Named one of the prettiest towns in America by Forbes.com, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is an enticing destination because of its rustic charm and amazing view of the Great Smoky Mountains. The city also features attractions and activities for people of all interests, from artists and nature lovers to adventure sportsmen and history buffs.
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to explore 800 square miles of breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, wildlife, and log homesteads. Gatlinburg offers fun and excitement with indoor attractions as well, such as the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, which features miniature golf, a movie theater, haunted adventures, and more. Start planning your trip today by booking your lodging and transportation with Orbitz.com.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee experiences the full range of seasons, with summertime highs averaging in the 80s and wintertime lows averaging in the 20s. One of the best times of year to visit is in the fall, when the changing foliage and autumn festivities, such as the Craftsmen's Fair, can be enjoyed. November through March is ideal for those who wish to visit the mountaintop ski resort, although the resort also offers summertime attractions. Off-season rates are available at area lodges during the winter. To enjoy the scenery and shops of Gatlinburg with fewer people around, plan a weekday trip. Orbitz.com can help you locate available lodges, create your itinerary, and find discount prices.
Voted year after year as serving the best hickory-smoked ribs, chicken, and more, Bennett's is a locally owned and operated restaurant worth visiting.
Stand behind the flowing water of a waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains at Grotto Falls, the only waterfall in the area where you can do this.
View the mountain scenery while enjoying wine or beer, and a homemade gourmet lunch, in the cabin's Austrian-style tearoom.
The only legal moonshine distillery in Tennessee, Ole Smoky serves moonshine from an old family recipe and also entertains guests year-round with live mountain music.
The original home of Dolly Parton's family is now one of the best springtime spots to picnic and walk among wildflowers.
Sample the fine arts and culture of historic Gatlinburg in this garden setting. The shops offer antiques, furniture, and more, created by juried artists inspired by tradition.
Settled in the early 1800s, Cades Cove offers a look into the homestead life of settlers along an 11-mile road, with barns, churches, restored homes, and some of the best opportunities for viewing wildlife.
Watch all the fireflies flash in unison and light up the nights in June at Elkmont, which is the only place in America with synchronous fireflies.
See the Smoky Mountains from above on the Aerial Tramway, a cable car that travels 2.1 miles from downtown to the Ober Gatlinburg mountaintop resort.
Take the whole family on a whitewater rafting trip down the Pigeon River with nationally recognized professional guides at Natahala Outdoor Center.
Take a walk through clear, underwater tunnels for an up-close look at sharks, turtles, penguins, and more.
Explore the national park on horseback with an experienced guide.
See the city of Gatlinburg and a get a great, 360-degree view of the mountains from an observation deck. The Space Needle also offers an arcade, comedy shows, laser tag, and more.
More than 20,000 sets of shakers are on display at this museum. Visit the on-site gift shop for a souvenir set of shakers or handcrafted jewelry.
Check out the cars from Charlie's Angels, Gone in 60 Seconds, and other famous movies and shows during a tour of this Gatlinburg museum.