Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains
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.
Scenic drives, winery tours, and local craft shops.
Explore Gatlinburg’s vibrant arts and crafts community, visit historic sites like the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, and experience unique cultural festivals throughout the year.
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.
Gatlinburg offers a variety of dining options, featuring Southern dishes alongside international cuisines.
Gatlinburg offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, cozy cabins, motels, and campgrounds, as well as treehouse accommodations.
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.
Morning: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove.
Afternoon: Hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Evening: Enjoy wildlife, scenic views, sunsets, and stargazing.
Day 1: Junior Ranger programs and easy trails.
Day 2: Hiking and fishing.
Day 3: Enjoy scenic drives & cultural experiences.
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.
Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, scenic views, and vibrant arts and crafts community.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg ski area, and the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park.
Gatlinburg experiences mild, but humid summers averaging 80°F and cool, wet winters with occasional snowfall.
Gatlinburg experiences high crowd levels in the summer, with weekends and holidays drawing a particularly large numbers of visitors.
Certain attractions and trails in Gatlinburg are wheelchair accessible, but please verify individual locations for specific accessibility information and up to date conditions.
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.
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.
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 varies, but Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes.
Use public transportation, support local businesses, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
The Sugarlands Visitor Center, one of the main entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is just 2 miles from downtown Gatlinburg.
Downtown hotels are convenient for walking around town, while cabins and chalets on the edges of town offer privacy and mountain views.
Yes! Between the park, attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, and plenty of kid-friendly dining, Gatlinburg is a top family vacation spot.
Fall is the busiest for foliage, summer is great for family trips, and winter offers quieter park experiences and holiday festivities in town.
Yes, many guided hikes, sightseeing tours, and kayaking trips begin right in Gatlinburg.
Pigeon Forge is a vibrant mountain resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee, just north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers a mix of entertainment, shopping, and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for families and country music fans.
Cherokee is a vibrant community nestled in the Oconaluftee River Valley, rich in Cherokee culture and history. It serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Sevierville, the county seat of Sevier County, is a vibrant city in East Tennessee. Known for its rich history and as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, it offers a blend of outdoor activities and local culture.
Townsend is a quaint city in Blount County, Tennessee, serving as a primary gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its serene landscapes and historical significance, it offers visitors a peaceful retreat with access to outdoor adventures.
Marshall is a quaint town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene. The town offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it a perfect gateway to the surrounding natural beauty.
Knoxville, Tennessee, is a lively city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. It offers a blend of outdoor activities and urban experiences.
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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