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. Several of Gatlinburg's main attractions, such as the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, are likely where you'll spend your free time when you're not in the park taking in its natural splendors.
Gatlinburg, though, serves as much than just a starting point for trips to the Smoky Mountains. Due to family-friendly attractions like the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, this small mountain hamlet has become a destination in and of itself. 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 jewelry, rather than browsing cheesy souvenir shops.
Rankings:
- #1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
- #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
Location: Tennessee
