Our Gatlinburg City Guide is your online resource for Gatlinburg Discount Hotels . W e offer the best Gatlinburg Accommodations at the lowest possible rates. Use our Gatlinburg City Guide to find information on Gatlinburg Hotels in different price ranges and locations, including Gatlinburg's Discount Hotels, Smoky Mountain Area Hotels and more.
If your trip to Gatlinburg includes traversing the Smoky Mountains, riding the Gatlinburg Ariel Tramway, visiting Christus Gardens, going White Water Rafting in the Smoky Mountains, visiting Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park or many other Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain Area Attractions, we'll provide you with the information you need to plan your trip.
We hope that you enjoy our Gatlinburg City Guide and that it may be helpful in your search for information about Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountain Area . If you find our Gatlinburg City Guide useful in locating Discount Gatlinburg Hotels, Luxury Gatlinburg Hotels and Smoky Mountain Area Accommodations , please let us know in our comment section. Also, include other types of information you would like to see in our Gatlinburg City Guide .
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is most famous as the western entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The city itself claims fame as a skiing resort, and there are numerous other attractions nearby that keep people in town before they head to the mountains. Gatlinburg is noted for its mountain handicraft shops, and local points of interest include the Homespun Valley Mountaineer Village and the Christus Gardens, a series of dioramas depicting the life of Christ. But most come to see and enjoy the Great Smokey Mountains.
Click to expand
Click to collapse
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is most famous as the western entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The city itself claims fame as a skiing resort, and there are numerous other attractions nearby that keep people in town before they head to the mountains. Gatlinburg is noted for its mountain handicraft shops, and local points of interest include the Homespun Valley Mountaineer Village and the Christus Gardens, a series of dioramas depicting the life of Christ. But most come to see and enjoy the Great Smokey Mountains.
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is 20 miles wide and some 54 miles long. The park was established in 1934 to preserve the last remaining sizeable area of southern primeval hardwood forest in the United States. It covers over 520,000 acres and it contains some of the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains.
Summits and ridges are crowned with a forest of red spruce and Fraser fir, except in the open areas where purple and pink blossoming rhododendron can be seen. Other beautiful trees and flowers cover the area, making it a site to behold. Hiking is the most common activity along these parts, whether a day trip or as part of hike up the length of the entire Appalachian Trail. Some of the families who first settled this area have descendents who live and farm in much the same way they did. The site of those farms was designated a World Heritage Site in 1983.
Visitors come to the Smokies, the most popular area administered by the US National Park Service, to hike, fish, camp, ski, whitewater raft, and enjoy this well-preserved natural area. There are world-class spas as well as a few theme parks and resorts throughout the park. All of these draw their inspiration from the abundant beauty of the area.
Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show
119 Music Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-908-7469
See the All-American Music Award winning Blackwood family in action a their breakfast show. It’s a fun show with gospel music, comedy, country, and more!
Dixie Stampede
3849 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-453-4400
Fun-filled and action packed show served with a tasty feast!
Showplace Dinner Theater in the Smokies
140 Showplace Boulevard
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
888-513-1403
Celebration with singing and music including your favorites of rock, country, jazz, pop, and more. The evening will be packed full of surprises!
The Smoky Mountain Angler
466 Brookside Village Suite 8
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-8746
Oldest fly fishing shop in town! Professional guide service and rentals.
Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre
461 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
877-388-5784
Comedy and music all together during this live performance!
Rafting in the Smokies/Pigeon River Outdoors
PO Box 592
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
800-776-7238
Enjoy a full day of whitewater rafting fun!
Smoky Mountain Winery
Winery Square Suite 2
450 Cherry Street
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-7551
The Smoky Mountain Winery offers free, guided tours of the winery’s production area. Staff members explain the process of wine making and answer questions. A wine tasting featuring more than 20 award-winning wines follows the tour.
Christus Gardens
510 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5155
Christus Gardens presents the life of Christ through dioramas featuring more than 100 life-sized figures. The park is also home to an Heirloom Bible Collection, a Biblical Coin Collection and a six-ton marble carving of the face of Christ that seems to follow a person’s every move.
Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5423
The Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway provides a thrilling ride with spectacular views on its way from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Ski Resort and Amusement Park. Before or after your ride on the tramway, check out the craft and gift shops located at the station.
Gatlinburg Sky Lift
765 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4307
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift thrills passengers with breathtaking views of the Gatlinburg area and Little Pigeon River as it travels 500 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain. When you arrive at the top, check out yet another impressive view from the mountaintop viewing deck.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
914 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-2200
Star Cars Museum features more than 30 cars used in the major movies and TV shows over the last 50 years. Cars featured in the rotating exhibit have included the Days of the Thunder Mello Yellow Racecar, cars from Charlie’s Angels, Back to the Future, Gone in 60 Seconds and more.
Scenic Helicopter Tours
2491 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-453-6342
See the city and the mountains from the perfect place – the sky!
Wildwater Rafting
Hartford Road
Hartford, TN 37753
800-451-9972
Fun and fast paced! Ride the rapids with names like Powerhouse, Big Rock, and Chubbie Checker.
Zorb Smoky Mountains
203 Sugar Hollow Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-428-2424
It’s 11 feet high, 11 feet wide, round and bouncy. Jump in and go down a 700-foot long hill or try the water Zorb, or Harnessed Zorb.
Hauntings – A Live Ghost Show
716 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4636
Action-packed interactive ghost show! The ultimate experience in horror!
Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg
424 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-7007
The scariest and most exciting attraction in town! You won’t forget it!
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
461 Brookside Village Way
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-5515
View over 17,000 shakers of all shapes, sizes, and materials. Stop by their gift shop before you leave!
Gatlinburg Golf Course
520 Dollywood Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-453-3912
Call for tee time and pricing!
Bent Creek Golf Course
3919 East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-3947
Call for tee time and pricing!
Mountain Mall
611 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5935
Whatever you may be shopping for, you’ll find it here! You’ll find unique shops and stores offering everything from homemade candy to magic tricks!
The Village
634 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-3995
Enjoy a wide variety of shops and boutiques at The Village all in a quaint “village” atmosphere! You’ll find trinkets, clothes, art, food, drink, and more at this unique location.
Motion Ride Movie Theater
208 Reagan Drive
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-8985
6 movie theaters that when the screen moves when you move! This is the area’s wildest virtual reality place!
Amazing Mirror Maze
919 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4415
This is the world’s largest mirror maze complete with light and sound show!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
800 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5096
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum features thousands of strange and unusual artifacts collected from all around the world. Interactive exhibits add to the fun for both kids and adults.
Camp Thunder Fun Center
542 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-7223
Camp Thunder Fun Center features go-carts, laser tag, bumper cars, motion simulator rides, a 3-D theater and many other family friendly attractions.
Cooter’s Place
157 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-9909
Cooter’s Place pays homage to the 1980s TV show “Dukes of Hazzard.” The museum features the original General Lee car that Luke and Bo Duke drove, Rosco’s police car and many other items from the popular show. The adjacent General Store sells Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia.
Fannie Farkle’s Amusement
656 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4057
Fannie Farkle’s offers old-fashioned fun in a carnival setting. Redemption games test the skills of both kids and adults, and a variety of food vendors offer carnival goodies including corn dogs, shaved ice, cotton candy and more.
Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center
716 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-7223
Fort Fun provides family entertainment with miniature golf, laser tag, a 3-D theater, bumper cars, gem mining and more.
Hillbilly Golf
340 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-7470
At Hillbilly Golf, visitors travel up a 300-foot incline to reach two 18-hole miniature golf courses located on the mountaintop. Each course presents a variety of mountaineer challenges, including outhouses, stills, lush plants and more.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
878 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-8818
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies features more than 8,000 sea creatures from around the globe. A 345-foot glide path will take you through the world’s longest underwater aquarium tunnel, where you’ll view 11-foot sharks and other exotic creatures. Check out the stingrays in the touch tank and the horseshoe crabs in the Discovery Center.
World of Illusions
716 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-9701
World of Illusions is an interactive center that is fun for all ages. At World of Illusions, you can walk away from your shadow, become a Genie in a bottle, make a friend disappear and more.
Treasure Quest Miniature Golf
653 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-3672
Championship 18-hole golf course with unusual and fun scenes that are challenging for everyone!
Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4629
The Space Needle is a 407-foot tall Gatlinburg landmark. Take the elevator to the observation deck, located 342 feet above ground for a spectacular view of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. A 20,000-square-foot fun center is located at the base of the tower with mini golf, Lazer Tag, and a Family Arcade.
Ripley’s Super Fun Zone
800 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5096
The most popular and up-to-date arcade games on the market and other games like skee-ball are located here!
Ripley’s Moving Theater
904 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-9763
Two 4D movies on the giant screen with bumping, dipping, and turning in seats that move in different directions as you listen to the digital surround sound.
Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf
200 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-8851
Themed courses replicating the old days with the Tennessee hero Davy Crockett.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5423
Ride the aerial tramway to ride the go-karts, alpine slide, indoor ice skating, see the black bear habitat, visit the souvenir shops, eat at the restaurant, and more!
Earthquake – The Ride
653 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-9765
Catastrophic live action adventure ride with high-tech special effects. All ages will enjoy this ride!
Scavenger Hike Adventures
Deer Ridge mountain Resort
3710 Weber Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
877-DEER-RIDGE
Follow the clues on one of 14 easy, moderate or extreme hiking trails to find over 200 hidden treasures in the National Park.
Circus Golf..In 3D!
919 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4415
Enjoy ½ Circus Fun House and ½ miniature golf with 100% fun for everyone!
Guinness World of Records Museum
631 Parkway #B11
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-9100
Browse through hundreds of exhibits including Elvis memorabilia, Beatles, and even the Batmobile!
Smoky Mountain Riding Stables
Highway 321-East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5634
Take a guided horseback ride through the National Park. Open daily from Easter through Thanksgiving.
February
Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival
865-429-7350
Listen to stories and tales about the Appalachians, true legends of saints and heroes, Haunts ‘n’ Haints Trolley Tales, and a series of workshops.
April
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
865-436-7318
Enjoy classes on the flowers and wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking tours, motorcades, and more for you to enjoy.
Ober Gatlinburg Easter Sunrise Service
865-436-5423
Join in on this local tradition! Ride the tram for free up the mountain and enjoy a buffet breakfast from 7 am to 11 am.
Ribfest & Wings
800-568-4748
Live entertainment, fun, food, kids’ activities, and more is what you’ll find at this festive street party!
May
Scottish Festival & Games Grand Parade
800-343-1475
Enjoy games, food, and fun! Bagpipe competition, Highland dancing, haggis hurling, whiskey tasting, merchandise vendors, and more.
July
Midnight Independence Day Parade
800-568-4748
At 12:01 am the parade starts the nation’s very first patriotic tribute with floats, entertainment, balloons, and more.
"Stand Here" Fireworks Finale
800-568-4748
This Independence Day enjoy an excellent fireworks show in downtown Gatlinburg!
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
865-436-7479
Gatlinburg’s Craftsmen’s Fair features more than 180 craftspeople specializing in woodcarving, pottery, broom making, stained glass, metal work, basket weaving, calligraphy, jewelry and more. Live country and bluegrass music is also featured during the event.
August
Annual Celebrate Freedom
800-343-1475
Wide variety of patriotic festivities including speakers, canteen dances, parades, musicals, book fair, and more!
September
Annual Taste of Autumn
800-568-4748
Featuring a variety of foods from the area’s finest restaurants. Enjoy unlimited sampling for one price and even bid on a few of the live auction items that will be available. Free parking and fun for the whole family. All proceeds go to the United Way of Sevier County.
September/October
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
800-588-1817
The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is a county-wide event and includes the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. The festival features a decorating contest, special events, local craft shows and more.
Arts & Crafts Heritage Days
800-568-3738
The Gatlinburg Heritage on Display features more than 90 shops showcasing traditional and contemporary crafts, handmade gifts, collectibles and more. Celebrate Smoky Mountain history, culture, arts, and crafts!
October
Fall Craftsmen’s Fair
865-436-7479
This Fair will please the arts, crafts, and music lovers! Enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains in the Fall as the leaves are changing. Country and Bluegrass music shows will also make this Fair a lively event!
November
Gatlinburg Winterfest
865-429-7350
Gatlinburg Winterfest is a celebration of light, more than two million lights, actually. Illuminated displays are located throughout Gatlinburg between November and February to warm the soul and light up the night. Enjoy the chili cook-off featuring recipes from more than 20 chili vendors from all over the state.
Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
800-568-4748
The Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show features the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community members. The members set up booths in downtown Gatlinburg and display their crafts and artwork. Live demonstrations also take place.
Festival of Trees
865-453-9702
Enjoy the Winter Wonderland at the Gatlinburg Convention Center as you browse through more than two dozen ornately decorated holiday trees.
December
Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
865-568-4748
Enjoy more than 100 floats, an appearance by Santa Claus and his elves, marching bands, huge helium balloons, and more! The whole family will enjoy the artificial snow, sparklers, dancers, costumes, clowns and more!
Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
800-568-4748
The Christmas Arts & Crafts Show features the works of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community members. The members display crafts and artwork (for which they are nationally known) and present live demonstrations.
Gatlinburg’s Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration and Pyrotechnic Show
800-568-4748
Gatlinburg’s Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration and Pyrotechnic Show grabs the attention of everyone in the areas fireworks light up the night. Ring in the new year with this exciting event and enjoy the music and free party favors.
Other Events:
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
June through August
800-343-1475
Enjoy costumed musical performers, storytellers, artisans, and lots more entertainment surprises!
Population:
3,900+
Time Zone:
Eastern
Climate:
Summer temperatures in Gatlinburg reach into the mid to upper 80s, with lows in the 60s. Spring and Fall highs are in the 60s and 70s, with lows in the 40s and 50s. Mild winter temperatures reach the 50s during the day, dropping to the 20s and 30s at night. A few inches of snowfall is possible between December and March.
Airport:
McGhee Tyson Airport Knoxville (TYS)
2055 Alcoa Highway
Alcoa, TN 37701
865-342-3000
*One hour from Gatlinburg
Getting Around Gatlinburg:
Town Trolley
800-343-1475
Taxis:
All Park Taxi
865-436-5893
Grand Taxi Service
865-453-1000
Visitor Information:
Gatlinburg Department of Tourism and Convention Center
303 Reagan Drive
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-0502
Dining:
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
714 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-2400
Tasty award winning barbecue! Ribs, chicken, pork, and beef brisket basted in a special sauce! They also offer a 50 item “Good Morning Fresh” breakfast bar!
Greenbrier Restaurant
370 Newman Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-6318
Dine in a historic log cabin complete with a woodland view. They open for dinner at 5 pm. Some menu offerings include juicy prime rib, mountain trout, and other specialties.
Gondolier Italian Restaurant & Pizza
1235 East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-9939
Enjoy this Mediterranean style atmosphere offering authentic Greek and Italian fare that is freshly prepared. They also have a full service bar.
Nightlife:
Laff Trax
461 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-8729
Premier live stand-up comedy club!
JJ’s Sports Grill
459 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-7974
Upscale sports grill with upbeat atmosphere.