What’s old is new at Ober Gatlinburg! The Gatlinburg adventure park is returning to its original name after a few years of rebranding as Ober Mountain. Beyond the name change, there’s a number of additions in the works that you should know about. In fact, the place is temporarily closing this spring for its annual maintenance period. During this time, the park is hard at work completing a variety of projects to enhance the guest experience. Here’s what you need to know about the spring 2026 improvements at Ober Gatlinburg:
The Name Change: Welcome Back, Ober Gatlinburg
One of the first things you’ll notice: Ober is going back to its roots and reclaiming the name Ober Gatlinburg. For so many folks, the name Ober Gatlinburg evokes memories of snowy slopes, tram rides over the treetops, and days filled with family fun. Bringing the name back reinforces that legacy. The adventure park changed its name to Ober Mountain in 2022.
Spring 2026: Brief Closure
Every spring, Ober Gatlinburg closes for a bit to spruce things up. The park is closed from April 20 through May 13, 2026. Crews use this annual window to tackle big projects so that everything is ready to roll when summer hits and the crowds flock to the Smoky Mountains. But this year it isn’t just a routine closure. This time there’s a bigger plan at play, and serious upgrades are on the way!
Improvements Coming to Ober Gatlinburg
During the spring shutdown, several key improvements are expected to be made at Ober Gatlinburg to enhance the overall experience for its guests. Here’s what’s you can expect:
- New Summer Tubing Hill: A new summer tubing hill is being added to Ober Gatlinburg, giving guests even more outdoor thrills to enjoy. The new hill will have 1 standard lane and 2 elevated lanes for more speed, more air, and more fun!
- Addition of Disc Golf Course: A disc golf course is coming to Ober Gatlinburg giving guests another outdoor experience to enjoy.
- New Archery Range: Have you ever shot a bow and arrow? You soon will have that chance at the adventure park with the addition of an archery range!
- Maintenance & Infrastructure Upgrades: The Gatlinburg Tram is undergoing maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation. The front entrance concrete, ramps, and railing are being replaced and the outdoor turf is being replaced. The Sidewalk Cafe is being remodeled and getting a new name.
What it Means for Visitors
If your trip lands during the dates of the closure, you’ll have to plan around Ober Gatlinburg being unavailable to visit. The good news is that the closure doesn’t last too long, and when the gates reopen, you’ll walk into a fresher, more polished experience. This newest round of investment only adds to all the fun that makes Ober one of the most beloved attractions in the Smoky Mountains. You can keep up with the progress of these improvements by taking a look at Ober’s updates.
Other Fun Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
These spring 2026 improvements coming to Ober Gatlinburg mean you’ll have even more options for fun the next time you visit. If you have plans to visit the Smokies while Ober is closed and need to change your itinerary, or if you’re just looking for more memorable activities in the area, be sure to check out all the fun Smoky Mountain attractions!
