In my last article we talked
about
Smoky Mountains National Park,
which is the most visited national park in the USA which is located close to Gatlinburg town.
But today I want to pay attention to this small but always lively town:
Gatlinburg.
Although it is one of the smallest cities in Tennessee (its population is just over 4,000), Gatlinburg is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the state.
From Gatlinburg the best scenic routes into the park start, that’s easy to understand when you arrive.
Everywhere you look there are hotels and entertainment activities that are craving your attention.
Let’s get started with a little bit of history…
Is Gatlinburg a Small Town?
Yes, its population is just over 4,000.
The city was founded in 1803.
It got its name in honor of Radford Gatlin , whose merit lies in the fact that he opened the first store here.
Gatlinburg owes its heyday to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
In 1912 it was a small village of 6 houses, in 1935 it was visited by 500 thousand tourists.
The infrastructure of Gatlinburg is focused exclusively on the tourism business.
Here begins the famous Cherokee trail, along which the Indians were evicted to the state of Arkansas.
Is Gatlinburg a Walkable City?
The Cherokee Trail is followed by about 9 million tourists every year. The trail crosses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This trail got the name “Trail of Tears” as nearly 4,000 people died as they could not endure the long march.
Not far from Gatlinburg , there are the famous Gatlinburg Caves – a beautiful place protected by the state.
The city is home to the famous Guinness World Museum and
the Gatlinburg Aquarium
with an unusual design of underwater corridors, allowing visitors to feel the effect of being in the underwater world.
Is Gatlinburg a Walkable City?
Yes, it is a walkable city and only walking is the best way to really get to know a place is to walk around it.
Whether it’s an organized tour or aimless wandering, walking around the city allows travelers to get to know its true character and see it as the locals see it every day.
Exploring local architecture and visiting street cafes are priceless moments of getting to know the real city, its genuine personality.
Can you Get Around Gatlinburg Without a Car?
Yes, it is a small and compact city where you can reach everything in a walkable distance.
Nowadays, every attraction in Gatlinburg is open except for Christ in the Smokies and World of Illusions which are closed forever…
I would suggest you this plan:
Start with a family breakfast in the downtown area of the town.
Is Gatlinburg a Walkable City?
Gatlinburg is famous for its pancake houses, so gather the whole family around the table and order local famous pancakes. Pancakes can be found everywhere in downtown.
Then Visit a Car Museum(Hollywood Star Fun).
Hollywood Star Fun is entertainment for all generations.
The collection has over 40 cars that have been used in Hollywood films, as well as Gone in 60 Seconds, The Fast and the Furious, and Days of Thunder. Other notable favorites include the original Batmobile from the 1960s TV show, Batman (as well as the Batmobile from the 1992 Batman Returns), and Herbie from the Disney franchise.
Then Cross the Skybridge.
It is stretching for 679 feet across a valley in the Great Smoky Mountains, it is the length of almost two football fields.
This makes it the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States .
The bridge is also over 131 feet off the ground at its midpoint (most sag), which is quite high in itself.
But take into account the slight wobble associated with the movement of many people (without any stabilization cables) and you will understand that this is definitely not for nervous people.
Especially when it comes to glass panels inserted in the middle of the bridge.
Go for a ride in Sky Lift.
No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without riding in the many chairlifts that make their way to the Smoky Mountains.
A popular option that departs from downtown is the completely refurbished Gatlinburg Sky Lift.
This open-air chairlift works at 1,800 feet of Mount Crockett, offering great views of the city and its scenic surroundings.
After unloading on the new Sky Deck atop Crockett Mountain, you can explore the many nearby trails, either hike back to Gatlinburg or take the Sky Lift back.
It’s a particularly enjoyable journey after dark, when the city and its Space Needle are lit to a dazzling effect.
Visit an Observation Deck : Space Needle
At the 407-foot Gatlinburg Space Needle, there is enough to see and do to justify its mention here.
Once you’ve arrived (and you can’t miss the building, it’s the tallest thing in the city), take one glass elevator for a quick ride to the tower’s observation deck for its stunning 360-degree views.
Is Gatlinburg a Party Town?
Definitely No.
It is a place for many people who love sports. People come here to go hiking, camping and enjoying the mountain scenery. The city is also home to Tennessee’s only ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg, so visiting Gatlinburg in the winter isn’t a bad idea either.
For parties to go to New York, In addition to many museums, parks and monuments, there are also a huge number of discos, restaurants and bars.
With the advent of darkness, New York is transformed, giving fun and eternal celebration. Unlike resort places, nightlife is seething here at all times of the year.
Live performances of jazz bands, retro parties, techno parties, hip-hop clubs – there is entertainment for every taste and budget.
Where to Stay?
A good choice in the mid-range budget includes the Courtyard Gatlinburg, which offers well-appointed rooms and great amenities, including a fun log cabin-style restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a large hot tub.
The Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg Downtown is a 3-star hotel located off Main Street with comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, hot tub and fire pit.
The Quality Inn & Suites Gatlinburg hotel offers a great option for budget travelers.
It offers comfortable rooms (with hot breakfast) and a large seasonal outdoor pool.
Other budget options worth considering include the Parkview Inn, a two-star hotel with free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and an outdoor pool (seasonal) and the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River, which offers several large suites.