- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
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Why Visit Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg began as White Oak Flats in the early 1800s. The town's identity shifted with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's founding. What is Gatlinburg famous for? Its blend of Appalachian log cabins and Bavarian-chalet architecture, seen in the Arts & Crafts Community. The Ogle Cabin stands as a testament to its pioneer roots.
For anyone visiting Gatlinburg, direct access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a key draw. Explore over 800 miles of trails, including the Alum Cave Trail. The Cades Cove Loop offers prime wildlife viewing, while the Elkmont area hosts the rare synchronous fireflies each summer. Fall foliage here is unparalleled.
The local food scene offers more than just pancakes. Try authentic Appalachian dishes like soup beans with cornbread or fried trout, fresh from mountain streams. Many local distilleries also offer moonshine tastings, a tradition rooted in the area's Prohibition-era history. It's a true taste of mountain culture.
- GatlinburgUnited States
- GatlinburgUnited States
- GatlinburgUnited States
- GatlinburgUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octpleasant weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, busy season
- Wintercool, potential snowfall
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightClothing
- #WaterBottle
- #RainJacket
- #Sunscreen
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 5-7 for side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #GreatSmokyMountainsNP
- #GatlinburgSkyLiftPark
- #Ripley'sAquariumOfTheSmokies
- #Anakeesta
- #OberGatlinburg
- #GatlinburgStrip
- Ride the SkyLift
- Hike to Clingmans Dome
- Visit the Space Needle
- Explore Arts & Crafts Community
- Wildlife viewing at Cade's Cove
Recommended Hotels in Gatlinburg by Experience
Things to do in Gatlinburg
Discover
Explore Gatlinburg attractions, from the vast Great Smoky Mountains National Park to views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Discover marine life at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and unique finds at the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum.
Experience
Hike scenic park trails, sample local moonshine, or explore the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Enjoy seasonal events like the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade or find unique mountain crafts and flavors at a local Gatlinburg market.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America's most visited national park with scenic drives.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
407-foot observation tower with 360-degree mountain views.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Aquatic attraction with a glass tunnel through a shark tank.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Walk America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
8-mile loop of shops with local artisans and craftspeople.
Anakeesta
Mountaintop adventure park with treetop skywalk and views.
Ober Mountain
Ski area and amusement park with an aerial tramway ride.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To reach the city, fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). For the Gatlinburg airport to city center transfer, book a shuttle or use a car rental for the ~1.5-hour drive. Since there is no train to Gatlinburg, driving is essential.
Getting Around
The downtown area is very walkable. For public transport in Gatlinburg, use the color-coded Trolley system, which functions as a Gatlinburg shuttle bus. All-day passes offer value. The Aerial Tramway provides scenic rides up to Ober Mountain.
Local Essentials
For first-timers, driving in Gatlinburg can involve steep, winding roads. Downtown parking is limited and paid. To successfully plan a trip to Gatlinburg, book popular attractions and car rental in Gatlinburg well in advance, especially in peak season.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Gatlinburg. Taste authentic stack cakes and slow-smoked barbecue. Mornings mean a hearty Southern breakfast, a cherished local dining habit. It's a must-eat experience to truly connect with the culture.
Enjoy
The best restaurants in Gatlinburg include The Peddler's riverside dining; reserve ahead. Hit Smoky Mountain Brewery's lively pub; try flights. For a classic morning, visit Pancake Pantry's cozy spot; it now accepts cards.
The Peddler Steakhouse
Custom-cut steaks with a salad bar in a riverside setting.
Crockett's Breakfast Camp
Massive portions in a rustic, mountain-themed atmosphere.
Bennett's Pit BBQ
Slow-smoked barbecue ribs and pork, casual family dining.
Cherokee Grill
Upscale mountain lodge feel for steaks and seafood.
Calhoun's in Gatlinburg
Award-winning ribs and classic Southern fare, rustic feel.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Gatlinburg's Appalachian heritage through annual events. Celebrate with the July 4th Midnight Parade, a decades-old tradition kicking off Independence Day. Discover mountain culture at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair, a must-see event since 1975.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Gatlinburg attractions with live music and creative showcases. The Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival celebrates songcraft with intimate performances. Enjoy a variety of sounds from bluegrass to indie rock at Music on the Mountain.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
Artisan market in July & Oct. with handmade goods.
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
Summer and winter street performances of music & storytelling.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
Nov-Feb city-wide LED light displays with holiday themes.
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
Annual December parade with floats, balloons, and bands.
4th of July Midnight Parade
The nation's first July 4th parade, held at 12:01 AM.
Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival
An August celebration of songcraft with live performances.
Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta
Unmanned floatables race down the river on July 4th.
Lovely Mountain Town Getaway
Gatlinburg is a great little town right next to the mountains. The air feels so fresh! It's super walkable, with tons of shops and places to eat. The backdrop of the Smokies is just beautiful from everywhere. A perfect spot to relax and explore.
Incredible Hiking Access
The best part is being right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We hit the trails every morning. So many options for all skill levels. The views are spectacular. Found some great salt water taffy in town afterward.
So Much for the Kids to Do
The main strip, the Parkway, kept my family busy for days. There are so many attractions packed into one area, from the aquarium to all the little souvenir shops. We had a blast just walking around and seeing what we could find next.
Cozy Winter Trip
Gatlinburg in winter is really special. We went up to Ober Gatlinburg for some skiing and the views from the aerial tramway are amazing. The town felt very cozy with all the lights on. It was a proper winter holiday experience for us.
Beautiful Scenery Everywhere
The drive through Cades Cove was the highlight. We saw so much wildlife right from the car. The historic cabins are interesting to see. It's a peaceful way to spend an afternoon and really appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Great Food and Local Spirits
Loved the food scene. The pancake houses are everywhere and live up to the hype. We also did a tasting at one of the moonshine distilleries downtown, which was a lot of fun. It was easy to find a good meal after a day of walking around.