Gatlinburg is one of America’s great mountain resort destinations.
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. Perfect for outdoor adventures, family fun and memory-making, Gatlinburg is one of America’s great mountain resort destinations.
About Gatlinburg
Boasting over 10 million visitors a year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has transformed Gatlinburg from a sleepy little town of 70-plus years into the perennial mountain getaway choice of generations of families. Countless adventures await those that make the most of exploring the park’s sprawling landscape, cascading falls, and countless species and ecological communities at the most biodiverse park in America.
Things to Do in Gatlinburg
The Smoky Mountains are your playground when you visit Gatlinburg. Ride to the top of the mountains on a chair lift, race around on a mountain coast, 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 craters 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 hundreds of other studios and shops with unique mountain creations.
Explore a world of exciting activities and venues when you take part in the great family tradition of the downtown Parkway stroll. More than ever, Gatlinburg offers variety and entertainment on every corner, with new businesses and attractions providing something for every member of the family.
Country music star Blake Shelton’s newly opened restaurant and venue, Ole Red Gatlinburg, hits all the right notes with unforgettable live performances and delicious Southern dishes inspired by the star himself. Opening spring 2019, Gatlinburg Skylift Park will bring two new spectacular experiences to visitors with the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and the Gatlinburg SkyDeck.
While Gatlinburg’s newest attractions are sure to catch your eye, you’ll still want to return to some of your favorites. Named the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association’s “2018 Attraction of the Year,” Anakeesta features 72-acres of fun, including a scenic chairlift ride, ziplines, tree canopy walks, a full-service restaurant, mountain coaster and more. Also along the Parkway you’ll find Ober Gatlinburg. This dual ski area and amusement park offers year-round fun and activities for the whole family, including a black bear habitat, water raft rides, mini golf and so much more.
If you are looking for leisure and love to shop, Gatlinburg’s got you covered! With more than 400 specialty shops, you can easily find a special collectible or unique piece in this mountain resort. Visit Gatlinburg’s unique one-stop retail destination, The Village, celebrating its 50-year legacy.
Get a taste of Gatlinburg when you visit the local distilleries, microbreweries and wineries. Find beers brewed right here in Gatlinburg, legal moonshine and the oldest producer of premium wines in east Tennessee. Imbibe in a local tasting room for an afternoon, or take a tour and find something new to bring home.
When you’re finish sipping, indulge in one of Gatlinburg’s world-famous pancake houses, seafood restaurants, barbecue joints or an old-fashioned southern meal. Gatlinburg restaurants have options to satisfy even the pickiest eater. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal with the family or a romantic dinner on a rooftop deck, you can find it right here in Gatlinburg.
Click here to read more about restaurants in Gatlinburg.
When you get tired of perusing on foot, jump in the car and explore a collection of historical sites on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, including the preservation of a homestead owned by the Noah “Bud” Ogle family who lived in Gatlinburg after the Civil War.
Click here to read more about things to do in Gatlinburg.
From hotels to cabins and everything in between, Gatlinburg provides a home away from home with a variety of unique and private accommodations for visitors looking for that perfect place to retreat.
Gatlinburg Events
Visit Gatlinburg any time of year and there will be plenty to do. Many plan their trip around one of our annual events, including an arts and crafts exhibition, fishing tournament or our history-making Independence Day parade.
It’s all here and more when you plan a vacation to one of the most celebrated gateway towns in the Smokies.
