Planning a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Whether you’re here for hiking, the views, the food, or the charm, this guide will help you make the most of your time in the Smokies.
Why Visit Gatlinburg?
Tucked into the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is the perfect blend of laid-back charm and rugged adventure. As the gateway to the country’s most visited national park, it offers everything from mountain views and hiking trails to art studios, local bites, and warm Appalachian hospitality. In this guide, I’m sharing all my favorite spots, must-know tips, and can’t-miss experiences to help you plan your perfect trip.
Where is Gatlinburg Located?
Gatlinburg is nestled in the eastern corner of Tennessee, right at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s about an hour from Knoxville and a 3.5–4 hour drive from cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville, making it an easy and scenic weekend getaway. Honestly, even the drive into town feels like part of the adventure, with winding forest roads, roadside overlooks, and mountain views that start before you even arrive.
Scenic Stops on the Way
If you’re driving through the park (especially from the south or North Carolina side), be sure to stop at these iconic overlooks:
- Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)
The highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, this paved 1-mile roundtrip walk takes you to a 360-degree observation tower with unforgettable views, especially at sunrise or sunset. - Newfound Gap
Right on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, this historic overlook offers sweeping ridgeline views. It’s also where President Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1940!
Where to Stay: Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort
Just four miles from downtown Gatlinburg, Camp LeConte is a locally owned, family-run resort that brings a creative twist to camping. You can choose from retro campers, safari glamping tents, treehouse stays, and traditional tent/RV sites. All with access to modern amenities like laundry, Wi-Fi, a pool, and a small general store for snacks and supplies. We stayed in one of the 1960s-style vintage campers, and it was the perfect blend of cozy, nostalgic, and fun. Highly recommend if you want something unique, close to town, and full of charm.
Best Restaurants In Gatlinburg
Pancake Pantry
A true Gatlinburg icon since 1960, this is the original pancake house and always has a line for a reason. Arrive early to beat the rush, but if you end up sleeping in or get caught up walking around the shops like we did, don’t worry, the line moves pretty quickly! We LOVED their Swedish Crepes, they even had the Lingonberries imported from Sweden.
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
The cabin-style interior is filled with Appalachian history and old-school mountain charm, which makes it feel more like a mini museum than a breakfast joint. Plus the huge portions are exactly what you need for a full day exploring the Smokies. Doors open at 7 AM and if you don’t want a long wait, make sure to go before 8am.
The Peddler Steakhouse
Set right along the river, this local favorite is known for steaks cut tableside and a warm, cabin-like atmosphere. It’s the perfect dinner spot after a long day on the trails.
The Baht
This Thai spot was such a fun surprise in the middle of the Smokies. It’s a great option when you’re craving something flavorful and different from the usual Southern-style restaurants. Everything we tried was bold, fresh, and really hit the spot.
Bean Trees Cafe (in nearby Hartford)
About 30 minutes from Gatlinburg, Bean Trees Cafe is a hidden gem with great food and peaceful riverside views. It’s worth the drive whether you’re rafting or not, but if you are, it’s conveniently located right by the launch point for SMO Rafting. Two standouts were the bean burger and the BLT.
Places on Our List for Next Time:
- Best Italian Café & Pizzeria – Known for garlic rolls and italian pizza
- Howard’s Restaurant – One of Gatlinburg’s oldest restaurants
- The Heirloom Room – A newer fine dining spot inside The Appy Lodge
- The Greenbrier – Elevated steakhouse and speakeasy-style cocktails
- Donut Friar – Word on the street is these are the best donuts in Gatlinburg. Sadly, we missed it this time, but it’s at the top of our list for our next visit!
Must-Visit Coffee Shops
- Bloom & Berry Café
A cozy, welcoming café with beautiful interiors. Perfect for grabbing a latte before hitting the trail. - The Coffee Shack (formerly Coffee & Company)
Tucked inside the Village Shops, this is a great stop for a cup of coffee and a stroll through Gatlinburg’s most picturesque square. - The Coffee Syndicate
Downtown and easy to walk to, with strong espresso, flaky pastries, and unique seasonal drinks (their ube iced latte? Chef’s kiss.)
Top Things to Do in Gatlinburg
Stroll Downtown
Downtown Gatlinburg is walkable, fun, and full of quirky charm. From wine and moonshine tastings to local art galleries and unique shops, there’s so much to explore here.
The Village Shops
A hidden gem, this collection of 27 European-style boutiques is tucked just off the main strip. With cobblestone pathways, fountains, and lush greenery spilling from every corner, it feels like you’ve wandered into a quiet European village. Start your morning here before the crowds roll in.
Gatlinburg SkyBridge
Walk the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, stretching 680 feet across a deep valley with panoramic views of the Smokies. There’s even a glass floor section in the middle if you’re feeling brave. To get there, take the SkyLift from downtown Gatlinburg, which carries you up to SkyPark, where the bridge and viewing platforms are located.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
This 407-foot observation tower offers sweeping views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. We didn’t go up this time, but it’s supposedly one of the best spots for sunset and fall foliage views, especially when the Smokies are glowing with autumn color.
Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park
Take the chairlift to the top of Anakeesta for an all-in-one mountain experience. Walk the Treetop Skywalk, ride the mountain coasters, shop mountain boutiques, and dine with a view at Clifftop or Smokehouse BBQ. After dark, don’t miss Astra Lumina, which is an immersive light show through the forest.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
If you want to experience the heart of Gatlinburg’s local culture and get away from the crowds, this is where to go. Founded in 1937, this 8-mile loop is home to the largest group of independent artisans in the U.S., with over 80 working studios where you’ll find woodworkers, potters, glassblowers, leather crafters, and more. It’s not touristy, it’s authentic, creative, and deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition. You can watch the artists work, talk with them about their craft, and even take a class at some of the studios.
Don’t miss: Fowler’s Clay Works pottery class
We got to work one-on-one with Mike, the owner, who showed us how to use the pottery wheel and helped us make our own mugs. It was such a personal and memorable experience, and such a special way to create a handmade souvenir that’s meaningful and one-of-a-kind. Doing one of these classes is a great way to support the local community while learning something new.
Adventurous Activities in the Smoky Mountains
Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River
If you’re looking to switch things up, rafting is such a fun way to get your adrenaline going. We booked through Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) for a thrilling Class III–IV trip with experienced guides and beautiful river scenery. They also offer a Lower Pigeon option with Class I–II rapids that’s better for families or a calmer float.
Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Trail
This is one of the most epic hikes in the Smokies and very popular for a reason. At 6,593 feet, Mt. LeConte is the third-highest peak in the park. It rises nearly 5,300 feet from its base, making it one of the tallest in terms of elevation gain.
Trail Stats:
- ~11 miles round trip (we clocked 13 miles on our AllTrails app)
- ~2,700 ft elevation gain
- Highlights: Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, Alum Cave Bluff, and a spruce-fir forest at the top that feels like you’re in the PNW
Tips:
Start early (before 8 AM), bring layers (it’s cooler at the top), and pack a lunch. The Alum Cave Bluffs (which is the halfway point) is gorgeous on its own if you don’t want to do the full summit.
Hikes We Didn’t Get to (But You Should!)
There are so many incredible trails in the Smokies, and while we didn’t make it to these this time, these are some other top-rated trails we’re eyeing for next time:
- Rainbow Falls Trail – (~5.4 mi, ~1,500 ft gain) leads to a dramatic waterfall where on sunny days you’ll see mist rainbows.
- Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail – (~2.6 mi, ~585 ft gain) features a shaded forest walk that actually passes behind the waterfall.
- Buckeye Trail to Spruce Flats Falls – (~1.4 mi, ~460 ft gain) is peaceful, under-the-radar, and perfect for easy exploration.
- Abrams Falls Trail – (~5 mi, ~340–675 ft gain) offers a powerful waterfall and wildlife-rich scenery in historic Cades Cove.
- Chimney Tops Trail – (~3–4 mi, ~1,400 ft gain) is short and steep, but rewards you with phenomenal ridgeline views.
- Ramsey Cascades Trail – (~8 mi, ~2,190 ft gain) is strenuous, but takes you through old-growth forest to the park’s highest waterfall.
- Laurel Falls Trail – (~2.6 mi, ~314 ft gain) is paved and kid-friendly, ending at a scenic 80‑ft double-tiered falls.
- Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail – (~8 mi, ~1,500 ft gain) delivers some of the most iconic panoramic views the park offers.
Trailhead Parking Tip:
Popular trailheads like Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, and Grotto Falls fill up fast, often by 8 AM on weekends. Arrive early or you may have to find parking a little further away and walk to the trailhead.
National Park Access Info:
As of March 2023, the national park requires a “Park It Forward” parking pass for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes. Passes cost $5 per day, $15 per week, or $40 per year. It’s a simple way to support the park’s maintenance and preservation so we can all keep enjoying these beautiful trails and views.
You can buy a pass online at Recreation.gov, or in person at places like the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Sugarlands Visitor Center, or automated kiosks throughout the park. Just make sure to display it clearly on your dashboard when parking.
Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? My Take
Gatlinburg completely exceeded my expectations. Epic hiking, beautiful mountain views, great food, and some really unique local experiences. I had so much fun exploring the trails, trying new places to eat, and especially spending time in the arts & crafts community, which felt like such a meaningful and authentic part of the trip.
If you’re looking for a destination that blends nature, culture, and adventure in one spot, Gatlinburg delivers!
If you want to see a breakdown of my full weekend itinerary, check out my instagram video here.
Planning your own trip to Gatlinburg? Bookmark this guide, follow along on Instagram or Tiktok (@annalise.adventuring), and feel free to message me with any questions. I love helping others discover their next adventure!
Annalise Adventuring 
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