If you’re looking for a magical Smoky Mountain vacation,
downtown Gatlinburg
is the place to be. Explore the downtown shops and have a ball at the downtown Gatlinburg attractions.
Is it better to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?
Overall,
Gatlinburg is more compact than Pigeon Forge
, which creates a more pedestrian friendly area. There are some downsides to being in a smaller valley. Since there’s not much open space or alternative routes, this mountain town tends to get more crowded than Pigeon Forge.
What is the main road in downtown Gatlinburg?
The Best of Downtown Gatlinburg
On any visit to Downtown Gatlinburg, it’s hard to miss the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies that’s just off of the main drag
88 River Rd
in Gatlinburg, TN!
What is the main street in Gatlinburg called?
The vacationers not spending the day exploring the national park can often be found strolling through downtown Gatlinburg. U.S. Highway 441, also called
the Parkway
, cuts through central downtown Gatlinburg. The walkable street is lined with all the attractions, shops, and food needed for a perfect vacation.
Is Gatlinburg walkable?
Gatlinburg is known as an easily walkable town
. So if you get tired or need a break, just stop in one of the many shops and restaurants you pass by. Apart from the downtown Parkway and connecting side streets, the East Parkway at Traffic Light No. 3 is dotted with shops and restaurants for about three miles.
Where is the strip in Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg’s strip is the full Smoky Mountain experience condensed to within . 8 miles. It
starts where the Parkway (aka U.S. 441) intersects with Ski Mountain Road and ends at the Cherokee Orchard Road intersection
. In other words, from the Marathon Station at the top to Reagan Terrace Mall at the bottom.
What should you avoid in Gatlinburg?
- Do Not Eat Out Every Night. …
- Do Not go Taste Moonshine on an Empty Stomach. …
- Do Not Wear 5 Inch Heels. …
- Do Not Expect Your Cell Phone to Get Great Service. …
- Do Not Leave Trash Outside your Cabin.
How many days do you need in Gatlinburg?
If you’re going to Gatlinburg, plan for
at least three days
. You can do it in two, but you’ll feel a little rushed. Anything past three days and you’re going to want to reach out to Pigeon Forge and explore what’s happening over there.
How much does it cost to walk across the bridge in Gatlinburg?
It’s open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. after Memorial Day. Admission prices are
$14.95 for children ages 4-11, $17.95 for adults over 65 and $19.95 for adults ages 12-64
. Find more information at Gatlinburgskylift.com.
How do you get around in Gatlinburg?
The best way to get around Gatlinburg is
on foot and by trolley
. The city of Gatlinburg is easily walkable and the inexpensive trolley that operates 365 days a year offers service to nearby attractions.
Is anything open in Gatlinburg now?
What’s Open?
Everything in Gatlinburg is open with the exceptions of Christ in the Smokies and World of Illusions which are closed permanently
.
What time does stuff close in Gatlinburg?
Sunday-Friday: 10 a.m.-
8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Friday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
How long is the main strip in Gatlinburg?
About 5 minutes / . 25 mile
.
What is there to do on the Gatlinburg strip?
- Visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. …
- Experience Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. …
- Go Wine Tasting at Sugarland Cellars. …
- Conquer Ripley’s Mirror Maze.
What time does the Gatlinburg strip open?
It does vary a lot from season to season. I know The Village in the slower months opens at
10:00am
and closes at 5:00pm. In the Summer months most shops will open around 9:00-10:00am and stay open till midnight. “The Parkway” is what it is called.
What is the best time to go to Gatlinburg TN?
The best time to visit Gatlinburg is
between September and October
. The two peak seasons in Gatlinburg are summer (June, July and August) and the month of October, when the fall foliage is at its zenith. July is the busiest month of the summer season, while weekends in October draw the largest crowds in the fall.
How far apart are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg actually sit right next to one another, with a road that links the two towns together. The distance between the two towns is only
about five miles
, so the drive back and forth isn’t difficult or lengthy.
How much does it cost to ride the Sky Lift in Gatlinburg?
Tickets can be purchased at the Gatlinburg Sky Lift location in Gatlinburg TN. The price for an
adult ticket is $24.95 and a child ticket (ages 4-11) is $17.95. Anyone 65 years old and up get in for $20.95. Children 3 and under are free
.
What shops are on the strip in Gatlinburg?
- Alewine Pottery.
- Candle Cottage.
- Pepper Palace.
- The Spice and Tea Exchange.
- Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery.
- The Donut Friar.
How long is downtown Gatlinburg?
Downtown Gatlinburg is truly a world unto itself! Although it is only
a few blocks
long, the heart of the city is overflowing with fun things to see and do.
Where can I park for free in Gatlinburg TN?
The free park & ride lots are located at the
City Hall Complex on Hwy 321 and the Gatlinburg Welcome Center on the Spur Road
.
What should you not miss in the Smoky Mountains?
- The Island. The Island is one of the top attractions in Pigeon Forge! …
- Dollywood. …
- Anakeesta. …
- Mountain Mile & Tower Shops. …
- Chicken Guy! …
- Double Decker Bus Tours. …
- Pigeon Forge Chairlift. …
- Ober Gatlinburg.
Why is Gatlinburg so popular?
It also came in fourth place on TripAdvisor’s list of global up-and-coming destinations. Set in the picturesque entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is
home to a plethora of outdoor activities, a growing food scene, and eclectic attractions
that make it a popular destination for travelers.
What can you not do in the Smoky Mountains?
- Don’t Feed the Animals. …
- Don’t Get Too Close to Wildlife. …
- Don’t Litter. …
- Don’t Start a Hike Too Late. …
- Don’t Park on the Side of the Road. …
- Don’t Forget to Pack Water. …
- Don’t Go Without a Plan.
Is Gatlinburg a tourist trap?
Tourist Traps Abound in Downtown Gatlinburg
There are lots of t-shirt and candy shops, carnival games, and “gem mines” of questionable quality. Visitors can get so caught up in the rides, games, and shops that they miss enjoying the mountains.
What is the difference between the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains?
| Great Smoky Mountains | Borders on Bald Mountains, Unicoi Mountains and Plott Balsams | Geology | Orogeny Alleghenian |
|---|
How do I spend a day in Gatlinburg TN?
- Pancakes for Breakfast. …
- Enjoy Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. …
- Souvenir Shopping in the Arts & Crafts Community. …
- Visit Anakeesta. …
- Walk The Strip. …
- Dinner in Downtown Gatlinburg. …
- Dessert at a Candy Store. …
- Relax at Your Cabin.
