
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