Gatlinburg
It is not surprising that visiting the park is the most well-liked activity in this eastern Tennessee town as there are three gates to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park situated right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. In reality, Gatlinburg's population soars from less than 4,000 residents to more than 40,000 during the busiest travel times.
It's understandable why the park is so popular with the miles of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails, historical exhibits, and cabins, as well as the chance to observe black bears, elk, deer, and other species in their natural setting.You'll probably spend time admiring it from a number of Gatlinburg's major attractions, such as the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, when you're not in the park taking in its natural wonders.
Gatlinburg, however, serves as much than just a starting point for trips to the Smoky Mountains. Due to family-friendly attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, this tiny mountain hamlet has become a destination in and of itself. Avoid the tacky gift shops and instead visit one of the many local galleries, such as the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to see how local artisans make anything from paintings and pottery to handmade brooms and jewellery.
- #1 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
- #2 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
- #5 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
- #5 in Best Places to Visit in June
- #6 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
- #10 in Best Cheap Honeymoons in the U.S.
- #13 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
- #13 in Best Cheap Summer Vacations
- #14 in Best Family Vacations in the USA
- #15 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
Country: U.S.
