A number of excellent visitor centers offer guides and easy access to the most scenic areas. Numerous campsites are dotted around the park, along with cabin rental opportunities in and around this area of outstanding natural beauty. One of the highlights is the park's flora. A mix of deciduous and conifer forests, it's also home to more than 1, species of flowering plants, including mountain magnolias, wild azaleas, mountain laurels, orchids, and rhododendrons.
Official site: www. And the drive is certainly well worth it. You'll be rewarded with wonderful views stretching as far as miles on a clear day - views that are especially attractive at sunrise and sunset.
A highlight is the superb foot-tall observation tower perched atop the mountain's summit and offering degree views of the Smokies. While the tower is open all year, be sure to keep an eye on the weather, as the road leading to it closes if things turn nasty. A variety of other trails branch off from the car park, which is just half-a-mile walk along a paved yet steep pathway to the observation tower. The best of a number of Ripley's attractions in Gatlinburg, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies features plenty of exotic marine life from around the world.
Highlights include a submerged acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to see sharks and other ocean predators up close, and interactive exhibits, including the always popular "touch a ray bay.
For a truly memorable experience, consider signing up for one of the fun penguin experiences. These family-friendly adventures include having the chance to pet one of these amazing creatures, or even don your bathing suit and swim with the stingrays. There's even a fun glass-bottom boat ride through the attraction. Odditorium Gatlinburg with its collection of unusual items such as shrunken heads, medieval instruments of torture, and a fun mirror maze.
Ripley's Moving Theater , meanwhile, is a fun cinematic experience that heightens the on-screen action with chairs that move. Other related attractions include the Guinness World Records museum , a highlight of which is Harry Houdini's water torture chamber, and the always fun Haunted Adventure. One of the prettiest parts of the Smoky Mountains, the Sugarlands is a valley named after the area's once dominant sugar maple trees and is extremely popular as a day trip destination from Gatlinburg.
The area stretches from the aptly-named Roaring Fork in the east, all the way to the slopes of Sugarland Mountain in the west and is overlooked by the 5,foot Mount le Conte. Sugarlands is particularly popular among hikers, with hiking being one of the top things to do around Gatlinburg in October when the leaves are changing color.
One of the most popular hiking trails is the Old Sugarlands Trail, open to hikers and horse riders. Not far away is Noah Ogle Place , a former homestead with an old barn, cabin, and mill. Another popular and short hike that's great for kids heads off from the visitor center to the attractive foot-tall Cataract Falls.
While at the visitor center, check into their Ranger-led programs, natural history exhibits, and films about the park. The gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the always-busy town of Gatlinburg provides everything travelers need after a long day exploring the surrounding countryside. The main thoroughfare, Parkway, is where most of the action is, and is home to as many mom-and-pop stores and restaurants as it is to big-brand hotel and motel chains.
For those with younger travelers in tow, there's no better place to blow off some steam than at the numerous attractions here. These include everything from classic arcade-style amusements to theater shows and aquariums. Sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with whipped cream. The Marvelous Blintz - "Pecans and raisins are added to a ricotta-cream cheese filling and placed in our blintz pancake.
Topped with powdered sugar and a warm orange blueberry syrup. Wild Blueberry Pancakes - "Sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with blueberry compote. Captures all the tang of mountain blueberries.
There is nearby parking in paid parking lots, and parking garages on the strip. Appetizers, sides, salads, soups and kid's menu available. The Old Mill is an absolute treasure for many reasons. It was built in , and the town of Pigeon Forge slowly grew up around it.
It is one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the country and one of the most photographed in America. The Restaurant was built next to it in The Mill still grinds corn, grits and other grains that are then used to make fresh breads, sweets, and other treats, as well as the moonshine at the distillery.
Everywhere you look, you will be touched by history and handcrafted artisan goods. You can also inquire about guided tours. They even make their own pottery at Pigeon River Pottery and there's a good chance your meal may be served on this beautiful, handcrafted stoneware.
Some delicious items on the menu include:. There is ample parking including Patriot Park just a block away. Sides, salads, soups and kid's menu is available. This restaurant is in one of the oldest building in Gatlinburg and has served locally sourced trout since They must know a thing or 2 about good trout. It has been recently remodeled, and has upper level seating,. The menu has an large variety of trout recipes for everyone's taste.
For those who want something else there are steaks, chicken and catfish and shrimp. Yes, you can get a local or imported beer and also wine.
The Eisenhower - "A house favorite. Breaded in our cornmeal breading then fried the "old timey way" Served with a side of sauteed mushrooms and sauteed onions. Ole Smoky Trout - "A hickory smoked trout stuffed with bacon and served with a side of sauteed mushrooms and sauteed onions".
Dilly Trout - "Perfectly seasoned with dill weed and served with dill sauce". There is ample parking across the street. Ok, this one's inside the Dollywood Theme Park.
They know a thing or 2 about satisfying hungry crowds. The staff is dressed up like cute old time granny's and served buffet or family style. Here you will find:. Add some roasted corn and sweet potato casserole, buttered cabbage and biscuits, just to name a few. How bout some cornbread dressing or seasonal berry cobbler for dessert? Now remember, this is not a 5-star restaurant, it's a family buffet at a theme park , so get to eatin', but don't get on the Thunderhead Rollercoaster right after, ya hear!
This little Gatlinburg candy shop has been open on since and is in the Mountain Mall on the main strip of Gatlinburg. Click here to learn more about the Gatlinburg Space Needle ». For you. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options.
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Log out. US Markets Loading H M S In the news. Talia Avakian. Gatlinburg attracts more than 11 million visitors per year. The charming town has three separate entrances that lead straight into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With an incredible diversity of plant and animal life and stunning mountain scenery, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park.
From Gatlinburg, visitors can explore its lush forests and scenic views. Heading to G-burg in October? Well, you could be taking selfies with a statue in 28 degree temperatures all the way up through 90 degrees. Even summer can range — from 52 and 55 in June and July up to 99 and 97 degrees, respectively. Beat Mother Nature by bringing lots of light layers.
Prepare for some rain too, with a small foldable umbrella stashed in your bag. The average lowest rain is about 2. The Smoky Mountains are actually considered temperate rain forest. The high elevations can see upwards of 80 inches of rain per year! Your first inkling that Gatlinburg was a place of interest may have been when your teacher assigned it as a unit in school.
While much of the write up on Gatlinburg concerns its connection to the Civil War, adventure seekers may want to read up on this fast fact: G-burg is the only place to ski in Tennessee!
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