Map Of Downtown Gatlinburg
Introduction
Gatlinburg, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. As a part of the Map of Downtown Gatlinburg, this travel guide will provide you with a comprehensive list of the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more that you can explore in this charming town.
Top Attractions
Gatlinburg SkyBridge
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is one of the most popular attractions in town. This 680-foot-long pedestrian suspension bridge offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. The glass-floor panels in the middle of the bridge add an extra thrill for visitors.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an indoor aquarium that is home to over 10,000 sea creatures. Visitors can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, touch stingrays, and watch penguins play. It’s a perfect attraction for families with kids.
Hidden Gems
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Sugarlands Distilling Company is a hidden gem that offers free tours and tastings of their famous moonshine. Visitors can also enjoy live music and outdoor seating while sipping on their favorite cocktail.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can stop at various points along the way to enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic buildings. It’s a great way to escape the crowds in downtown Gatlinburg.
Food Scene
The Peddler Steakhouse
The Peddler Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse that has been serving delicious steaks for over 40 years. Visitors can enjoy their meal while overlooking a beautiful creek that runs through the property.
Pancake Pantry
Pancake Pantry is a local favorite for breakfast. They offer a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, and crepes that are made from scratch. Be prepared to wait in line as this place is always busy.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Trolley Rides
The Gatlinburg Trolley offers free rides along the Parkway and to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can save money on parking and gas by using this convenient service.
Picnic in the Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers many picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal with a spectacular view. Bring your own food and enjoy a budget-friendly meal in nature.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Visitors can explore waterfalls, historic buildings, and stunning vistas along the way.
Whitewater Rafting
The Pigeon River, located just a short drive from Gatlinburg, offers whitewater rafting adventures for all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of the rapids while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Family-Friendly Activities
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round amusement park that offers skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and a mountain coaster in the winter. In the summer, visitors can enjoy an alpine slide, mini-golf, and a scenic chairlift ride.
Gatlin’s Mini Golf
Gatlin’s Mini Golf is a family-owned mini-golf course that offers two 18-hole courses in a beautiful mountain setting. Visitors can enjoy a game of mini-golf while taking in the stunning views.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
Forbidden Caverns
Forbidden Caverns is a unique attraction that offers a guided tour of a cave system that was used by the Cherokee Indians and early settlers. Visitors can see underground waterfalls, pools, and formations.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a dinner attraction that features a friendly competition between the North and South, complete with horseback riding, live music, and a four-course meal. It’s a fun and unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Natural Wonders
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a short hike to the observation tower to enjoy the panoramic views.
Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is located just outside of Gatlinburg. Visitors can take a short hike to the falls and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Vibrant Nightlife
Blaine’s Grill & Bar
Blaine’s Grill & Bar is a popular spot for live music and drinks. Visitors can enjoy a variety of music genres, from country to rock, while sipping on their favorite cocktail.
The Smoky Mountain Brewery
The Smoky Mountain Brewery is a local brewery that offers a variety of craft beers and pub food. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer and live music on the outdoor patio.
Local Markets
Gatlinburg Farmers Market
The Gatlinburg Farmers Market is a local market that offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Visitors can support local farmers and artisans while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
The Village Shops
The Village Shops is a collection of 27 unique shops that offer everything from clothing to candy. Visitors can stroll through the charming village while browsing for souvenirs and gifts.
Beaches and Mountains
Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain views while soaking up the sun.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offers stunning mountain views and a chance to see wildlife. Visitors can stop at various points along the way to hike, bike, and take in the natural beauty.
Cultural Immersion
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is a unique museum that features over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world. Visitors can learn about the history and cultural significance of these everyday objects.
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is an 8-mile loop that features over 100 working artists and craftsmen. Visitors can watch demonstrations and purchase handmade items such as pottery, quilts, and jewelry.
Art and Music Scene
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Festival
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Festival is a bi-annual event that features over 200 artists and craftsmen from around the country. Visitors can browse and purchase handmade items while enjoying live music and food.
The Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival
The Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival is an annual event that features songwriters from around the country. Visitors can enjoy live music and learn about the songwriting process from the professionals.
Walking Tours
The Gatlinburg Ghost Walk
The Gatlinburg Ghost Walk is a walking tour that takes visitors through the haunted history of Gatlinburg. Visitors can learn about the ghosts and legends that are said to haunt the town.
The Mountain Mall
The Mountain Mall is a shopping center that features over 40 unique shops and restaurants. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the mall and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
Architectural Marvels
The Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot-tall observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for a spectacular view.
The Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin
The Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin is a historic cabin that was built in the 1800s by one of the early settlers of Gatlinburg. Visitors can tour the cabin and learn about the history of the area.
Historical Sites
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum is a museum that tells the story of the logging industry that was once a major part of the economy in the Smoky Mountains. Visitors can see exhibits of logging equipment and learn about the history of the area.