For an afternoon of entertainment, head to Hillbilly Golf, two miniature golf courses located on a mountaintop overlooking Gatlinburg. Collect a putter and balls and then take the cable railway that travels about 300 feet (91 metres) up the mountainside. The ride up the hillside provides a cool trip through the forest and interesting views at the top. After passing through the trees you’ll arrive at the start of the two 18-hole courses, which proceed to wind their way back down the mountain.
Test your putting skills against a variety of unusual hazards, from rocky walls and beer barrels to outhouses, moonshine stills and native plants. Bounce the ball off a beat-up tractor or hit it through a covered wagon as you attempt to get a hole in one. Although barriers help to keep the balls on the course you’ll need to play carefully to avoid sending your ball tumbling down the mountain.
The par for each hole is clearly marked, allowing you to easily keep track of your score as you make your way through the courses. There is no time limit at Hillbilly Golf so you can go at your own pace and pause between holes to enjoy the scenery. During the summer, trees provide ample shade from the hot sun.
Once you arrive at the 18th hole you can board the cable railway back down to the entrance. Alternatively, return to the top and play the other course. The course to the right hand side has fewer steps to negotiate. This is ideal if you are coming with small children or don’t want to walk too much.
The entrance to the course is a short walk from downtown Gatlinburg. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the reception area and the Gatlinburg Trolley stops nearby.
Hillbilly Golf is open daily. Children under three can play for free and there are discounts for people over 60 years old.
