Gatlinburg
It's no surprise that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has three gates in the center of downtown Gatlinburg, making it the most popular attraction in this eastern Tennessee town. In fact, it's such a smash that Gatlinburg's population skyrockets from fewer than 4,000 to more than 40,000 during peak tourist season. It's easy to understand why the park is so popular, with miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, historical displays and cabins, and the chance to observe black bears, elk, deer, and other species in their natural setting. When you're not in the park enjoying its natural wonders, you'll likely spend time admiring it from several of Gatlinburg's top attractions, including the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.
However, Gatlinburg is more than simply a gateway to the Smokies. This little mountain town is a destination in its own right, and it's especially popular with families because of family-friendly attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. Skip the cheesy tourist stores and instead visit one of the numerous local galleries, such as the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to witness local artists and craftsmen creating anything from paintings and ceramics to handcrafted brooms and jewelry.
The Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Mountain Moonshine Tastings
- Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
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
Rating:
- 1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
Address: 849 Glades Rd Unit 1A1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
