Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg began as a quiet mountain settlement but transformed into a bustling resort town when Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934. Today, it’s a lively hub filled with shops, restaurants, attractions, and lodging options that make it the most convenient gateway to the Smokies.

Its location just minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center means you can step from downtown straight into the park — one reason millions of visitors choose Gatlinburg every year.

Tours & Activities Things To Do Itineraries Town Details FAQs Gateway Towns Area Reviews

Tours & Experiences from Gatlinburg

Many tours depart right from town — no car required.

Nestled at the northern entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg blends outdoor adventure with mountain-town charm. It’s the most popular basecamp for exploring the park, offering easy access to trails, scenic drives, and family-friendly attractions.

More Things to Do in Gatlinburg

Scenic drives, winery tours, and local craft shops.

In Town Activities

Downtown Parkway – Gatlinburg’s main strip is lined with shops, restaurants, arcades, and attractions.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – A family favorite with walk-through tunnels, penguins, and interactive exhibits.
Anakeesta – A mountaintop adventure park with treetop bridges, ziplines, dining, and sweeping views.
SkyLift Park & SkyBridge – Ride the chairlift to cross the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

Near Town

Sugarlands Visitor Center – Just 2 miles from downtown, it’s the main Tennessee gateway into the park.
Laurel Falls Trail – A short, family-friendly hike to one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls.
Newfound Gap Road – Scenic drive across the park with overlooks and hiking trailheads.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – A one-way loop featuring historic cabins, rushing streams, and trail access.

Family Favorities

Mini-golf, mountain coasters, and arcades line the Parkway.
Pancake houses and candy shops delight kids (and grown-ups).
Ober Mountain offers skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer.

Cultural & Historical Experiences

Explore Gatlinburg’s vibrant arts and crafts community, visit historic sites like the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, and experience unique cultural festivals throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Gatlinburg

The best time to visit Gatlinburg is during the fall, particularly in October, when the foliage is at its most vibrant and the weather is mild. Spring also offers pleasant temperatures and a sea of blooming wildflowers.

Spring – Wildflowers bloom and streams rush with snowmelt among the warming weather.
Summer – Family attractions in town, water adventures in the park, and outdoor fun at peak levels. Summer evenings are perfect for family sightseeing tours after a day at the aquarium.
Fall – Brilliant foliage paints the mountains, and festivals abound. Fall weekends sell out fast so book tours early if you’re visiting in October.
Winter – Holiday lights transform Gatlinburg into a mountain Christmas village. There is skiing nearby and fewer crowds in the park. Combining a half-day sightseeing tour with Winterfest’s lights makes for unforgettable holiday memories.

Events & Festivals

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage – Guided walks and educational programs in April.
Fourth of July Midnight Parade – One of the nation’s earliest Independence Day celebrations.
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – September–November, with fall decorations and events.
Winterfest & Fantasy of Lights – From November through January, Gatlinburg glows with holiday charm.

Where to Eat

Gatlinburg offers a variety of dining options, featuring Southern dishes alongside international cuisines.

Southern Comfort – BBQ, fried chicken, and trout are local staples.
Breakfast Favorites – Gatlinburg is famous for its pancake houses.
Craft Spirits – Tennessee whiskey and moonshine tastings at local distilleries.
Family Dining – Pizzerias, burger joints, and casual grills along the Parkway.

Where to Stay

Gatlinburg offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, cozy cabins, motels, and campgrounds, as well as treehouse accommodations.

Downtown Hotels – Walk to shops, dining, and attractions right on the Parkway.
Cabins & Chalets – Mountain rentals with fireplaces, hot tubs, and views of the Smokies.
Campgrounds – Tent and RV sites nearby for those who want to stay close to nature.
Unique Stays – Treehouses and boutique lodges offer a cozy twist on traditional accommodations.

Suggested Itineraries

Gatlinburg is a bustling resort town in eastern Tennessee, nestled at the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its lively atmosphere, it offers a mix of outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions.

1 Day Itinerary

Morning: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove.
Afternoon: Hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Evening: Enjoy wildlife, scenic views, sunsets, and stargazing.

3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Junior Ranger programs and easy trails.
Day 2: Hiking and fishing.
Day 3: Enjoy scenic drives & cultural experiences.

Weeklong Adventure

See the best of both worlds when you combine a few days at Dollywood with hiking, wildlife viewing, or canoeing tours. Or perhaps take a day to get away from the crowds and do some fishing? And, don’t forget to enjoy the local, delectable restaurants, then go treasure hunting! To enjoy being close to everything, stay in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Cherokee.

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Insider Tips

Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds on popular trails.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is less busy than Cades Cove, but just as scenic.
For breakfast, try a local pancake house — Gatlinburg is famous for them.
Trolleys are cheap and convenient for getting around town without parking stress.

Practical Travel Info

Closest Park Entrance: Sugarlands Visitor Center – Just 2 miles south of downtown.
Nearest Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – 45 miles (approx. 1 hr drive).
Getting Around: Parking can be limited downtown, so consider Gatlinburg’s trolley system for easy transport.
Best Time to Visit: Fall foliage (late Sept–early Nov) and summer (family vacations and festivals).

Notable Features

Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, scenic views, and vibrant arts and crafts community.

Town Highlights

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg ski area, and the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park.

Weather / Climate Overview

Gatlinburg experiences mild, but humid summers averaging 80°F and cool, wet winters with occasional snowfall.

Crowd Levels / Peak Times

Gatlinburg experiences high crowd levels in the summer, with weekends and holidays drawing a particularly large numbers of visitors.

Accessibility Notes

Certain attractions and trails in Gatlinburg are wheelchair accessible, but please verify individual locations for specific accessibility information and up to date conditions.

Shuttle / Transport Info

Limited public scheduled transport. Shuttles from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge to the park are available to book. (Park staff can not book shuttles for you.) Parking is limited at the most popular national park trailheads.

Nearest airports: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). From Knoxville Airport, take US-129 S to I-40 E; follow signs to Gatlinburg.

Personal vehicles recommended.

What to Bring

We recommend hiking shoes, layers of season appropriate clothing, a rain jacket, bug spray, and a refillable water bottle. For those fishing, please bring water shoes. Those planning to go horseback riding are required to wear closed-toed shoes and pants.

Safety Tips

Drink plenty of water, watch for local wildlife, and adhere to the rules and regulations set by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cell Service / WiFi

Cell service varies, but Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Use public transportation, support local businesses, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Gatlinburg from the park?

The Sugarlands Visitor Center, one of the main entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is just 2 miles from downtown Gatlinburg.

Where should I stay in Gatlinburg for park access?

Downtown hotels are convenient for walking around town, while cabins and chalets on the edges of town offer privacy and mountain views.

Is Gatlinburg family-friendly?

Yes! Between the park, attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, and plenty of kid-friendly dining, Gatlinburg is a top family vacation spot.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Fall is the busiest for foliage, summer is great for family trips, and winter offers quieter park experiences and holiday festivities in town.

Do tours start from Gatlinburg?

Yes, many guided hikes, sightseeing tours, and kayaking trips begin right in Gatlinburg.

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What Visitors Say About The Area

Plan Your Smoky Mountain Adventure

Gatlinburg makes it easy to combine national park exploration with a lively mountain town atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a weeklong trip, it’s the perfect basecamp for discovering the Smokies.

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