Little Pigeon River
The iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407’ observation tower that overlooks beautiful Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Our tower is served by two glass elevators.
Gatlinburg Travel Guide Overview
Gatlinburg has become a popular tourist destination thanks to the
beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This mountainous city
offers some wonderful skiing and hiking opportunities, as well as the
chance for a romantic couple’s getaway or some quality family travel.
It’s easy to see why TripAdvisor named it the number one rising
destination in the United States. Spend your day hiking, exploring,
horseback riding, white-water rafting, or zipping up to the top of the
Space Needle for panoramic views of the mountains. We hope this
Gatlinburg travel guide can help you plan your trip, learn about the
must-see places in Gatlinburg, give you travel tips, and ensure you make
the most of your trip to Gatlinburg.
Table of Contents
Gatlinburg Travel Guide: How to Get There
By Plane: Accessible by plane from all major US cities. (McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville)
By Car: Easily reached by car from the North via Pigeon Forge. Take I-40 to TN66 then follow US411.
By Bus: Greyhound bus services run to Gatlinburg https://www.greyhound.com/
Gatlinburg Travel Tips
Take advantage of the easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg is a fantastic base for exploring the park. Hiking and walking paths are available for all levels.
Take in some urban attractions. The sky lift and the Space Needle give amazing views of the beautiful surroundings while the Guinness World Records Museum and the Ripley’s Museum are also worth a visit.
Arrive early at the ski resorts to avoid the crowds.
Make sure you try the local moonshine and micro-brews
Make sure you get to know the locals, and get the inside scoop!
Don’t go to the mountains unprepared. Dress for the weather conditions and take plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
Gatlinburg Travel Guide: Typical Costs
Price Range for Hotels
Accommodation options range from B&Bs, motels and hotels to backpackers. The lower end of the scale will get you a basic hotel room for less than $60, while a higher end hotel will run up to $250.
Price of a meal
Budget and mid-range options abound and you can find many bars, Eat and Drinks and grills that offer a meal for two for around $30.
Top Places to Visit in Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park and ski area, this pace has it all. Large shopping plaza, food, excellent fudge, skating rink, ski area, tramway and a
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hiking, walking, lush forests and fields of wildflowers allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature. There’s also a hiking route that includes a section of the
Aquariums
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an interactive aquarium featuring a variety of marine life, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Distilleries
Ole Smoky Whiskey Barrelhouse
Ole Smoky Whiskey Barrelhouse is a distillery specializing in whiskey, offering tastings and tours, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Theme Parks
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster is an exciting outdoor coaster ride that winds through the mountains, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Top Places to Eat in Gatlinburg
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