Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts
Gatlinburg • Ice cream shop
Mad Dog's draws visitors with fresh-made donuts that many claim beat the competition, particularly the maple-bacon variety. The ice cream selection impresses with rich, creamy flavors and fun options like cotton candy, shaved ice, and the Instagram-worthy cloud ice cream (cotton candy wrapped around cones). While most visitors rave about the quality, a few note that prices run higher than expected and ice cream flavor selection can be limited to basic options at times.
Reviews
2,209
Price Level
$
Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlor
Waynesville • Ice cream shop
Jack the Dipper has earned a loyal following among Smokies visitors who return trip after trip for what many consider exceptional ice cream shop service. The real draw here is the fresh-made waffle cones—available in vanilla, chocolate, or cinnamon—that come out warm and crispy, elevating this beyond your typical scoop shop. The staff consistently earns praise for being friendly, helpful, and efficient even during busy periods, with the drive-thru option adding convenience for families on the go
Reviews
801
Price Level
$
Amenities & Features
| Feature | Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts | Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlor |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-made donuts that win head-to-head comparisons, with maple-bacon, German chocolate cake, and sour cream varieties earning special praise | ||
| Rich, creamy ice cream with fun specialty items like ice cream burritos and cloud ice cream (cotton candy-wrapped cones) | ||
| Funnel cakes and fried apple pies that get enthusiastic recommendations | ||
| Dog-friendly with treats available for four-legged visitors | ||
| Fresh-made waffle cones served warm and crispy in three flavors (vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon) | ||
| Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who maintain service quality even during rushes | ||
| Drive-thru option available for quick stops | ||
| Standout flavors include key lime pie and cappuccino crunch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts or Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlor better?
Both Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts and Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlor have identical TSM Scores (9.2). Your choice should depend on specific amenities and location preferences.
What are the main differences between Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts and Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlor?
Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts is located in Gatlinburg and categorized as Ice cream shop with a $ price range. Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlor is in Waynesville and categorized as Ice cream shop with a $ price range. Check the amenities comparison above for a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown.
Where can I book Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts or Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlor?
You can view detailed information and booking options for both properties on TheSmokyMountains.com. Visit each listing page for the latest availability, photos, and guest reviews.