Why Go to Gatlinburg
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Gatlinburg's main street leads straight into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country, so it's no surprise the Smokies are the town's biggest attraction. The park draws more visitors than Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon combined, and this little town of fewer than 4,000 residents comes alive in peak season.
In the park, hike miles of trails, ride horseback, see historic cabins and churches and watch for black bears and elk in the wild. A trail even begins right at the edge of town. When you're not in the park, enjoy the mountain views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle or the aerial tramway up to Ober Mountain.
Gatlinburg is a destination in its own right, especially for families. Kids love Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the town's arcades and attractions. For a taste of local culture, skip the souvenir shops and drive the loop through the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, where artisans make everything from pottery and paintings to handmade brooms and jewelry. I'll find a cabin with a view and plan your park and town days, and I can add nearby Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.
BEST FOR
Families, hikers, nature lovers and scenic-road travelers
BEST MONTHS
Spring brings wildflowers and changing mountain conditions, summer is busy and green, autumn foliage draws heavy crowds, and winter can bring icy roads at higher elevations.
EXPLORE
Downtown Gatlinburg borders the national park; the Parkway holds shops and attractions; the Arts and Crafts Community lies east of town.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Gatlinburg
North America › Southeast › USA › Tennessee
Smoky Mountain adventures and welcoming mountain-town fun
National Parks & Nature
Family
Theme Parks
Hiking
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park early, then save town attractions for later in the afternoon when trailhead parking and roads are busiest.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check road and trail alerts; vehicles parked over 15 minutes need a valid parking tag.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Explore forested ridges, mountain trails, waterfalls and historic sites in the nation’s most visited national park.
Expect windy or chilly conditions even on pleasant days downtown.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Ride a chairlift to mountain overlooks and walk the elevated SkyBridge above the valley.
Check current attraction offerings and reserve extra time for the lift.
Anakeesta
Ride uphill to a mountaintop park with treetop experiences, gardens, dining and scenic views.
A useful indoor choice on rainy mountain days.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Enjoy large aquatic exhibits and family-oriented encounters in downtown Gatlinburg.
Operating offerings vary by season and weather.
Ober Mountain
Travel by aerial tram to a mountaintop recreation complex with seasonal activities.
An elevated hotel with mountain views and convenient access to downtown and park drives.
The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg hillside
Hotel Tags
A resort-style stay close to the town’s walkable attractions and restaurants.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg
Hotel Tags
A riverside lodge near the national park entrance and downtown attractions.
Bearskin Lodge on the River
River Road / downtown
Hotel Tags
A rustic-themed lodge with easy access to Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
The Appy Lodge
East Parkway
Hotel Tags
A centrally located lodge near Anakeesta and other downtown attractions.
Greystone Lodge on the River
Downtown / Little Pigeon River
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Gatlinburg
High 61°F · Low 35°F · Rain 3.8 in
Winter Magic lights return to downtown Gatlinburg.
Spring brings wildflowers and changing mountain conditions, summer is busy and green, autumn foliage draws heavy crowds, and winter can bring icy roads at higher elevations.
Best Times to Visit Gatlinburg
WHEN TO GO
06
National Park Driving
Check seasonal road closures, parking-tag requirements and weather alerts.
05
Rideshare & Taxis
Availability can vary in mountain areas; arrange late-night transport early.
04
Walking
Downtown attractions are close together, though sidewalks can be crowded.
03
Gatlinburg Trolley
Local trolley routes serve several visitor areas; check current maps and timetables.
02
Rental Cars
A car is best for trailheads and scenic drives, especially outside town.
01
McGhee Tyson Airport
Knoxville’s TYS airport is a common arrival point; arrange a car or transfer.
The Parkway is walkable but can be congested. Local trolleys serve several visitor corridors; a car is best for national-park trailheads and scenic roads.
Getting Around Gatlinburg