Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its diverse plant and animal life as well as the ancient mountains that straddle the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this is America’s most visited National Park.
Established in 1931 and comprised of over 300,000 acres of land once previously owned by small farms, large tracts, and other miscellaneous parcels of land, the unique national park and its surrounding area is a true test of America’s willingness to protect its most precious natural landscapes. It was no easy feat to create a park that was once privately owned. President Franklin Roosevelt declared that it would be a national park for all of the people of the country, and the rest of the world to enjoy. And so it continues to be today.
Gatlinburg is located just an hour outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, and borders the entrance (hence the gateway!) to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With 12.5 million people visiting the storied park annually, your lodging options are endless. A-frames, log cabins, mountain chalets, and tiny homes galore provide you comfort after adventure-filled days.
If you’re the active-type, your days will be filled with seemingly endless hiking and mountain biking trails within the Park. And, in the summer, you can spend a day doing fun things like white-water rafting along the Pigeon River with a guide, checking out Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, or visiting the famed Dollywood, which is a convenient 20 min drive away.
At the end of your action-packed day, stroll down the parkway in downtown Gatlinburg for a drink at local whiskey and moonshine distilleries like Sugarlands Distilling Company and The Old Smoky Moonshine Distillery. But, beware, the $5 samples might sneak up on you! Once you finish your moonshine tour, a big hot spot is the Gatlinburg Space Needle where visitors can soak in the incredible downtown Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain views.
Not sure when to plan your trip? Gatlinburg has two peak seasons: summer months and late October when the foliage reaches its peak colors. With 12.5 million visitors annually, we think the best times to visit are between September and October. But, be sure to pack layers because the temperature drops quickly on those fall nights. While early spring (March to May) marks Gatlinburg’s low season, you’ll likely catch the spring wildflowers takeover the mountainsides.
This small town charm, and the 300,000 acres of endless adventure make for a memorable break from your normal 2021 routine. Check out our selection below of great Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and get ready to plan your escape!
