Gatlinburg

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Gatlinburg
Photo provided by Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg

This picturesque town bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers miles of wilderness, breathtaking scenery and lots of options for adventurers.

From world-class hiking, white water rafting and trout streams to an aerial tramway, space needle and a Hollywood Star Cars museum, Gatlinburg’s attractions are diverse and plentiful. Gatlinburg stands at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so outdoor adventures feature highly on any visit. 

Stay at one of the campsites, cabins or chalets near town or head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, pitch a tent and camp for a few days. Other accommodation options include the hotels, condos, bed-and-breakfast places, and lodges in in central Gatlinburg.  You can start a hike straight from town into the national park where there’s 800 miles (1,287 kilometres) of trails. Routes vary in length and difficulty. 

Drop a line or cast a fly in the hundreds of miles of streams in the Smokies where fishing is permitted year-round with a permit. Try one of the rafting adventures, which range in pace from a gentle float to a thrilling white-water ride. If you like your adventure high above the ground, jump on the zip line in downtown Gatlinburg. You’ll fly under the forest canopy, travelling at up to 50 miles an hour (80 kilometres per hour).

After exploring the outdoors, enjoy the many indoor attractions in the downtown area. Car lovers will want to stop by the Hollywood Star Cars Museum for a look at the Batmobile, used in the 1992 film Batman Returns, the Flinstones’ car from The Flintsones movie (1994), and many others. 

Play mini golf at Fort Fun or go for a wild ride at the Shoot ’em Up Cinema. See a show at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre in the evening or dine at one of many places around town. At the top of the Space Needle, you’ll get a great view of the the town from a height of 400 feet (122 metres). Get up-close to sea creatures at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

It’s easy to get around town using the Gatlinburg Trolleys. There’s ample parking too, most of which you will have to pay to use.

+Spencer Spellman

Where to stay in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg featuring autumn colours and landscape views

Downtown Gatlinburg

While visiting Downtown Gatlinburg, you might make a stop by sights like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

Downtown Gatlinburg
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Chalet Village

If you're spending some time in Chalet Village, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park are top sights worth seeing.

Chalet Village
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Chalet Village North

Though Chalet Village North may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park.

Chalet Village North
Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg
Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg
3 out of 5
402 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
The price is S$232 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$232
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,093 reviews)
"It was great and a good stay"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg
The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
4 out of 5
705 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$172 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$172
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,709 reviews)
"The trip started with extra welcome at the front desk. The rooms were spotless, bathrooms sparkling clean, service excellent. The restaurant was our best meal the whole trip. We would visit again!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Sidney James Mountain Lodge
2.5 out of 5
610 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN
The price is S$200 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
S$200
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,070 reviews)
"We love this hotel, out of every hotel that we’ve stayed at in pigeon Forge Gatlinburg. This is definitely going to be our preferred hotel to stay at in Gatlinburg"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg
Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg
3 out of 5
315 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and ...
6.2/10 (80 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, clean room, easy parking. Ice machine was broken."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Timber Ridge Lodge - Walking Distance from Downtown Gatlinburg
Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
2.5 out of 5
3710 Weber Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
Stay at this condo in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Bent Creek Golf Club and Little Pigeon River are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
"My family stayed July 3-5 and we all absolutely LOVED the place. The view was our favorite part!!! We will definitely be back soon!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
4 out of 5
Gatlinburg
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,093 reviews)
"Amenities were a plus!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Gatlinburg

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Best location for relaxing lots to do and see for all ages.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Not a town for the nature loving outdoor type but more theme park family orientated.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it - we're from the UK and it was a totally unique American experience.