United States

Gatlinburg Travel Guide

Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.

Weather
Avg TempSummer temperatures in Gatlinburg typically range from average lows in the low 60s°F (16-18°C) to average highs in the low to mid-80s°F (27-29°C).
RainfallSummer months, particularly July and August, experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms. While usually brief, they can be intense. Overall, summer is one of the wetter seasons.
Best TimeFor those seeking warm weather and lush green scenery, summer is a popular time, especially for families. Early summer (June) might offer slightly milder temperatures and fewer crowds than July and August.

Food & Drink

  • The Peddler SteakhouseSteakhouse, American · $$$

    A classic Gatlinburg steakhouse known for its hand-cut steaks, fresh salad bar, and rustic ambiance overlooking the Little Pigeon River.

  • Crockett's Breakfast CampBreakfast, American · $$

    A popular spot for hearty, Southern-style breakfasts with generous portions of pancakes, waffles, and traditional dishes in a lodge-like setting.

  • Cherokee GrillSteakhouse, American · $$$

    An upscale mountain lodge-style restaurant offering a refined dining experience with steaks, seafood, and a well-curated wine list.

  • Pancake PantryBreakfast, American · $$

    Tennessee's first pancake house, serving a wide variety of sweet and savory pancakes, waffles, and crepes since 1960. Expect a wait, especially during peak season.

  • Calhoun's RestaurantSouthern, American · $$

    Known for its award-winning ribs, BBQ, and other Southern comfort food favorites in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

  • Blake Shelton's Ole Red Gatlinburg

    A lively restaurant and music venue featuring live country music performances, Southern comfort food, and a full bar with signature cocktails.

  • Smoky Mountain Brewery

    A popular brewpub offering handcrafted beers, pub fare like pizzas and burgers, and often live music in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

  • Hogg's & Honey's

    A casual bar in downtown Gatlinburg known for its relaxed vibe, good drinks, and often featuring karaoke or local entertainment.

Culture & History

  • Ripley's Believe It or Not!

    A quirky museum showcasing odd artifacts, incredible feats, and bizarre exhibits collected by Robert Ripley from around the world.

  • Hollywood Star Cars Museum

    Features famous cars from movies and television shows, including vehicles from 'Batman,' 'The Fast and the Furious,' and 'Gone in 60 Seconds.'

  • Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum

    A unique museum dedicated to showcasing over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from various eras and designs.

  • Regal Cinemas Hollywood 16 (Pigeon Forge)

    The closest full-service movie theater offering multiple screens with the latest blockbuster releases and comfortable seating. Located just a short drive from Gatlinburg in Pigeon Forge. There are no large cinemas directly in Gatlinburg itself, only smaller attractions and 5D experiences. This is the nearest traditional cinema experience. This cinema is in Pigeon Forge, not Gatlinburg, but is the closest major cinema for the area. Distance is approximate from Gatlinburg center to Pigeon Forge center, then to cinema. It's the most practical option for moviegoers near Gatlinburg.

  • Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

    Street performers, storytellers, and musicians entertain visitors along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, showcasing Appalachian culture and heritage.

  • Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair (Summer)

    A highly acclaimed event featuring over 200 of the nation's finest artisans and craftspeople displaying and selling their handmade creations.

  • Gatlinburg's 4th of July Midnight Parade

    The first 4th of July parade in the nation, kicking off at 12:01 AM on July 4th, featuring patriotic floats, marching bands, and local participants.

Nature & Outdoors

  • Laurel Falls

    A popular 80-foot waterfall accessible via a paved (but uneven) 2.6-mile roundtrip trail, making it relatively easy for families.

  • Grotto Falls

    A unique 25-foot waterfall where hikers can actually walk behind the cascade. It's reached by a moderate 2.6-mile roundtrip hike along the Trillium Gap Trail.

  • Gatlinburg Trail Waterfall

    A smaller, unnamed cascade located along the Gatlinburg Trail, offering a pleasant and easily accessible natural feature just outside of town.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Gatlinburg serves as a gateway to the most visited national park in the U.S., offering endless opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing amidst ancient mountains.

  • Mount LeConte

    The third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering breathtaking views and accessible via several challenging hiking trails from the Gatlinburg area.

  • Clingmans Dome

    The highest point in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, featuring an observation tower with 360-degree panoramic views.

Active & Fun

  • Gatlinburg Community Center

    A comprehensive community center providing a fitness area with cardio and weightlifting equipment, as well as a walking track and various sports courts.

  • Wild Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark

    An impressive indoor waterpark located at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, featuring a retractable roof, slides, a lazy river, and a large activity pool. Day passes are sometimes available.

  • Gatlinburg Community Center

    A public facility offering an indoor swimming pool, open to residents and visitors for a daily fee. Includes lap lanes and recreational swim areas.

  • Dollywood

    A world-renowned theme park offering thrilling rides, award-winning shows, traditional crafts, and Southern-inspired dining, located just a short drive from Gatlinburg.

  • Anakeesta

    A mountaintop adventure park accessible by scenic chondola or Ridge Rambler. Features a treetop skywalk, dueling ziplines, a mountain coaster, and panoramic views of the Smokies.

  • Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area

    Accessible by an aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg, offering amusement rides, a wildlife habitat, indoor ice skating, and various family-friendly activities.