Smoky Mountain Guidebook
City/town information
Gatlinburg is the "Gateway to the Smokies". Nestled in the mountains themselves, Gatlinburg has a charming chalet town feel. With shops, restaurants and ski lifts lining its streets, the real gem is the nature that surrounds it. Enjoy all levels of hiking, nature drives, and even visit some of the first homes in this area of the country. Gatlinburg has a little something for everyone.
660 locals recommend
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is the "Gateway to the Smokies". Nestled in the mountains themselves, Gatlinburg has a charming chalet town feel. With shops, restaurants and ski lifts lining its streets, the real gem is the nature that surrounds it. Enjoy all levels of hiking, nature drives, and even visit some of the first homes in this area of the country. Gatlinburg has a little something for everyone.
Pigeon Forge is the sister city to Gatlinburg. As an old metal forge town, its historic charm and modern attractions will keep your family busy all week! From shops and restaurants, to zip lines and mountain coasters, you won't be wishing for more things to do. The best part is, the area is beautiful, so you will be just fine doing nothing at all, just enjoy the view!
500 locals recommend
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is the sister city to Gatlinburg. As an old metal forge town, its historic charm and modern attractions will keep your family busy all week! From shops and restaurants, to zip lines and mountain coasters, you won't be wishing for more things to do. The best part is, the area is beautiful, so you will be just fine doing nothing at all, just enjoy the view!
Food scene
A walk across the Little Pigeon Forge River and into a family fun zone! With restaurants, unique shops, rides and games, the only reason you will stop your agenda will be to listen to the live music or watch the water show.
369 locals recommend
The Island Dr
The Island DriveA walk across the Little Pigeon Forge River and into a family fun zone! With restaurants, unique shops, rides and games, the only reason you will stop your agenda will be to listen to the live music or watch the water show.
Rustic charm does not quite describe this gourmet restaurant. This is the place to bring your whole family, enjoy a well cooked dinner, and a night on the Gatlinburg strip. Located right at the entrance of the National Park, it has the ambiance you are looking for.
61 locals recommend
The Park Grill
1110 ParkwayRustic charm does not quite describe this gourmet restaurant. This is the place to bring your whole family, enjoy a well cooked dinner, and a night on the Gatlinburg strip. Located right at the entrance of the National Park, it has the ambiance you are looking for.
Off the beaten path, this restaurant does not disappoint. This is a come as you are type of restaurant, with everything from BBQ to steak. If you catch them on the right night, you might have a live band or some karaoke to entertain you.
202 locals recommend
Three Jimmy's Good Time Eatery
1359 East ParkwayOff the beaten path, this restaurant does not disappoint. This is a come as you are type of restaurant, with everything from BBQ to steak. If you catch them on the right night, you might have a live band or some karaoke to entertain you.
Dinner and a show? Yes, please! This family event is for everyone...that isn't allergic to horses :). Make sure to get your reservation as the show sells out fast! Enjoy the pre-show and the main event! Face painting, live music and games start the event, but that is just the beginning! For the main event, the tricks and skilled riding of the performers will leave you in awe while you are eating a delicious meal. (Note: No alcohol served).
378 locals recommend
Dolly Parton's Stampede
3849 ParkwayDinner and a show? Yes, please! This family event is for everyone...that isn't allergic to horses :). Make sure to get your reservation as the show sells out fast! Enjoy the pre-show and the main event! Face painting, live music and games start the event, but that is just the beginning! For the main event, the tricks and skilled riding of the performers will leave you in awe while you are eating a delicious meal. (Note: No alcohol served).
Cash only, and worth the wait! This pancake haven has so many options, you might need to eat here every meal just to satisfy your craving.
139 locals recommend
Pancake Pantry
628 ParkwayCash only, and worth the wait! This pancake haven has so many options, you might need to eat here every meal just to satisfy your craving.
Come for the pizza but you might leave with a sub! All of Geno's food is just the way you always knew you wanted it!
9 locals recommend
Geno's Pizza
385 East PkwyCome for the pizza but you might leave with a sub! All of Geno's food is just the way you always knew you wanted it!
Classic old style diner, their food is on pointe. Finish off a hearty meal with a gigantic sundae if you dare.
77 locals recommend
Mel's Classic Diner
119 Wears Valley RdClassic old style diner, their food is on pointe. Finish off a hearty meal with a gigantic sundae if you dare.
Must-Do Activities
Amazing views, location is perfect. Enjoy the Smokies in a brand new way.
46 locals recommend
Legacy Mountain Ziplines
800 Legacy Vista DrAmazing views, location is perfect. Enjoy the Smokies in a brand new way.
Jayell Ranch
1131 Jayell RdHorseback Riding or ATVs, adventure your way!
If you think you have had fun on rollercoasters before, you haven't seen anything yet! Ride this gravity propelled thriller and feel your smile from ear to ear!
206 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
867 Wears Valley RdIf you think you have had fun on rollercoasters before, you haven't seen anything yet! Ride this gravity propelled thriller and feel your smile from ear to ear!
You can't miss this adventure-land. Tree bridges, Tree houses, ice cream, restaurants and food trucks. There is so much to do at the top of Anakeesta Mountain, your mind will be thinking of activities when you crest the mountain top and realize the best part is the view. It is a must see for so many reasons.
453 locals recommend
Anakeesta
576 ParkwayYou can't miss this adventure-land. Tree bridges, Tree houses, ice cream, restaurants and food trucks. There is so much to do at the top of Anakeesta Mountain, your mind will be thinking of activities when you crest the mountain top and realize the best part is the view. It is a must see for so many reasons.
The valley was home to numerous settlers before the formation of the national park. Today Cades Cove, the single most popular destination for visitors to the park, attracts more than two million visitors a year because of its well preserved homesteads, scenic mountain views, and abundant display of wildlife. The Cades Cove Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
761 locals recommend
Cades Cove
The valley was home to numerous settlers before the formation of the national park. Today Cades Cove, the single most popular destination for visitors to the park, attracts more than two million visitors a year because of its well preserved homesteads, scenic mountain views, and abundant display of wildlife. The Cades Cove Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Karaoke, The Karaoke, The Karaoke. If you are looking for fun on the Gatlinburg strip, look no further!
11 locals recommend
Shamrock's Lounge & Nightclub
105 Reagan DrThe Karaoke, The Karaoke, The Karaoke. If you are looking for fun on the Gatlinburg strip, look no further!
River Tubing! A must do summer activity! Enjoy nature from its most serene setting!
167 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain River Rat Main Tubing Outpost
205 Wears Valley RdRiver Tubing! A must do summer activity! Enjoy nature from its most serene setting!
This is one of the easiest hiking paths at the entrance to the National Park Welcome Center. This path is 0.5 miles to the waterfall and 0.5 miles back to the Welcome Center. With a creek running all the way and name cards with information at the base of every tree, you will feel like you and your family have had an excursion of a lifetime. Rating: Easy
37 locals recommend
Cataract Falls
Cove Mountain TrailThis is one of the easiest hiking paths at the entrance to the National Park Welcome Center. This path is 0.5 miles to the waterfall and 0.5 miles back to the Welcome Center. With a creek running all the way and name cards with information at the base of every tree, you will feel like you and your family have had an excursion of a lifetime. Rating: Easy
At Dollywood, celebrate the best of life as they light up the Smokies with rides, slides, music, food and laughter - day and night.
797 locals recommend
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks BlvdAt Dollywood, celebrate the best of life as they light up the Smokies with rides, slides, music, food and laughter - day and night.
The waterfalls are rustic and feel very normal in this little piece of heaven. Just as you would expect them to be nestled in the woods. Gem mining for the kids and a hot dog and chips will tide you over until dinner!
22 locals recommend
Friendly Falls
2135 Wears Valley RdThe waterfalls are rustic and feel very normal in this little piece of heaven. Just as you would expect them to be nestled in the woods. Gem mining for the kids and a hot dog and chips will tide you over until dinner!