GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES – GATEWAY TO THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Gatlinburg is a charming mountain resort town located in the state of Tennessee in the southeastern United States. The town is situated in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreational activities.

Gatlinburg is known for its unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and southern hospitality. Visitors to Gatlinburg can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing. The town is also home to a wide range of attractions, including amusement parks, museums, and theaters. Gatlinburg is also known for its delicious southern cuisine, which includes classic dishes like barbecue, fried chicken, and sweet tea.
One of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located just a short drive away from the town. The park is home to an array of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and deer. Visitors can explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views.
Gatlinburg is also home to a number of other popular attractions, such as the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, and the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The town also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff, and the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.

What makes it a Destination Worth Visiting
Gatlinburg is a destination worth visiting for many reasons, including:
- Natural Beauty: Gatlinburg is situated in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the most stunning natural areas in the United States. The town is surrounded by scenic vistas, rolling hills, and lush forests that offer breathtaking views and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Outdoor Activities: Gatlinburg offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, and more. The town is home to numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and natural attractions like waterfalls and mountain streams.
- Unique Attractions: Gatlinburg is home to a variety of unique attractions, including amusement parks, museums, and theaters. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities like go-karting, mini-golf, and zip-lining, as well as educational experiences like visiting the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum or the Titanic Museum Attraction.
- Southern Hospitality: Gatlinburg is known for its warm and welcoming southern hospitality. Visitors can expect to be greeted with a friendly smile and treated like family during their stay in this charming mountain town.
- Festivals and Events: Gatlinburg hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff, and the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. These events offer visitors a chance to experience the local culture and traditions of the region.

Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists
There are many popular activities that tourists enjoy in Gatlinburg. Here are a few examples:
- Hiking: Gatlinburg is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers a vast network of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Visitors can explore scenic trails like the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail or the Rainbow Falls Trail.
- Wildlife Viewing: The Great Smoky Mountains is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. Visitors can go on guided wildlife tours or explore on their own for a chance to spot some of these incredible creatures.
- Dollywood: Dollywood is a popular theme park located just outside Gatlinburg. Visitors can enjoy a variety of rides, shows, and attractions, as well as dining and shopping options.
- Ober Gatlinburg: Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and amusement park that offers year-round activities. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing in the winter, and summer activities like a scenic chairlift, an alpine slide, and a wildlife encounter.
- Arts and Crafts Community: Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community that features over 100 artists and craftsmen. Visitors can explore galleries and studios, watch artisans at work, and purchase unique handmade items like pottery, jewelry, and paintings.
- Moonshine Distilleries: Gatlinburg has a number of moonshine distilleries that offer tastings and tours. Visitors can sample a variety of moonshine flavors, including classics like apple pie and peach, as well as more unusual flavors like root beer and pickle.

Top Attractions and Must Visit Places
Here are some of the top attractions and must-visit places in Gatlinburg:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Gatlinburg is located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the United States. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and more.
- Gatlinburg SkyBridge: The SkyBridge is a popular attraction in Gatlinburg that is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Ober Gatlinburg: Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and amusement park that offers year-round activities. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing in the winter, and summer activities like a scenic chairlift, an alpine slide, and a wildlife encounter.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: This aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, including penguins, sharks, and sea turtles. Visitors can explore exhibits, attend shows, and even swim with the sharks.
- Gatlinburg Space Needle: The Space Needle is a 407-foot observation tower that offers panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can ride to the top and enjoy 360-degree views from the observation deck.
- Arts and Crafts Community: Gatlinburg is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community that features over 100 artists and craftsmen. Visitors can explore galleries and studios, watch artisans at work, and purchase unique handmade items like pottery, jewelry, and paintings.
- Anakeesta: Anakeesta is an outdoor amusement park that offers zip lines, a mountain coaster, a treetop canopy walk, and more. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and dining options.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gatlinburg depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your visit. Here are some things to consider:
- Weather: The weather in Gatlinburg is generally mild, but it can vary throughout the year. The summer months (June-August) are the warmest, with average highs in the 80s Fahrenheit, while the winter months (December-February) are the coldest, with average highs in the 40s. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are milder, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage.
- Events and festivals: Gatlinburg hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular include the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair in October, the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival in November and December, and the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff in November.
- Crowds: Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination, so crowds can be a factor. The summer months and holiday weekends tend to be the busiest times of the year, while the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer fewer crowds.