Experience Gatlinburg & The Smoky Mountain Adventure
The mountains are calling! Gatlinburg is perfectly suited for big adventures in the great outdoors. Experience your own mountaintop adventure right from downtown. With miles of hiking trails in the mountains and tons of dining options, attractions, shopping, and arts and crafts in town, Gatlinburg is your basecamp for adventure in every season.
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than they seek
JOHN MUIR
Plan Your Next Adventure Places to Stay
Find your perfect place to stay in Gatlinburg, with options ranging from cozy cabins and chalets to full service hotels and campgrounds.
Mark Your Calendar
We’re always looking for a reason to celebrate yearound. Gatlinburg has something for every season, including parades, craft fairs, concerts, food festivals and special seasonal events.
Cinco de Mayo Rooftop Party
BIGGEST FIESTA OF THE YEAR Make plans to come to Loco Burro on May 5th! 32oz margaritas, Beer Buckets, Donkey Riding Contest at 6pm, DJ all day and raffles! Party with us on the rooftop! Get ready to spice up your Cinco de Mayo at Loco Burro Gatlinburg! We're thrilled to invite...
Gatlinburg Springfest
- May 5, 2024 - May 17, 2024
To celebrate the splendor of Spring, Gatlinburg businesses come alive with décor, adding a bit of their own unique flair to the verdant season and beautiful flowers are on display all around town. You'll also find many spring events happening throughout Gatlinburg during this...
Hands on Gatlinburg
Hands on Gatlinburg is an immersive three day experience that allows you to learn from The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community which features over 80 artists and craftsmen. It’s home to the largest group of independent artisans in North America. These professional craftsmen...
SkyPark 70th Anniversary
- Gatlinburg SkyPark
- May 5, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
Join Us May 1 - August 31 As We Celebrate Our 70th Anniversary! Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg SkyPark is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary this summer! Since we opened our doors seven decades ago, the SkyPark has been a staple of Gatlinburg...
Music on the Mountain at Gatlinburg SkyPark
- Gatlinburg SkyPark
- May 6, 2024 - May 30, 2024
Enjoy a relaxing evening with amazing views and bluegrass music, from the top of the Gatlinburg SkyPark! Catch Richard Bennett play on the top of Crockett Mountain on Monday and Friday nights from 6PM-9PM, throughout the months of March - May. Richard has played with music stars...
Mother's Day Feast at Shoney's
Shoney’s of Knoxville, Inc. with 18 locally owned restaurants, located in 10 East Tennessee counties, is offering many special items along with delicious favorites on the famous Fresh Food Bar, on Sunday, May 12th for Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is a special day at Shoney’s and we...
The Gatlinburg Farmers Market
- May 18, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 1222 East Parkway across from Food City from May through October. Comprised of local producers, the emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade product...
Festival of Flags
- Gatlinburg SkyPark
- May 20, 2024 - Jun 17, 2024
New this year is our Festival of Flags celebration! In May and June, guests at the SkyPark will see a unique display of the American Flag, our Military Flags, and all 50 State Flags from the SkyBridge. This will be a sight to see as all flags will be displayed above the city from...
United Tastes of America
- Anakeesta
- May 24, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
The spirit of America is soaring through the Smokies this Summer during Anakeesta’s United Tastes of America. This summer, pick up a tasting pass and "travel” across the country, visiting 12 states, tasting distinct culinary creations from each respective region. Enjoy daily...
DistillED: A Cocktail Competition Benefiting TN ProStart
Join us to support Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism's newest fundraising event, in partnership with Tennessee ProStart and local culinary and distillery partners. This event aims to celebrate the vibrant culinary and distillery scene in Tennessee while supporting the development...
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
- Jul 1, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales returns this summer to entertain Gatlinburg visitors! Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance festival featuring costumed musical performers, dancers, and storytellers portraying characters from time periods as far back as the 1800s....
Fourth Of July Celebration
Happy Birthday, America! Our famous Fourth Of July Fireworks and Drone Show viewing is back! **Tickets on sale approximately one month prior to the event date** *Fireworks and Drone Show will begin at 10 pm on July 4th, 2024* The City of Gatlinburg will be shooting fireworks off...
Gatlinburg's River Raft Regatta
Gatlinburg’s most-nail biting race of the summer returns! Set against the backdrop of Gatlinburg’s fun-filled Fourth of July celebration, comes the ever-competitive River Raft Regatta, an annual race of unmanned floatables down the Little Pigeon River. All contestants will begin...
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
- Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
- Jul 12, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
Look for us every July and October inside the Gatlinburg Convention Center. July 12-21, 2024, open 10 am to 5 pm daily October 3 - 20, 2024, open 10 am to 5 pm daily. The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Shop indoors among two...
Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference
Get ready for the 6th annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference, where we have the privilege of bringing you an incredible event supported by our amazing sponsors! This conference is not just for Bigfoot enthusiasts, but for anyone who wants to believe. Join us as we take you on a...
Gatlinburg Songwriter's Festival
- Historic Gatlinburg Inn
- Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024
Welcome to the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival – an intimate, two day music series taking place at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn that features some of the top songwriters in Nashville, responsible for multi-platinum hit songs.
Bear-Varian Beer Festival
- Anakeesta
- Sep 15, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024
Bear-Varian Beer Festival is a two-month culinary extravaganza celebrating the flavors of the season with entertainment, food, beer, and cider. Guests can indulge in Pork Schnitzel with brussels and smashed potatoes at Cliff Top Restaurant, a giant turkey leg from Smokehouse Bar...
Boo Bash at Gatlinburg SkyPark
- Gatlinburg SkyPark
- Oct 1, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024
As the Smoky Mountains begin to showcase a vivid tapestry of fall colors, Gatlinburg SkyPark is excited to announce its lineup of autumn activities, making it the premier destination for seasonal family fun. Kicking off Boo Bash on Oct. 1, Gatlinburg SkyPark transforms into a...
Ripley’s Fright Nights
- Ripley's Haunted Adventure
- Oct 4, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure presents its 25th annual Fright Nights Show this year with the G & S Dead and Breakfast – the place where everyone is dying to stay! Check in this October to experience our year-round haunted house in a terrifyingly fun and immersive new way!...
Fall Smoky Mountain Sunrise
- Gatlinburg SkyPark
- Oct 5, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
Each Saturday in October, guests can arrive bright and early to the SkyPark to watch beautiful sunrises right from the top of the mountain from the SkyPark. These events are separately ticketed and include VIP access to the SkyPark for the sunrise, all day access to the SkyPark...
Gatlinburg & Smoky Mountain
Experiences
Great Smoky Mountains
Parking Tags
As of March 1, 2023, valid parking tag are required on any vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes. Approved parking rates are $5 for a daily parking tag, $15 for a weekly parking tag, and $40 for an annual parking tag.
Black Bears
Black Bears are an iconic symbol of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a treasure to our community. While seeing a bear is a wonderful experience, it's important to always be bear aware. Please review these tips and information so you know what to do if you...
Scenic Drives
There are three entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg, and every one takes you into a section of the 800 square miles of unspoiled Appalachia. Every trip to the Smokies begins with a drive on the Newfound Gap Road, so pack a picnic and see highlights...
Hiking Trails
There’s something magical about standing behind a wall of water as it cascades to the ground at Grotto, the only waterfall in the Smokies where you can do this. The walk to Grotto is as easy as pie.
Waterfalls
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a mesmerizing array of waterfalls, adding to the park's allure and natural splendor.
History
It's the most visited National Park in the United States. It's so big that scientists are still discovering some of the plant and animal species that live there.
Wildflowers
Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or just love a quiet walk in the woods, there are plenty of pathways into the forests of the Smokies. There are more than 100 species of trees and another hundred species of shrubs–more than in all of northern Europe combined.
Fireflies
Every year in late May to early June, thousands of visitors gather near the popular Elkmont Campground to observe the naturally occurring phenomenon of a firefly species that flashes synchronously.
Wildlife Viewing
Vacations are all about escaping the every day, and nothing will remind you of that more quickly than spotting a bear or an elk in the Smokies. Because Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a thriving black bear habitat, chances are good that you’ll catch sight of...
Arts & Culture
History & Culture
Explore the history and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains! Gatlinburg is one of the best places to discover authentic Appalachian trails, music & art.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Nestled amidst the enchanting landscape of Gatlinburg, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community stands as a testament to creative spirit and artistic passion. This unique community, established in 1937, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to preserving...
Galleries
For proof of the Smoky Mountains’ inspirational power, look no further than the exquisite Smoky Mountain paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces found in Gatlinburg art galleries. Shop for imaginative works by local artists, and take home perspectives of the Smoky...
Theaters & Live Shows
Your trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without experiencing an unforgettable evening at one of our amazing live shows. Whether you’re looking for music and laughs or intrigue and amazement, you’re in for an extraordinary, family-friendly experience. Check...
Arts and Crafts
Visit magnificent art galleries filled with paintings, bronzes, and other masterpieces created by world-class artisans and crafters.
Things to Do
Attractions
What's there to do in Gatlinburg? We're so glad you asked. With adventures abounding around every turn, there's easily something for everyone found at the gateway to the Smokies. Just a quick stroll along the infamous Parkway offers more opportunities for fun with...
Free Gatlinburg Trolley
Gatlinburg Trolleys operate on a daily basis, serving visitors and residents 365 days a year, providing an easy, free way to get around Gatlinburg. Visitors in the area can board a Trolley at any stop in the City and be off to their destination.
Free Things to Do
In Gatlinburg, nestled within the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, there's no shortage of free activities to enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll down the charming Parkway, where street performers often entertain passersby. Explore the beauty of nature with hikes along scenic...
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Nestled amidst the enchanting landscape of Gatlinburg, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community stands as a testament to creative spirit and artistic passion. This unique community, established in 1937, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to preserving...
Nightlife and Live Entertainment
After a long day of exploring Gatlinburg’s many exciting attractions or completing an adventure along a trail in the Smokies, get in the groove by discovering these special music series happening in downtown Gatlinburg.
Outdoor Activities
Experience the Glory of Nature in Gatlinburg. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is right at our doorstep. Whether you plan to hike with the littlest members of the family or set off for a backcountry campout with friends, Gatlinburg is the perfect basecamp for...
Things to Do with Kids
If you’re looking for family fun, there’s no place better than Gatlinburg! Take the whole family to the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, the only combined ski resort and amusement park in Tennessee, or check out our aquarium, water park, ropes course, ziplines, museums and...
Food & Drink
Restaurants
Start the day strong and fuel up with a mountain of flapjacks at one of our amazing pancake houses. Relax and unwind after a day of adventure at one of the many restaurants and eateries found throughout Gatlinburg.
Breweries
There’s a good time brewing in Gatlinburg! Grab your sidekick and head to Gatlinburg to discover the fresh, handcrafted beers made right here in town. Unique seasonal releases keep it interesting.
Distilleries
Moonshine distilling harkens back to the days when the bootleg spirits were concocted deep in the shadows of the mountains. With the legalization of moonshine, the veil of mystery has lifted.
Wineries
After a long day of thrilling attractions and experiencing the many things to do in Gatlinburg, get a taste of pure relaxation at one of Gatlinburg’s fine Tennessean wineries.
Featured Reads
Find inspiration for your next adventure! Get the inside knowledge about all things Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Blog highlights exclusive knowledge about hidden gems, upcoming events as well as unique things to do, places to stay, hiking trails, restaurants and more in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
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Explore More Inspiring Reads to Plan Your Next Adventure
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Travel TIPS
Whether you come for an afternoon, a weekend, or a longer stay, we have tips to make your visit all the more enjoyable!
Travel Tip Bear In Mind That Our Bears Run Wild
Black Bears are an iconic symbol of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a treasure to our…
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Travel TIPS
Whether you come for an afternoon, a weekend, or a longer stay, we have tips to make your visit all the more enjoyable!