Directions To Gatlinburg From Here

Introduction

Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a relaxing getaway, Gatlinburg has it all. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more to help you make the most of your trip to Gatlinburg.

Top Attractions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views, this park is a must-visit for any nature lover.

Gatlinburg SkyBridge

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Visitors can also explore the SkyDeck, which offers even more panoramic views.

Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round resort that offers skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and other winter activities in the colder months, as well as an alpine slide, scenic chairlift, and wildlife encounter in the summer.

Hidden Gems

Sugarlands Distilling Company

Sugarlands Distilling Company is a local distillery that offers free tours and tastings of their award-winning moonshine and whiskey. Visitors can also purchase unique souvenirs and gifts in their gift shop.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and access to several hiking trails and historical sites, including old-growth forests and historic cabins.

Little River Road

Little River Road is a scenic drive that follows the Little River through the Great Smoky Mountains, offering stunning views of waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife.

Food Scene

The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler Steakhouse is a local institution that offers high-quality steaks, seafood, and other classic American dishes in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.

The Wild Plum Tea Room

The Wild Plum Tea Room is a charming tea room that offers a variety of teas, sandwiches, and pastries in a beautiful garden setting.

Smoky Mountain Brewery

Smoky Mountain Brewery is a microbrewery and restaurant that offers a variety of handcrafted beers and pub fare, including pizza, burgers, and sandwiches.

Budget-Friendly Tips

There are plenty of ways to save money while visiting Gatlinburg, including staying in a cabin or vacation rental instead of a hotel, cooking meals at home rather than eating out every night, and taking advantage of free activities like hiking and exploring the national park.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking

Gatlinburg offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular trails include the Alum Cave Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, and Chimney Tops Trail.

Whitewater Rafting

The Pigeon River, located just outside of Gatlinburg, offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the Southeast. Visitors can choose from a variety of guided rafting trips, ranging from mild to wild.

Ziplining

Gatlinburg is home to several zipline courses, offering visitors the chance to soar through the treetops and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Family-Friendly Activities

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a popular family attraction that offers interactive exhibits and displays featuring over 10,000 sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and penguins.

Dollywood

Dollywood is a theme park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, offering a variety of rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.

WonderWorks

WonderWorks is an indoor amusement park that offers over 100 interactive exhibits and attractions, including a ropes course, laser tag, and a 4D motion ride.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is a quirky museum that features over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from around the world.

The Greenbrier Restaurant

The Greenbrier Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers delicious Southern cuisine in a charming, historic setting.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail runs through the Great Smoky Mountains and offers hikers the chance to experience some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the park.

Natural Wonders

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Chimney Tops

Chimney Tops is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as unique rock formations and wildlife.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a beautiful valley in the Great Smoky Mountains that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as historic homes and churches.

Vibrant Nightlife

While Gatlinburg is known for its natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, there are also plenty of options for nightlife, including live music venues, bars, and clubs.

Local Markets

Gatlinburg Farmers Market

The Gatlinburg Farmers Market is a weekly market that offers fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.

The Village Shops

The Village Shops is a charming shopping area that features a variety of locally owned boutiques and specialty stores, as well as restaurants and cafes.

Beaches and Mountains

While Gatlinburg is located in the mountains, there are also several nearby lakes and rivers that offer opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Cultural Immersion

Gatlinburg is home to a rich cultural heritage, including the traditions and crafts of the Appalachian people. Visitors can explore local museums and historic sites to learn more about the area’s history and culture.

Art and Music Scene

Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant arts and music scene, with a variety of galleries, studios, and live music venues showcasing the work of local artists and musicians.

Walking Tours

There are several walking tours available in Gatlinburg, including ghost tours, historic tours, and food tours, that offer a unique perspective on the city and its history.

Architectural Marvels

The Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot observation tower that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

The Old Mill

The Old Mill is a historic grist mill that has been operating since 1830, producing flour and cornmeal using traditional methods.

Historical Sites

The Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin

The Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin is a historic cabin that was built in the late 1800s and offers a glimpse into the life of early settlers in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Alum Cave Bluffs

Alum Cave Bluffs is a historic site that was used by early settlers as a source of saltpeter for gunpowder during the Civil War.

Biking Routes

Gatlinburg offers several scenic biking routes, including the Gatlinburg Trail, which follows the Little Pigeon River through the city, and the Oconaluftee River Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

Wellness Retreats

Gatlinburg is a popular destination for wellness retreats, offering a variety of yoga retreats, spa treatments, and other wellness activities to help visitors relax and rejuvenate.

Adventure Sports

Gatlinburg offers a variety of adventure sports, including rock climbing, zip lining, and whitewater rafting, for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a relaxing getaway, Gatlinburg has something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide has covered the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off