2025 Gatlinburg Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

#2023travelwish Take me back to the Smokey Mountains!!! quick flight and beautiful cabins at here are so many beautiful areas to visit in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. I highly recommend visiting any time of the year for an incredible, memorable experience. Be sure to book event tickets early as the sell out fast. But there are plenty of things to do just walking around town or exploring the miles of trails.

Explore American History from a different perspective. Five unique galleries burrow deep into the studies of criminal intent, criminal profiles, the penal system, victims, crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement and the Judiciary Branch of government. Absolutely! Some exhibits that kids can enjoy are the Jail Cell Escape, Prohibition Gallery, Modern Police Shooting Range, Heist Laser Maze, Numerous Photo Ops and Top Detective Challenge. it’s a must place to visit, Knoxville Tennessee is 30 minutes a away, if you like mountains, cabins , you will love this place , and it’s not that pricey

This store has a lot of yummy candy to choose from. It’s located on the main street in Gatlinburg and close to where we were staying, just opposite to Ripleys believe it or not. There were many varieties to choose from. From cast to gums to Chocolate cakes. It was fun to choose from the number of options available in the shop. There are many varieties for kids and also adults will enjoy the candies here. Really nice if you have kids, they will enjoy it. Store is colorful and have many soft toys which makes store very cute. #candies #colorful #sweets #gatlinburg #smokiemountain #national #usa #travel #shopping

This place was so much fun, there were many games, Races and play to select from from single to group play. There are games for every one from kids to adults, groups single. Place was very colorful and for kids they can spend hours without getting bored. There is also a pizza place inside where you can eat and play again if fee hungry 😋. Prizes are amazing and a must visit if you are visiting with kids. You can use your coupons for buying pizza and discount on Pizzas. I will definitely go again and you will love it if you are fan of arcade. #arcade #kids #kidsactivities #gatlingburg #arcadia #smokymountain #games

Country Inn Hotel in Gatlinburg is nice and clean hotel. It’s location is perfect just 3-4 min walk from the Main Street and Gatlinburg Space Needle. Hotel is clean, rooms are spacious and sone the rooms have balcony. Out room had half balcony, it’s was narrow so chairs were not there and can’t sit, it’s depends on first come first service who gets room with balcony. So you can ask during check in that you need room where you can sit in balcony. Parking is available in hotel and sometimes it gets full so they have additional parking 2-3 min walk away (next street). Breakfast was normal, eggs, bread and fruits. Coffee was available 24/7. Over all a good hotel, near to many attractions and very conveniently located. #hotel #hotelstay #gatlinburg

Country Roads, Take Me Home Birthplace of the Queen of country music Miss Dolly Parton, this trip to the Smokie Mountains was an absolute dream come true. Not only am I a fan of Dolly and country music. But I am also a lover of the outdoors and hiking for which the Smokies have a lot of great trails to pick from. The most famous trail through this area is the small portion of the Appalachian Trail that crosses through the mountains. I didn't know a lot about it before visiting the Smokies expect that it was the longest continuous trail in the USA and I had always been intrigued by the name. I still can't say I know very much about the history of the trail but like so many pioneers that traversed the numerous trails across North America the ones following the Appalachian Trail faced many dangers and extremes. It is mind-blowing what they had to endure. Today there are all kinds of walking trails and we took a few of the easier ones on this trip. Bet every single one was enjoyable. There is a lot to see and do in the towns surrounding this area. We loved The Island at Pigeon Forge and the Old Mill. The town of Gatlinburg is fantastic as well. Some kitschy little shops and great dining options. We also stumbled upon a Salt and Pepper Shaker museum which was another highlight of this trip. And of course no trip to the Smokies is complete without a stop at Dollywood. #gooutside

overcame my fear of heights had a blast

gorgeous view of the Smoky mountains and Gatlinburg from the top of the Skylift. such a magnificent city.

Gatlinburg best shopping, family friendly, romantic, place you will fall in love with, peaceful in that sense that only God could create such beauty #triplocal #gatlinburg #triplocal

If you haven’t been, you will absolutely love it

Fun friendly little city . Loved seeing the bear and a comedy show . Landscaping is magnificent . Hotel Glenstone was nice .

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Brookside Lodge - Gatlinburg - on the River 💡 Tips

📅 Itinerary Day1：check in Day 2: tournament playoff Day 3: Championship games Day 4: Go to Outlet mall 🏨 Accommodation Hotel 8 🍴 Food Recommendations :Olive Garden 📌 Tips nice place to visit known bear off the bucket list

📅 Itinerary Day1 check i Gatlinburg, Tnn Hotel 8 wym⁶ble get food walk Pidgin Ford Day2 8am -830 @ Gyms playing basketball games Food at Day3: tournament playoff seen a bear at hote 🏨 Accommodation was great 🍴 Food Recommendations olive garden 😋 📌 Tips

#summervacay #springitinerary Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Gatlinburg was a fun mix of oddities and surprises. The place is packed with strange displays, from shrunken heads to optical illusions and quirky facts from around the world. It’s not something you take too seriously, and that’s what makes it fun. If you’re in the mood for something weird and lighthearted, this museum is worth checking out. Super fun!

#summervacay #springitinerary The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum was one of the most random stops I made but I actually really enjoyed it. It’s filled wall to wall with thousands of shakers in every shape you can imagine. Some looked vintage, others were just hilarious. If you’re into odd collections or just want a quick, fun break from the usual attractions, this place is a good pick. Definitely worth checking out.

#summervacay #springitinerary I played Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf in Gatlinburg and it was a fun, easy stop. The course is full of color with wooden animal statues, tiny waterfalls, and little bridges. There was even a small gift shop at the end that felt like a classic stop. It’s not a big attraction but it’s a simple, lighthearted way to add some fun to your day with your friends. Totally worth it and would recommend!

#summervacay #springitinerary Mysterious Mansion in Gatlinburg was a fun and slightly creepy stop. It’s a self-guided haunted house in an old Victorian-style home with dark hallways, creaky stairs, and sudden jump scares. The actors pop out when you least expect it and the lighting makes it even harder to tell what’s coming. It wasn’t super scary but definitely made me jump a few times. Go if you dare!

#summervacay #springitinerary I checked out the Gatlinburg Space Needle both in the day and night and it was a nice, relaxing stop. I took the elevator up to the observation deck and got a good view of the town and surrounding mountains. There’s also a small arcade downstairs, which was fun to visit on the way out. It’s not a big or fancy attraction, but it gives a great snapshot of Gatlinburg from above. A simple pick if you want an easy view.

#summervacay #springitinerary I visited Anakeesta in Gatlinburg and really enjoyed it. I took the scenic Chondola up the mountain and walked through the treetop bridges, which gave a nice view of the forest. There were some small shops, a few places to eat, and quiet spots to just sit and take in the scenery. I didn’t try the zipline or coaster but still had a relaxing time just walking around. The whole place feels peaceful and not too crowded.

#summervacay #springitinerary The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is filled with cars from movies and TV shows. I liked spotting the Batmobile, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and even some vintage James Bond rides. It’s small but packed with neat details and photos explaining the cars’ stories. I spent more time than I thought I would taking pictures and reading about each one. It’s not a big attraction, but if you like film or cars, it’s a fun stop that won’t take all day.

#summervacay #springitinerary I gave the Moonshine Mountain Coaster a go while in Gatlinburg and ended up loving it. You ride solo and get to control your own speed, which makes it feel different from a normal roller coaster. I went faster than I thought I would and the turns through the trees were a lot of fun. It’s smooth, not too intense, and over quicker than you’d expect, but still worth it. It’s a simple but fun experience, especially if you enjoy something a little different.

#summervacay #springitinerary #thingstodo I visited Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies during a work-and-travel trip and it became one of my favorite stops in Gatlinburg. Walking through the glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and colorful fish felt amazing. I spent time by the touch tanks too—feeling stingrays made it memorable. The jellyfish exhibit glowed softly, and there were interactive displays that were actually fun to try. I wasn’t expecting it, but I ended up staying longer than planned. It’s not huge, but well laid out and easy to explore. If you like sea life or need a cool place indoors, this aquarium is worth it.

#summervacay #springitinerary I went to Gatlinburg for a work and travel program and ended up staying a few months. Even though I was working, the place still felt like a holiday town. On off days, I’d walk down the main strip, try new snacks, or head into the Smoky Mountains for a short hike. It’s touristy, but there’s a charm to it especially with the mountain views always in the background. I got used to the busy crowds and bright lights, but what stuck with me most was how close nature always felt. It was a fun place to work and live.

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#falltrip Had an amazing fall trip in Tennesse this past week. Getting There - if you like to drive I would definitely suggest you to drive here there are some sweet roads and back streets that they will really make you enjoy the smocks Mountain Views Attractions - there are many! If you’re up to have a dinner show, this city definitely offers some fun things to do! I really enjoyed the open mountain coaster! Hotels - I stayed both at the hotel and Airbnb. I will suggest you to get a cabin with a fire pit, so you can enjoy the cold weather while making some s’mores. Food & Restaurants - honestly, this place is lacking of good food. I have tried different spot, the best one personally was the Local Goat! Shopping - Amish popcorn is a must! One of the most beautiful places to go personally is in the mountain, you should definitely dedicate some time while there to go hiking. Start with an easy trail and go for it:) perfect time to go is during October since weather is better and also is the pumpkin season

The gorgeous and breathtaking Gatlinburg Tennessee during the winter time, when you get through all the touristy things and stores. you get to marvel and be in aww of how truly beautiful the world is when we don't trash it with hundreds of gift shops#snow

#summerresorts