Gatlinburg sits right at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, combining mountain scenery with a lively strip of attractions, shops, and mountain-craft galleries.
Why Visit Gatlinburg
As the main gateway to America’s most-visited national park, Gatlinburg offers easy trail access alongside its own attractions, from an aerial SkyBridge to a historic arts and crafts community.
Top Experiences
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Drive or hike into the park directly from downtown for waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain overlooks.
- Gatlinburg SkyLift & SkyBridge: Ride the chairlift up and cross North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge for valley views.
- Ober Gatlinburg: Take the aerial tramway up to this mountaintop amusement park and ski area.
- Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community: Browse the country’s largest group of independent artisans along an 8-mile loop.
- Moonshine distillery tour: Sample local moonshine at one of Gatlinburg’s downtown distilleries.
Sharing Nature with Children: Hands-On Smoky Mountain Discovery
Blue Creek Cascades: Waterfalls, Whitewater & Wild Forest
Practical Tips
- Fall foliage (mid-October) and summer weekends are the busiest times; expect heavy traffic on the main strip.
- Arrive at popular park trailheads early in the morning to beat both crowds and parking shortages.
- The Parkway can be walked, but a trolley system also connects downtown to nearby Pigeon Forge.
FAQ
Is Gatlinburg worth visiting?
Yes, its direct access to the Smokies plus its own attractions make it one of Tennessee’s top destinations.
How far is Gatlinburg from the national park entrance?
The park entrance is directly adjacent to downtown Gatlinburg.
How many days should I spend in Gatlinburg?
Three days allows time for both the national park and downtown attractions like the SkyBridge.
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