Gatlinburg, TN Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Hike to Alum Cave or Clingmans Dome – Trek mountain trails with sweeping views, wildflowers, and wildlife in the heart of the Smokies.
  • For History Buffs: Explore the Mountain Farm Museum – Step back in time with preserved cabins and homesteads just inside the national park.
  • For Shoppers: Stroll the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community – Discover handmade pottery, paintings, quilts, and Appalachian crafts along an 8-mile loop.
  • For Couples: Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyBridge – Soar above the town, then walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
  • For Families: Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Walk through shark tunnels, touch stingrays, and see thousands of sea creatures in this world-class attraction.

Best Time to Visit Gatlinburg, TN

The best time to visit Gatlinburg is from mid-September through early November for vibrant fall foliage and from late spring through summer for warm weather and family vacations. Winter is also popular for festive lights and nearby Ober Mountain skiing and snow tubing.

How to Get to Gatlinburg, TN

  • By Car: Gatlinburg is accessible via U.S. Hwy 441, about 1 hour from Knoxville and 3.5 hours from Atlanta or Nashville.
  • By Plane: Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, then rent a car for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Gatlinburg.
  • By Shuttle: Various regional shuttles offer service to Gatlinburg from Knoxville and neighboring towns.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg, TN

  • The Park Vista – A DoubleTree Hotel – Towering views, indoor pool, and family-friendly amenities close to downtown.
  • Gatlinburg Falls Resort – Luxury cabins with hot tubs, fireplaces, and Smoky Mountain views—ideal for couples and groups.
  • Bearskin Lodge on the River – Cozy riverside stay with balconies, complimentary breakfast, and a walkable location.

Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN

Explore Nature’s Playground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park


Hike misty trails, chase waterfalls, and meet wildlife in America’s most-visited park

Explore Nature’s Playground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country's most visited national park - for its ancient mountains, diversity of animal and plant life, and remains of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

Highlights include: Cades Cove, wildflowers, and hiking. Cades Cove is a valley encircled by mountains. A one-way loop road takes visitors through the cove for 11 miles.

On Wednesday and Saturday until 10 AM from early May to late September only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the loop road, otherwise, cars are permitted. White-tailed deer, black bear, and coyotes, among other animals, can be seen in the area.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts 1,500+ flowering plants, more than in any national park in North America. Flowers bloom all year long. Hiking can be enjoyed all year long, as well.

Some of the most popular hikes are Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops.

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN37738, Phone: 865-436-1200

Soak in the Views at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook


Capture picture-perfect moments above the treetops with sweeping mountain panoramas

Soak in the Views at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook

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The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is a pull-over spot on the Gatlinburg Bypass with astonishingly beautiful views of Gatlinburg itself, and of the Great Smoky Mountains that surround it.

The majestic mountain and valley views that the overlook affords makes it a popular place for photographers and for locals and visitors who come to view the stunning sunsets.

Lucky visitors may see bears and wild turkeys in the nearby landscape or in the parking lot itself. The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is a 15-30 minute drive from central Gatlinburg, depending on traffic, and is a free attraction.

Ride to New Heights on the Gatlinburg SkyLift


Glide to the top and step onto SkyBridge—the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America

Ride to New Heights on the Gatlinburg SkyLift

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The Gatlinburg Skylift has been transporting tourists up the side of Crockett Mountain since the 1950s.

Built to resemble a ski-lift, this ride takes five to six minutes to climb the 1,800 foot mountain, and offers a rest area, refreshments, and a small gift shop at the observation area up top.

Visitors get a chance to slow down and really enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains; its blue hills, cloud-topped peaks, blue-green forests, and cold-water rivers.

Evening visitors can enjoy the Skylift as well, and have a chance to see Gatlinburg illuminated in the valley below.

765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Phone: 865-436-4307

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

See it All from the Gatlinburg Space Needle


Zoom 400 feet up for stunning 360-degree views and a dazzling night skyline

See it All from the Gatlinburg Space Needle

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The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an observation tower overlooking Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors are taken up to the observation deck in two glass elevators.

On the observation deck visitors can use viewfinders at no cost, and are treated to educational exhibits that provide valuable information about Gatlinburg and the Great Smokes.

At the base of the Space Needle, locals and visitors alike come to enjoy Arcadia, a two-story, 25,000 square foot arcade, to which new games are added regularly.

Arcadia contains The Slice Pizza Bakery, a delicious place to dine on pizza, calzones, salads, and appetizers. Also at the base of the Space Needle is the Iris Theater, which is a hotspot for the best and most entertaining live comedy shows.

Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the top Gatlinburg attractions.

115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, Phone: 865-436-4629

Hop On and Explore with the Gatlinburg Trolley


Colorful, convenient, and fun—see the town without the parking hassle

Hop On and Explore with the Gatlinburg Trolley

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See the sights in and around Gatlinburg from a unique position - aboard a trolley, which you can catch at more than 100 locations. The city's trolley car routes are color-coded.

Check out the signs on the sides and front of every trolley to confirm which route you want to take. The routes are as follows: Downtown River Rd., Red Route; Downtown Parkway, Green Route; Arts & Crafts Community, Yellow Route; National Park, Tan Route; Dollywood, Pink Route; East Parkway and City Hall, Blue Route; North Gatlinburg Parkway and Welcome Center, Purple Route.

The city runs 20 trolleys that service a 50 mile-area. Visitors may climb on the Gatlinburg Trolley and ride for unlimited rides for a small fee, excluding the tan and pink routes. You may buy a Trolley Pass at certain Gatlinburg lodging facilities, City Hall, and the two Welcome Centers.

Gatlinburg Trolley, 88 River Road, Suite 101, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, Phone: 865-436-3897

Step into the Strange and Surprising World of Ripley’s


Aquariums, oddities, and hands-on thrills for the curious and the brave

Step into the Strange and Surprising World of Ripley’s

© Ripley's

Ripley's Believe it or Not houses an Odditorium full of artifacts both bizarre and unusual; many of the exhibits are interactive.

In addition to their traditional museum, the Gatlinburg Ripley's also has a labyrinth of mirrors, a 3D theater in which the seats move along with the action, two miniature golf courses, and a haunted house peopled with live actors to add to the creepiness and thrills.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is filled with a large display of sharks, a pool where visitors can pet bat rays, and a penguin exhibit with see-through glass tunnels allowing visitors to watch the activities of the penguins as if immersed in the water themselves.

800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, Phone: 865-436-5096

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Shop Fresh and Local at the Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market


Seasonal produce, mountain-made crafts, and Appalachian charm come together

Shop Fresh and Local at the Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market

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The Gatlinburg Farmer's Market, currently in its seventh season, offers Tennessee-grown produce, foods, and local products. Customers will find a variety of seasonal products that may include nuts, fruits, berries, jellies and jams, honey, and vegetables.

Baked treats, plants, and natural health and wellness products are also available, but that's not all.

Every second Saturday, the market offers special events and music. Children can look forward to participating in activities every fourth Saturday, plus a scavenger hunt. The "Market Calendar" tab on the market's website provides information about upcoming events.

The market is all about enhancing the quality of people's lives and making everyone aware of the economic, nutritional, and environmental implications of purchasing local, seasonal products, so the market has created internship opportunities for young adults. The "Internship Opportunities" tab on the website has details.

Stop light #3 in Gatlinburg North, Hwy 321 Cosby, Glades Rd., Glades, Phone: 865-332-4769

Let Loose with Classic Fun at Fannie Farkle’s Amusement


Arcade action, footlong Ogle dogs, and family fun in the heart of downtown

Let Loose with Classic Fun at Fannie Farkle’s Amusement

© Fannie Farkle’s Amusement

Over the last 40 years Fannie Farkle’s Amusement has become a household name in Gatlinburg. This is place that locals (and visitors on their way to their annual Smoky Mountain vacation) flock to for good food and great family fun.

The establishment has a great variety of new, modern games as well as many of the old classics like PacMan and Skee Ball.

Family-friendly and great for all ages, Fannie Farkle’s is the kind of place you can take your grandchildren for a couple of hours of fun and a tasty meal.

Highlights of their food menu include their legendary foot-long Ogle Dog and their Cheese-Steaks.

Fannie Farkle’s Amusement, 656 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, 865 436 4057

Zip into Adventure with CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains


Canopy tours, mountain biking, and adrenaline-filled treetop views await thrill seekers

Zip into Adventure with CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains

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CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains is a two and a half hour zip-line adventure that will be appreciated by all adventurers.

Created by zip-lining professionals with the highest of safety standards, this canopy tour allows its guests treetop views of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Zip-lining tours begin with an ATV ride to the top of the mountain, followed by nine world-class zip-lines and three sky bridges. Visitors can look down at trees, streams, ravines, and wildlife while traveling from one tree to the next.

Water is provided along the route, and novices are welcomed and taught the basics of the sport. Sunset tours are available in the summer months.

155 Branam Hollow Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, Phone: 865-325-8116

Where to Eat in Gatlinburg, TN

  • Crockett’s Breakfast Camp – Hearty mountain breakfasts with pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and camp-style décor.
  • The Peddler Steakhouse – Romantic riverfront dining with hand-cut steaks and a rustic log cabin atmosphere.
  • Smoky Mountain Brewery – Great pizza, burgers, and craft beer with a casual lodge vibe and live music nights.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Smoky Mountain Winterfest (November–February) – Millions of holiday lights and seasonal events brighten up the town.
  • Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (July & October) – Meet artisans from across the U.S. and shop handmade goods at this juried show.
  • 4th of July Midnight Parade – One of the first Independence Day parades in the nation, held at 12:01 a.m. on July 4.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Gatlinburg, Tennessee:

  • Pigeon Forge (15 min) – Home to Dollywood, The Island, Titanic Museum, and other fun-packed attractions.
  • Cades Cove (60 min) – Wildlife viewing, historic cabins, and scenic mountain loops in the park’s most popular valley.
  • Clingmans Dome (45 min) – The highest point in the Smokies with an observation tower and epic 360° views.
  • Townsend (40 min) – Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” great for tubing, hiking, and visiting the heritage center.
  • Sevierville (30 min) – Outlet shopping, Dolly Parton history, and aviation or car museums just north of Gatlinburg.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Gatlinburg located?
    • Gatlinburg is a thriving town set in a valley of the Great Smoky Mountains.
  • Why is Gatlinburg a popular destination?
    • Picturesque and historic, it is a common stopping point for travelers in the Eastern United States and is an ideal base for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • What accommodations and attractions are available in Gatlinburg?
    • Gatlinburg has a wealth of hotels, motels, cabins, restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions, with an emphasis on family fun and outdoor activities in the Great Smoky Mountains.
  • What seasonal events should visitors check out?

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, perfect for hiking and sightseeing. The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton – A beautiful hotel with stunning mountain views. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Hike to waterfalls and see spring wildflowers.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, ideal for outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg – A fun, tropical-themed resort. Visit Anakeesta – Ride the gondola, walk the treetop skybridge, and enjoy mountain views.
Fall (September-November) – Cool air and stunning fall foliage, perfect for scenic drives. Bearskin Lodge on the River – A cozy, rustic lodge with a great location. Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Experience breathtaking autumn colors.
Winter (December-February) – Festive and snowy, great for holiday lights and winter sports. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park – A family-friendly stay with year-round fun. Experience Winterfest – Enjoy millions of holiday lights and seasonal activities.

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