A picturesque mountain town full of fun-filled adventures for the whole family, Gatlinburg also boasts fine art and antiques, mountain crafts, world-class dining establishments, live entertainment and excellent lodging choices. One of the premiere year-round vacation destinations in the United States, Gatlinburg provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and serves as a principal gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Originally known as “White Oak Flats,” Gatlinburg took its name from Radford Gatlin, a prosperous merchant who allowed the postmaster to use space in his prosperous mercantile in 1860. In appreciation, the post office was renamed “Gatlinburg.” From its humble beginnings as a logging town, Gatlinburg has evolved into the perfect mountain getaway for family vacations, weekend escapes, romantic getaways, weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and corporate meetings.
The multitude of attractions in the Gatlinburg area include museums, aquariums, craft exhibits and galleries, amusement parks and rides, miniature golf, viewing towers and wildlife exhibits. Not-to-be-missed Gatlinburg attractions include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park, Gatlinburg Space Needle, Guinness World of Records Museum and Christus Gardens. Visitors to Gatlinburg can also view the work of master craftspeople at the Great Smoky Arts Crafts Community and the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. Championship golf, horseback riding, gardens, ski lifts, whitewater rafting, trout fishing in clear mountain streams, backcountry camping and miles of scenic hiking trails round out the wealth of recreational opportunities in the Gatlinburg area.
Driving tours through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a popular way to view the area's beautiful spring wildflowers and spectacular fall colors. In addition, Gatlinburg boasts dozens of quality dining choices - from delicious mountain-style cooking to world-class cuisine. Whether you are seeking a secluded cabin or chalet with a wooded view, budget motel, full-service hotel with meeting facilities or family resort, Gatlinburg offers quality accommodations to suit your needs.
The City of Gatlinburg operates three Welcome Centers: The Spur Welcome Center on Highway 441, Aquarium Welcome Center at traffic light #5 and Parkway Visitor Center at traffic light #3.
Atlanta, Georgia - 205 miles
Birmingham, Alabama - 296 miles
Charleston, West Virginia - 316 miles
Charlotte, North Carolina - 197 miles
Cincinnati, Ohio - 232 miles
Columbia, South Carolina - 227 miles
Dayton, Ohio - 375 miles
Indianapolis, Indiana - 397 miles
Jackson, Mississippi - 533 miles
Lexington, Kentucky - 240 miles
Louisville, Kentucky - 286 miles
Memphis, Tennessee - 426 miles
New Orleans, Louisiana - 661 miles
Nashville, Tennessee - 220 miles
Directions to Gatlinburg:
From Asheville, North Carolina - Take I-40 West to Exit 443. Follow the Foothills Parkway to Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg.
From Atlanta, Georgia - Take I-85 North to I-985 North to U.S. 23 to Highway 23/Highway 441 to Highway 74/441 through Cherokee, North Carolina to Gatlinburg.
From Chattanooga, Tennessee - Take I-75 North to Exit 81 and follow Highway 321 North to Gatlinburg.
From Virginia - Take I-81 South to I-40 East to Exit 435 (Newport). Follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg.
