Nestled at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg and its 4,000-plus residents are dedicated to welcoming all guests with a taste of Appalachian hospitality at its best.
Editorial Courtesy of the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau
Boasting over 12 million visitors annually, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is your playground when you visit Gatlinburg. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and the most biodiverse collection of plant and animal life in any U.S. national park, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures. Ride to the top of the mountains on a scenic chair lift, race down a thrilling mountain coaster, soar through the treetops on a zipline, or make a splash while whitewater rafting down the Pigeon River.
Long before the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains inspired travelers to visit Gatlinburg, the stunning scenery inspired artists and crafters to create. Today, creativity abounds in Gatlinburg as the site of two major arts and crafts institutions, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The eight-mile motor loop around Gatlinburg boasts woodcarvers, glass blowers, leatherworkers and countless other studios and shops with unique mountain creations.
Discover Gatlinburg’s Unique Attractions: Take part in the great family tradition of strolling along the downtown Parkway, where Gatlinburg offers variety and entertainment on every corner. New attractions and businesses continually add excitement, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
See the town from breathtaking new angles at attractions like the Gatlinburg SkyPark, home to the record-breaking Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Take a ride on the Ober Gatlinburg’s The Gatlingburg Tram, which offers a 2.1-mile scenic journey from downtown to the mountain, revealing some of the most impressive views of the Smokies.
A Shopper’s Paradise & Culinary Delights:Gatlinburg is a haven for those who love to shop, with more than 400 specialty stores offering handcrafted goods, unique collectibles, and locally made treasures.
Food lovers will find plenty to savor, from the town’s world-famous pancake houses to fresh seafood, barbecue joints, and Southern homestyle cooking. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch with the family or an elegant dinner for two, Gatlinburg’s diverse dining scene has something for every palate.
Sip & Savor: Gatlinburg’s Local Spirits:No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without sampling locally made spirits. Explore distilleries, microbreweries, and wineries offering everything from legal moonshine to craft beers and award-winning wines. Stop by a tasting room or take a behind-the-scenes tour to experience the flavors of the Smokies.
Step into History: History comes to life along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a scenic drive that winds through preserved homesteads, historic mills, and breathtaking landscapes. Stop at the Noah “Bud” Ogle homestead, home to direct descendants of one of Gatlinburg’s earliest settler families.
It’s all here and more when you plan a vacation to one of the most celebrated gateway towns in the Smokies.
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2026 Events in Gatlinburg
July 3
Annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade
July 4
River Raft Regatta, Fourth of July Drone and Fireworks Show
July 10-19
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
September 11-18
GatlinBURGER Week
October 8-25
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
November 11
Veterans Day
November 12
Gatlinburg Winter Festival and Chili Cookoff
December 4
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
December 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration, Drone Show and Ball Drop
Whether you’re seeking outdoor excitement, artistic inspiration, or the perfect family getaway, Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Plan your visit today at Gatlinburg.com and experience the magic of the Smokies!
