Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg
As one of Great Smoky Mountains National Park's principal gateway communities, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, hosts many of the park's millions of annual visitors. It is located on U.S. 441 on the park's northern border, which is just two miles north of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The city offers lodging, dining and shopping, and other services to make your stay convenient and comfortable.
Lodging
Gatlinburg offers accommodations to suit everyone's taste and budget. There are more than 75 hotels and motels; 1,200 chalets, condominiums and cabins operated by 125 rental companies; seven bed-and-breakfasts, inns and lodges, and three private campgrounds. Book early, especially if you're visiting during the summer or over the weekend. For more information, please call the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at (800) 568-4748 or (865) 436-4178 or online at www.gatlinburg.com.
Dining
More than 70 restaurants serve old down-home Southern cooking featuring local specialties such as country ham and red-eye gravy, southern fried chicken, fresh mountain trout, and biscuits and gravy, as well as gourmet meals with champagne and caviar, seafood, prime rib or wild game.
Shopping
Gatlinburg has more than 400 gift and specialty shops. Handcrafted leather goods, wood carvings, baskets, quilts, jams and jellies, homemade fudge and candies, jewelry, custom glassware and furniture, antiques and pottery are widely available. Of particular note, Gatlinburg is home to Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, the largest gathering of independent artisans in North America. Located on an eight-mile loop only three miles from downtown Gatlinburg on East Parkway (U.S. 321-N), the Arts & Crafts Community features over one-hundred shops, studios and galleries for those who are interested in collecting one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork and crafts.
Entertainment
In the $42 million Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, billed as "America's most fun aquarium," more than 1.3 million gallons of salt water are home to thousands of rare and exotic fish including 12-foot sharks and other aquatic wildlife. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park offers winter skiing and snowboarding, year-round indoor ice skating and America's largest tram, a 120-passenger Alpine tram that whisks you from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Mt. Harrison. You can also see a live performance at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, replete with slapstick vaudevillian comedy.
Public Transportation
Convenient trolley service travels throughout Gatlinburg and into the Park to Sugarlands Visitor Center, Laurel Falls trailhead and Elkmont Campground.
Special Events Year-Round
No matter what season you choose to visit Gatlinburg, chances are there is always going to be something going on during your stay. Here is an overview of the calendar of events for 2008-09:
The Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games on May 16-18 is a great festival to experience. Caber tossing, stones, dancing, bagpipes and haggis are all part of the Scottish festivities. There's a Scottish Parade on the Parkway on Friday with activities scheduled in Mills Park. Gatlinburg's Fine Arts Festival, also held on May 17-18, offers a beautiful relaxing day along the river at the gorgeous Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and a juried art show with local and international artists, live entertainment along with wine & cheese served from the Veranda Restaurant. MountainFest reflects the heritage and culture of the Smoky Mountains on May 23-34 with bluegrass music and crafters spotlighted downtown.
A historic Civil War Reenactment takes place at Mills Park on June 13-15, then Downtown Gatlinburg becomes a stage during Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales from June 13 toAugust 31. All summer long visitors will meet whimsical characters, hear mountain music and learn about the wildlife and plant life of the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this third annual event.
On the evening of July 3, tens of thousands of people gather for Gatlinburg's 4th of July Midnight Parade, sponsored by Red Baron Pizza. Distinguished as the first Independence Day Parade in the country, it starts at the stroke of midnight. The event's festivities conclude with a downtown fireworks extravaganza the night of the 4th.
At the Craftsmen's Fair on July 18-27 & October9-26, you'll find the best in art, crafts and music with over 200 exhibitors from all across the country!
From September 1 through October 31, take the family on an old-fashioned hayride to see the spectacular autumn colors and fall decorations of Gatlinburg during the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival.
If you love good food, don't miss the Taste of Autumn on September18, featuring menu favorites from our finest restaurants at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
On November5, Gatlinburg kicks off one of the largest holiday lighting festivals in the country during the Winter MagicKick-Off and Chili Cook-Off.
The Winter MagicCelebration runs from November 5 through February28, 2009, with millions of LED lights to twinkle and dazzle, illuminated chandeliers on the streets and displays up to 40 feet tall.
On November 11, honor Veterans Day in Gatlinburg with World War II vintage planes performing flyovers, an American Eagle and your favorite patriotic music. Go Christmas shopping early for a one-of-a-kind present during the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Craft Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center November20-30.
The Schwan Food Company sponsors Gatlinburg's Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on December 5when Santa comes to Gatlinburg for one of the most cheerful and exciting holiday Christmas parades in the country!
Gatlinburg celebrates Auld Lang Syne with a New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show.
During2009, Spring is celebrated with Spring Fest, March through mid-June, when Gatlinburg blossoms with Mandevillas, Bougainvilleas, Lantanas, Scaveolas and Wave Petunias.
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Craft Show, held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center during March, features local artisans' demonstrations, displays, and sales.
In April, Gatlinburg throws a street party called Ribfest and Wings, an outdoor barbeque with live blues at this celebration in front of the Aquarium!
The 59th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage the last week of April boasts over 170 programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations and classroom lectures centered on the flowers and plants of the National Park.
For more information about any of Gatlinburg's special events, please call (800) 568-4748 or (865) 436-4178, or visit www.gatlinburg.com.
Guide Services
Smoky Mountain Angler offers full- or half-day group and personally guided fishing trips, including waders, rods and license; call (865) 436-8746 for more information. A Walk in the Woods features guided day hikes, nature walks and backpacking trips; call (865) 436-8283 for more information.
Miscellaneous Services
There are six banks with 24-hour automated teller machines, several service stations, grocery stores, liquor stores and film-processing services. Please call (865) 436-5112 for ambulance service.
For More Information
For brochures and additional information, contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at (800) 568-4748 or (865) 436-4178; or go to www.gatlinburg.com.
Smoky Mountains In Depth
News from the Parks
75th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps
August 29, 2008 - 1:49pm
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), designed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal to provide relief from the Great Depression. The CCC employed over two million young men to work in America’s parks and forests, creating and renovating roads, trails, campsites, social halls, amphitheaters and visitor centers. The program provided work in a time of great instability, but more importantly it offered disheartened Americans the chance to improve the nation's future, while strengthening their dignity and hope. They were making history by providing easier access to the treasures of the national park system. Nicknamed "Roosevelt's Tree Army," the CCC was operated through the cooperative efforts of four departments. The Department of Labor oversaw the selection of enrollees, the Army ran the camps, and the Interior and Agriculture departments provided work projects. Initially, unmarried men, between the ages of 18 and 25 and from families on relief, could apply. They enlisted for six months, with an option to reenlist for up to two years. The "CCC boys" worked for $30 a month, $25 of which was sent to their families. Eventually, "Local Experienced Men" (LEMs) and World War I veterans could enroll. Although a few work camps were established for women, most CCC enrollees were men. Nationwide, the CCC operated 4,500 camps! The CCC advanced natural resource conservation by decades, and provided education, training and experience for a generation of young men and women. Since then, millions of visitors to the national park system have enjoyed the work of the CCCs! Parks nationwide are commemorating the inspiring government leaders and hardworking young men that made up the Civilian Conservation Corps, and its contributions to parks across the country! Happy Birthday Civilian Conservation Corps!
August 29, 2008 - 1:49pm
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), designed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal to provide relief from the Great Depression. The CCC employed over two million young men to work in America’s parks and forests, creating and renovating roads, trails, campsites, social halls, amphitheaters and visitor centers. The program provided work in a time of great instability, but more importantly it offered disheartened Americans the chance to improve the nation's future, while strengthening their dignity and hope. They were making history by providing easier access to the treasures of the national park system. Nicknamed "Roosevelt's Tree Army," the CCC was operated through the cooperative efforts of four departments. The Department of Labor oversaw the selection of enrollees, the Army ran the camps, and the Interior and Agriculture departments provided work projects. Initially, unmarried men, between the ages of 18 and 25 and from families on relief, could apply. They enlisted for six months, with an option to reenlist for up to two years. The "CCC boys" worked for $30 a month, $25 of which was sent to their families. Eventually, "Local Experienced Men" (LEMs) and World War I veterans could enroll. Although a few work camps were established for women, most CCC enrollees were men. Nationwide, the CCC operated 4,500 camps! The CCC advanced natural resource conservation by decades, and provided education, training and experience for a generation of young men and women. Since then, millions of visitors to the national park system have enjoyed the work of the CCCs! Parks nationwide are commemorating the inspiring government leaders and hardworking young men that made up the Civilian Conservation Corps, and its contributions to parks across the country! Happy Birthday Civilian Conservation Corps!
September Featured Species: Zebra Mussels
August 29, 2008 - 12:53pm
Mussels are a key part of our aquatic ecosystems. They’re filter feeders, meaning they filter the water as they eat the debris that floats in it. They also serve as a food source for birds and small animals as well as fish … and humans. Usually there’s not much more to say about this animal, but one particular species has made a journey that highlights not only its hardiness but also the vulnerable balance of native ecosystems. Zebra mussels are small, freshwater mollusk species named for the stripes that commonly line the outside of their shells. Their sizes and shapes range can vary – oblong to almost circular, measuring anywhere from the size of a fingernail to two inches long – so it can be tricky to identify at first. The species is native to the lakes of Southern Russia but has been introduced, and has since caused quite a stir, in North America, the British Isles, Spain and Sweden. In these places the species has overgrown, and while it filters the water and provides food for bottom feeders in waterways, it’s more of an unchecked pest than anything. Zebra mussels are prolific. An adult female can produce between 30,000 and a million eggs in a year, which are fertilized during spring spawning sessions. What’s more, there are too few predators to keep the species in check. Having so many mussels around may not seem like a big problem on its face, but it has proven to be quite costly not only to the other members of its ‘host’ ecosystem but to humans as well. Many native lakes in North American have seen their native mussel populations drop due to the invasion of the zebra. It tends to latch onto the hardest substrates in the watery environment. In silty sands, these objects are the native mussels themselves, which are then often killed by the attachment of the zebra. The US coastguard estimates the cost of economic losses and control measures around the zebra to be worth about 5 billion dollars each year! These are hearty creatures that can survive out of water for several days or weeks if the temperature and humidity allow for it. Since 1988 they’ve have reproduced and weathered their way to richly populate all of the great lakes and begin a sprawl into the major rivers in the US. Scientists predict that the zebra mussel will continue to spread its population range by riding along the bottoms of small vessels and tourist ships. Zebra mussels can disrupt the food chain in freshwater ecosystems, ruin facilities like docks and rams, clog pipelines and engines and litter beaches with their smelly shells. But you can help to stop this trend of their growth in the US. Before launching your boat, you can check it thoroughly. Remove all mud, plant and animal debris from the boat, trailer and other equipment to enter the water. When you’re out of the water, drain the boat, motor and live well so that it can dry out – the boat needs to be completely dry for at least five days before entering another body of water. Doing your part will help protect freshwater ecosystems around the US and in our national parks, as well as reduce the dollars spent to reduce the damage caused by this prolific species.
August 29, 2008 - 12:53pm
Mussels are a key part of our aquatic ecosystems. They’re filter feeders, meaning they filter the water as they eat the debris that floats in it. They also serve as a food source for birds and small animals as well as fish … and humans. Usually there’s not much more to say about this animal, but one particular species has made a journey that highlights not only its hardiness but also the vulnerable balance of native ecosystems. Zebra mussels are small, freshwater mollusk species named for the stripes that commonly line the outside of their shells. Their sizes and shapes range can vary – oblong to almost circular, measuring anywhere from the size of a fingernail to two inches long – so it can be tricky to identify at first. The species is native to the lakes of Southern Russia but has been introduced, and has since caused quite a stir, in North America, the British Isles, Spain and Sweden. In these places the species has overgrown, and while it filters the water and provides food for bottom feeders in waterways, it’s more of an unchecked pest than anything. Zebra mussels are prolific. An adult female can produce between 30,000 and a million eggs in a year, which are fertilized during spring spawning sessions. What’s more, there are too few predators to keep the species in check. Having so many mussels around may not seem like a big problem on its face, but it has proven to be quite costly not only to the other members of its ‘host’ ecosystem but to humans as well. Many native lakes in North American have seen their native mussel populations drop due to the invasion of the zebra. It tends to latch onto the hardest substrates in the watery environment. In silty sands, these objects are the native mussels themselves, which are then often killed by the attachment of the zebra. The US coastguard estimates the cost of economic losses and control measures around the zebra to be worth about 5 billion dollars each year! These are hearty creatures that can survive out of water for several days or weeks if the temperature and humidity allow for it. Since 1988 they’ve have reproduced and weathered their way to richly populate all of the great lakes and begin a sprawl into the major rivers in the US. Scientists predict that the zebra mussel will continue to spread its population range by riding along the bottoms of small vessels and tourist ships. Zebra mussels can disrupt the food chain in freshwater ecosystems, ruin facilities like docks and rams, clog pipelines and engines and litter beaches with their smelly shells. But you can help to stop this trend of their growth in the US. Before launching your boat, you can check it thoroughly. Remove all mud, plant and animal debris from the boat, trailer and other equipment to enter the water. When you’re out of the water, drain the boat, motor and live well so that it can dry out – the boat needs to be completely dry for at least five days before entering another body of water. Doing your part will help protect freshwater ecosystems around the US and in our national parks, as well as reduce the dollars spent to reduce the damage caused by this prolific species.
15th Annual National Public Lands Day
August 29, 2008 - 12:18pm
Don’t miss this great opportunity to join more than 100,000 volunteers in the country’s single largest hands-on volunteer effort for America’s public lands. In addition to celebrating the natural beauty of our parks, trails, lakes and seashores, you’ll have a chance to get involved in your community by helping with a variety of volunteer projects, including building trails and bridges, planting trees and plants, and removing trash and invasive plants. American Park Network is proud to announce that our long-standing partner, and supporter of parks, AVEENO®, is now the national sponsor of National Public Lands Day. If you decide to volunteer, be sure to add a camera to the list of gear you’ll need on NPLD! Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Ninth Annual National Public Lands Day Photo Contest, which is open to all NPLD volunteers! The contest will showcase the natural beauty of our country's public lands and give volunteers the chance to win great prizes from AVEENO®. The contest has two categories. The first is “Volunteers in Action,” highlighting the great work taking place on NPLD and all of the people who make the day a success. The second category, “Transformative Change,” will enable volunteers who care so much about our public places to show the nation the impact they’ve made during NPLD. In addition to great AVEENO® gifts for the contest winners, there will be a $500 donation made to the sites affiliated with the top five photos in the “Transformative Change” category in support of their commitment to transformation!
August 29, 2008 - 12:18pm
Don’t miss this great opportunity to join more than 100,000 volunteers in the country’s single largest hands-on volunteer effort for America’s public lands. In addition to celebrating the natural beauty of our parks, trails, lakes and seashores, you’ll have a chance to get involved in your community by helping with a variety of volunteer projects, including building trails and bridges, planting trees and plants, and removing trash and invasive plants. American Park Network is proud to announce that our long-standing partner, and supporter of parks, AVEENO®, is now the national sponsor of National Public Lands Day. If you decide to volunteer, be sure to add a camera to the list of gear you’ll need on NPLD! Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Ninth Annual National Public Lands Day Photo Contest, which is open to all NPLD volunteers! The contest will showcase the natural beauty of our country's public lands and give volunteers the chance to win great prizes from AVEENO®. The contest has two categories. The first is “Volunteers in Action,” highlighting the great work taking place on NPLD and all of the people who make the day a success. The second category, “Transformative Change,” will enable volunteers who care so much about our public places to show the nation the impact they’ve made during NPLD. In addition to great AVEENO® gifts for the contest winners, there will be a $500 donation made to the sites affiliated with the top five photos in the “Transformative Change” category in support of their commitment to transformation!
Kautz Creek: Nature's Power Is Evident
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
Popular N.C. Beach Reopened for Vehicles
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
