Gatlinburg Essential Info

Overview

Gatlinburg is nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America. There are three entrances to the Smokies from downtown Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg attracts more than 11 million visitors a year and can grow to a population of 40,000-plus on any given night. This little town of 3,944 residents is dedicated to welcoming all of its guests with a taste of Appalachian hospitality at its best. Folks come from all over the world for vacations, outdoor adventures, family fun and memory-making. Gatlinburg is one of America’s great mountain resort destinations, with accommodations of every kind, dozens of local and national restaurants and attractions galore–all nestled in the foothills and surrounded on three sides by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg prides itself on its walkability amidst mountain heritage and the arts, crafts and shops that reflect that tradition.

Basics

Best Time To Go

Oct-May

Current Time

Current Weather

51 °F

Mostly Clear

Fun Facts

1. Only Ski Resort in Tennessee
   In town resides Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, the only resort in Tennessee where you can go skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. With varying slopes created from a high-powered snow machine, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is a perfect spot to enjoy winter sports for the whole family.
2. Robert C. Gatlin – Town Namesake and Most Hated Man in Town
   As the owner of the towns general store and post office, Robert C. Gatlin was a leading figure in the early years of the Gatlinburg community. The settlement eventually came to bear his name, but not before his controversial political views during the Civil War brought about his banishment.
3. Hiking Trails just steps away from Gatlinburg
   There are 850 miles of trails and unpaved roads in the park for hiking, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
4. Fireflies 
   One of the best shows in the Smoky Mountains is put on by its smallest residents every year around the third week of May to the third week in June, the Synchronous fireflies’ prime mating season. Their coordinated display of flashing lights is one of the rarest and most romantic phenomena in North America.
5. Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries
   Around town in our local breweries, distilleries, and wineries, you can find special-recipe brews, 100-percent-legal moonshine and a variety of handcrafted beers and premium wines made right here in Gatlinburg.

Popular Foods

1. Ogle Dog
   The Fannie Farkle Ogle Dog is named after a local pioneer Tom Ogle, you can watch them whip up your made-to-order corn dog (made with their own secret recipe) while you take a break from all the fun downtown
2. Trout
   East Tennessee might be well known by casters as a place to drop a line, but it also offers some of the best trout dishes as well. Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Trout House prepares local trout in a variety of ways, including signature trout-fritters.
3. Fudge
   Sweet-tooths beware - Some of the most delicious pieces of confectionery can be found in the fudge kitchens of Gatlinburg. Shoppes specialize in making the treat the old-fashioned way and create almost every flavor imaginable. 
4. Pancakes
   In Gatlinburg when it comes to buttermilk short stack we mean business. Gatlinburg is home to a number of legendary pancake houses that will serve you a down-home breakfast that will remind you of grandma's.
5. Donut Friar
   Nestled in the picturesque Village Shoppes, The Donut Friar is practically an institution. And it's no wonder- shop #15 in The Village has been shelling out scrumptious cinnamon-sugar donuts and charm for over 40 years.