Gatlinburg, TN

The Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg is bestowed with picturesque natural beauty, tucked into the smoky mountains of East Tennessee. Visit once and you'll want to come back for the scenery, the shopping, and the adventure. This small town is rich in history and is known as the "Gateway to the Smoky Mountains," since it sits at the foot of Mount Le Conte — and its scenic beauty has made it one of the top wedding destinations in the US.

With Gatlinburg serving as a basecamp, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most renowned national parks in America. The town itself is packed with novel accommodations and local restaurants, and a walk downtown turns up unique arts, crafts, and shops. Head to East Parkway near traffic light #3 and you'll find shops and restaurants lined up for about three miles.

Best activities to do in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is worth visiting nearly any time of year — peak season runs June through October, but a December or January trip rewards you with snow-capped smoky mountains. A few favorites:

Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park is home to the first mountain glider in the world alongside the Mountain Alpine Coaster, a gravity-propelled ride that reaches 35 mph and lets you control your own speed through the woods.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park's main draw is the Sky Bridge — the lengthiest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, with glass-floor panels for an extra thrill — plus a chairlift up to the top of Crockett Mountain.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies offers an underwater tunnel aquarium with 12-foot sharks, a giant sea turtle, a penguin playhouse, and even an overnight "Sleep with the Sharks" program.

Fannie Farkles has been a family favorite for 40 years — games, arcades, and food like Ogle Dogs, cheesesteaks, and sausage subs for all ages.

Other favorites include Gatlin's Escape Games, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Gatlin's Mini Golf, the Craftsmen Fair, museums, Appalachian ghost walks, and the Gatlinburg Farmers Market.

Top hotels & resorts in Gatlinburg

Tree Tops Resort combines modern amenities with southern hospitality — one- and two-bedroom units with a fireplace, whirlpool tub, and queen sleeper sofa, plus three outdoor pools, one indoor pool, and two kid pools.

Majestic Peaks offers cabin stays with nine luxury bedrooms, decks and hot tubs facing the smoky mountains, a home theater, a game room, and resort pool access in summer.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Water Park sits a walkable distance from the national park, near Dollywood and downtown, with the Wild Bear Falls Water Park on-site.

Top restaurants in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg's food scene runs from steaks and cinnamon-cake donuts to grilled trout and garlic knots. Some local favorites: Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse, Tennessee Jed's, Crockett's Breakfast Camp, The Peddler Steakhouse, Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant, Calhoun's in Gatlinburg, Log Cabin Pancake House, Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar, Delauder's BBQ, Red Oak Bistro, Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que, and New Orleans Sandwich Company.