Gatlinburg Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Gatlinburg

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Higher Altitude

1380 Ski View Drive | Gatlinburg, TN 37738, US

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Cozy Cabin - Beautiful Mountain Views Hot Tub + Pool Table

Gatlinburg, TN 37738, US

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Whispering Waters cabin

1020 Deep Hollow Road | Gatlinburg, TN 37738, US

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Above It All Cabin with Luxury Amenities and Game Room

Gatlinburg, TN 37738, US

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Mountain Romance

750 Honeymoon Hl | Gatlinburg, TN 37738, US

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Tennessee Dream

728 Still Hill Way | Gatlinburg, TN 37738, US

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The Dogwood in Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek

Norton Creek Road 475 | Gatlinburg, TN 37738, US

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At a glance

Climate

Temperate

Languages

English

Local currency

USD (USD)

Local time

19:31 (GMT-4)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Downtown Gatlinburg

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

15-20% expected

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 90 · Outstanding

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Southern BBQ Pancakes Trout Moonshine

When to visit Gatlinburg

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: October Busiest: Jun-Aug

Jan

40

Cold, possible snow
Feb

45

Chilly, winter activities
Mar

60

Cool, early spring
Apr

75

Mild, spring blooms
May

80

Warm, pleasant
Jun

85

Warm, summer crowds
Jul

85

Hot, peak summer
Aug

80

Warm, late summer
Sept

90

Mild, fall foliage starts
Oct

95

Cool, peak foliage
Nov

70

Chilly, post-foliage
Dec

65

Cold, holiday lights

40

Jan Cold, possible snow

45

Feb Chilly, winter activities

60

Mar Cool, early spring

75

Apr Mild, spring blooms

80

May Warm, pleasant

85

Jun Warm, summer crowds

85

Jul Hot, peak summer

80

Aug Warm, late summer

90

Sept Mild, fall foliage starts

95

Oct Cool, peak foliage

70

Nov Chilly, post-foliage

65

Dec Cold, holiday lights

Things to do in Gatlinburg

6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

1 place

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Downtown Gatlinburg 2 hrs

Ride the iconic SkyLift to the SkyBridge, North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, for breathtaking views.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Anakeesta

Downtown Gatlinburg 3 hrs

Ride a scenic chondola or chairlift to a mountaintop park with treetop walks, ziplines, and panoramic views.

Outdoors Good for children

Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community

East Gatlinburg 3 hrs

Browse unique handmade crafts, art, and gifts from local artisans along an 8-mile loop.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

3 places

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Outside Gatlinburg 4 hrs

Explore stunning trails, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife in America's most visited national park.

Outdoors Good for children

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Downtown Gatlinburg 2.5 hrs

Discover thousands of marine animals, including sharks, penguins, and colorful fish, in interactive exhibits.

Indoors Good for children

Ober Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg 4 hrs

Take an aerial tramway to a mountaintop amusement park and ski area with wildlife habitats and ice skating.

Indoors Good for children

Gatlinburg itineraries

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Couple

The Great Smoky Mountains Drive

Gatlinburg to Cherokee

Experience the enchanting beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with this scenic drive that highlights lush forests, wildlife, and stunning vistas. This route offers perfect opportunities for couples to connect with nature and each other amidst breathtaking landscapes.

2 Days 6 Stops

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With the family

Great Smoky Mountains Family Hiking Adventure

Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge

Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with family-friendly hikes, stunning views, and vibrant wildlife encounters on this perfect summer getaway.

4 Days 5 Stops

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With the family

Great Smoky Mountains Family Retreat

Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge

Discover the enchanting beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with this family-friendly itinerary that combines adventure, relaxation, and stunning nature. From hiking trails to exciting attractions, this route is designed for unforgettable family memories.

3 Days 5 Stops

See the full plan