7 Great Things to Know About Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Never visited Gatlinburg? Here are seven reasons it’s your ideal vacation spot.

1. It's a Small Town with a Big Personality

Gatlinburg is welcoming. It’s got small-town friendliness combined with the excitement of sparkling attractions, nightlife, and family entertainment. Whether you come to relax, to get your blood pumping, or both--Gatlinburg’s arms are open.

2. You Can Walk the Entire Parkway

Locals call this quarter-mile stretch of the Parkway through downtown Gatlinburg “The Strip.” Attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. When your stomach’s growling, you’re steps from restaurants, and when you crave retail therapy, boutiques are close at hand!

3. It's Bordered by the National Park

Gatlinburg is nicknamed “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” Leave the bustling Strip for a day of walks, picnics, or scenic drives. Start at Sugarlands Visitor Center to pick up maps and see a free film and exhibits. Then head off to explore waterfalls, trails, and historic homesteads.

4. There are Plenty of Places to Take in the View

Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook gives you views of downtown set against a mountain backdrop. From Chimney Tops Overlook, you’ll see breathtaking, rocky outcrops. Morton’s Overlook, 5,000 feet high, gives a true sense of the Smokies’ majesty. Newfound Gap is famed for vistas of blue mountain ridges gracing the horizon. In town, Gatlinburg Space Needle gives 360-degree views from 400 feet above the Strip.

5. It's a Popular Year-Round Destination

Attractions, shops, and eateries welcome you year-round. Ober Mountain, the state’s only ski resort, is a winter haven that also is home to rides, festivals, and fun all year. Gatlinburg SkyLift runs its iconic yellow chair lifts all year for never-ending views. The national park is open 365 days a year.

6. There are Several Attractions to Enjoy

We’ve got attractions for every taste! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies amazes you with 10,000 sea creatures. The Hollywood Star Cars Museum shows off dazzling wheels from film and television. Ripleys’ Believe It or Not Odditorium astounds with strange marvels. Distilleries like Sugarlands Distilling Co. offer tastes of authentic moonshine.

7. There are 4 Distinct Seasons

Whichever season you love, it’s beautifully defined here. Spring bursts with wildflowers and budding trees. Summer’s haze makes the lush forests a cooling retreat and the parks and arcades a kid’s delight. Fall is especially rich, with foliage changing for weeks on end. In winter, snowfall on the Smokies creates inspiring views and perfect conditions for winter hikes.

Reserve your Gatlinburg cabin now, confident that whatever season you choose, you’ll love this town.