Gatlinburg, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a mountain city in eastern Tennessee. Its most famous attraction, the Great Smoky Mountains, can be found within its boundaries. Many of Gatlinburg’s best attractions offer scenic views of the nearby national park, which includes the 406-ft. Space Needle, the second highest observation tower in the world and the only one in operation today.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has long been a favorite vacation spot for tourists and locals. It’s also where the park’s boundaries cross paths with Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. This proximity makes it easier for visitors to commute between the two parks, as well as to make a final trip into Gatlinburg to visit the nearby valley. To get to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, visitors take a train that passes through the Smoky Mountain National Park. The train also goes through Ellijay Park, which is where most of the park’s camping, hiking, and RV sites are located.
Those who want to camp in Gatlinburg can arrange to stay at one of the park’s cabins, called campgrounds. There are numerous campgrounds in Gatlinburg, accommodating up to five hundred guests. There are several places in Gatlinburg that offer even more acreage for sleeping or picnic areas, including tracts designated as park homes. For those who enjoy more privacy, Gatlinburg offers secluded cabins located in the woods surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains. Several Gatlinburg motels and hotels offer wheelchair access to guests who use wheelchairs.
Another favorite Gatlinburg activity is trout fishing. Rainbow trout, which spawn in the springs, are one of the most popular species of trout in the park. Fishing enthusiasts can bring their line out to a creek near Pigeon Forge and catch trophy size trout. Other options include fly-fishing and picnicking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s many gorgeous locations. Gatlinburg is also famous for its red and white quail nests, which can be found around May through August. These birds are not indigenous to Gatlinburg; however, several groups of these birds do come to the park on nesting occasions.
Mountain climbers can experience the thrill of heights without leaving Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park features seven peaks, which range from six hundred feet to fourteen thousand feet in elevation. Guided treks into the forest allow visitors to go deep into the tree-filled mountains. A couple of hundred dollars will allow visitors to ascend a glacier and experience firsthand the transformation of ice into fresh mountain air. Other popular mountain activities include rock climbing, camping, and biking. Guided treks can also be arranged for those not experienced in mountaineering.
While Gatlinburg is set far back from the major cities of the area, it still offers a wide variety of dining experiences. Many restaurants in Gatlinburg offer a variety of meals, from breakfast, afternoon, and late-night menus. The best restaurants in town are situated within walking distance of most of the attractions. At Gatlinburg town center, guests can dine at The Great Smoky Mountain Inn, one of Gatlinburg’s most popular establishments. Other dining options include the Double Dog, Pigeon Forge Restaurant, and Wildfire Steakhouse.
A visit to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the park’s five visitor centers. These offer information about the history of the area, as well as helpful information on all types of activities. Gatlinburg’s visitor center is located just above the Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s renowned Chimney Rock. Here, tourists can find the park headquarters, restrooms, information about the park’s geology and climate, and directions to the park’s different attractions. Of course, the Gatlinburg map you purchase will include all of these amenities. It’s simply a good idea to make sure you have it along while traveling to this region.
Most visitors to Gatlinburg come here for the Great Smokey Mountain National Park itself. This park, run by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, has an enormous quantity of wild and scenic terrain to explore. At Gatlinburg, visitors can hike on the numerous mountain trails, swim in the numerous lake areas, or simply sit down under a beautiful tree to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Other popular attractions include the historic Buford Dam, which serves as an important water supply for the nearby town. Other activities include hunting, biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Gatlinburg is one of the most beautiful cities and well traveled places you can find in America and even in the world. Make sure you have all the latest information when you travel to Gatlinburg and make sure your trip is enjoyable.