If you are looking for a quaint mountain town that looks good in any season, look no further than Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg, or Gateway to the Smokies, is the main entrance to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and is ideal for nature lovers. This small town is jam-packed with outdoor activities, restaurants, historic sights, and many other attractions; this guide will show you how to make the most out of a long weekend in Gatlinburg.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Gatlinburg?
Depending on where you are coming from visitors have the option to fly or drive. Keep in mind, that the drive to Gatlinburg can also be just as beautiful as the town itself.
If choosing to fly, the closest major airport is the McGhee Tyson (TYS) Airport in Knoxville, about 40 miles away from Gatlinburg. If you have the option and/or the budget, there is a closer option, the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Aiport (KGKT).
Tip! If renting a car, be sure to check out the Discover Cars Search Engine for the best deals in Gatlinburg!
What is the best time to visit Gatlinburg?
The best time to visit Gatlinburg is really going to be based on interest. The experience is going to be completely different in the fall and winter, compared to spring and summer. The city has so many different opportunities, and gorgeous sights all year round.
However, if you are looking to avoid crowds or are on a budget, visit during the shoulder season months of September and January. The peak season in Gatlinburg is June-August, and October-December.
Gatlinburg Average Temperatures
- Winter: 51/27
- Spring: 70/42
- Summer: 84/61
- Fall: 70/45
Peak Fall Colors? Mid October- Early November
Where should I stay in Gatlinburg?
The best place to stay in Gatlinburg is in the Smoky Mountains themselves. There are hundreds of rental cabins available where you can wake up to beautiful views and nature at the doorstep.
If you opt to stay in a hotel, the Parkway District in Gatlinburg is the best region overall, with dozens of accommodation options, and within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and attractions. A very popular and top-rated choice is the Westgate Smokey Mountain Resort and Spa.
If you don’t mind the 5-mile drive, another option is to stay in Pigeon Forge. This is perfect for people on a budget or families with children.
Sample 3-Day Gatlinburg Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Gatlinburg
Morning:
Start your weekend in Gatlinburg with sunrise at Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The park is the most visited national park in the country and it is free for visitors.
Clingman’s Dome is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in the park. It sits at over 6,000 feet at is the highest spot in the park. Once reaching the parking lot, it’s just a .5-mile hike to the summit with an observation tower at the top. (The road to Clingman’s Dome is closed from December 1 through March 31, but you can still reach it by hiking or skiing).
After the sunrise admire the beauty and pristine landscapes of the rest of the park. There are an endless amount of outdoor activities like hiking, tubing, and camping. I recommend heading to Laurel Falls trail for an easy, but amazing 2.4-mile hike.
Afternoon:
After a morning in the great outdoors, spend some time in town on the Gatlinburg Trolley. The trolley is the best way to go sightseeing and make the most of the afternoon. There are various different routes visitors can choose, depending on interests.
After your trolley ride, explore the city on foot with this competitive self-guided scavenger hunt!
Evening:
It is impossible to visit Gatlinburg and not see some kind of live show. One of the most popular is The Comedy Barn. Venture 5 miles towards Pigeon Forge for an array of other show and dinner show options such as The Dixie Stampede which includes a 4-course feast.
You may also like:: 23+ Magical Waterfalls in Tennessee
Day 2 in Gatlinburg:
Morning:
On day 2, start your morning high in the sky. The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway has some of the best mountain views available in the town of Gatlinburg. Once at the top of the mountain, visitors have an assortment of activities such as skiing, ice skating, tubing, and much more. There are also various shops and restaurant facilities and of course other activities available for all seasons.
Afternoon:
Grab some lunch at the Sidewalk Cafe and head back down to the Gatlinburg Trail. The trail is a great way to escape the tourists in town and enjoy some peace and quiet in nature. The trail can be down on foot or bike and takes you past various streams and mountains.
Evening:
Gatlinburg has a haunted past, and there is no better way to hear all the stories than on an evening Ghost Tour. The ghost walk takes visitors through town, pointing out the eeriest landmarks, including a ‘haunted’ cemetery.
Day 3 in Gatlinburg
Morning:
Enjoy a hearty breakfast on your last day in Gatlinburg at the famous Pancake Pantry. The Pancake Pantry has an assortment of pancake flavors and options, in addition to other breakfast food as well. After that, enjoy a stroll through the district area for some shopping and any last-minute gifts and souvenirs.
Afternoon:
One place that can’t be missed on a visit to Gatlinburg is visiting the Ole Smokey Moonshine Distillery. Learn how authentic moonshine is actually made, without going deep into the boonies. Tastings and samples are available, in addition to a gift shop at the end of the tour.
Have more time? Add some adventure to your last day with a Zipline Canopy Tour.
Evening:
On your final night in Gatlinburg, venture to explore the little town of Pigeon Forge. It’s really hard to visit one town and not the other. This small strip of city has an abundance of attractions, shops, restaurants, theaters, and so much more for visitors to explore. If possible, eat dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant, one of the most famous in the area.
Other things to do in Gatlinburg:
- Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen: The Old Smokey Candy Kitchen is a great option for treat-lovers with a sweet tooth. Not only can you taste an array of homemade taffy and candy, but also watch and learn how they are made.
- Ripleys Believe It Or Not Odditorium: One of the most unique attractions of Gatlinburg is the Ripleys Beleive It Or Not Odditorium. The Odditorium can be described best as an interactive museum of odd and drastic things and objects; you never know what you can see at Ripley’s.
- Historic Ogle Log Cabin: The Historic Ogle Log Cabin was once home to the very first resident of Gatlinburg, Martha Jane Huskey Ogle. The cabin has been preserved and maintained as much as possible, allowing visitors a glimpse of what it was like back in the 19th century.
- Gatlinburg Space Needle: The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 400-foot tower that allows visitors to see for miles. Venture up to the observation deck to miles of the skyline from the city one way, and endless mountain views the other.
- Family-friendly Float Tour through the Smokies: Take a relaxing tour down class 1 and 2 rapids. Admire views of the Smokies during this 6-mile tour.
- Helicopter Tour: Admire the beauty of Gatlinburg from above.
- Bike and Observe Wildlife in Cades Cove: Rent a bike and take off along the beautiful 11-mile loop of Cades Cove.
Other Tips to know before visiting Gatlinburg:
Gatlinburg is known for having a lot of traffic, like a lot. While that is true, there are ways to avoid it, for the most part. If possible, opt for taking the Gatlinburg trolley from place to place, it will really cut down on parking fees as well. Another option is to drive in and out of the town at low peak hours when traffic is most scarce.
3-day Gatlinburg Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Clingman’s Dome, Laurel Falls, Trolley, Scavenger Hunt, Dinner Theater
- Day 2: Aerial Tramway, Gatlinburg Trail, Ghost Tour
- Day 3: Pancake Pantry, Moonshine Distillery, Zipline Canopy Tour, Pigeon Forge
Keep Reading::: Extend your Southeast weekend with this waterfall road trip or spend a weekend in Knoxville!
One Weekend in Gatlinburg Map
One Weekend In Gatlinburg Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Gatlinburg that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Gatlinburg itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Gatlinburg!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Gatlinburg” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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