Duration
1-2 hours (longer during peak dinner times due to potential waits)
Price
$20-30 for trout entrées, $15-25 for other mains, appetizers $8-12
Best For
Trout lovers seeking authentic mountain cuisine • Families wanting hearty Southern comfort food • Couples looking for cozy, rustic dining
Pro Tip
Order the trout fritters as an appetizer - they're made with local trout, onions, and peppers, served with homemade dill sauce that locals rave about.
About Smoky Mountain Trout House
Smoky Mountain Trout House has been a beloved destination for authentic mountain dining since visitors first discovered this locally-owned gem on their Gatlinburg adventures. Operating in one of Gatlinburg's oldest buildings since 1975, this restaurant has earned its reputation as the go-to spot for fresh rainbow trout.
The kitchen prepares trout ten different ways - from blackened to smoked to their famous 'Eisenhower' style. The rustic cabin atmosphere, complete with wood-burning fireplace, makes every meal feel special and memorable.
Fair warning: this place gets packed during prime dinner hours since they don't take reservations. Savvy diners hit them right at 3 PM when they open or closer to 8 PM to avoid the wait.
Beyond trout, the menu features steaks, catfish, and Southern classics, but visitors would be missing out not to try their specialty. The portions are generous and prices remain reasonable for the quality delivered.
The free parking lot across the street provides a huge bonus on the busy Parkway. This is no-frills dining at its finest - come hungry and ready for some of the best trout Gatlinburg has to offer.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Ten Different Trout Preparations
From broiled to blackened to their famous 'Eisenhower' style, they've perfected every way to prepare fresh rainbow trout. Each preparation brings out different flavors while showcasing the quality of their locally-sourced fish.
Trout Fritters Appetizer
These crispy golden fritters combine local trout with onions, peppers, and potatoes, served with their signature homemade dill sauce. They're a perfect way to start your meal and taste what makes this place special.
Historic Building Atmosphere
Dining in one of Gatlinburg's oldest buildings adds authentic character to every meal. The rustic cabin decor, murals, and real wood-burning fireplace create that genuine Smoky Mountain experience you can't fake.
Locally-Sourced Rainbow Trout
Their trout comes fresh from the clear waters of the Smokies and gets ice-packed directly to the restaurant. You can taste the difference that local sourcing and careful handling makes in every bite.
Family-Owned Since 1975
Nearly 50 years of local ownership means they've perfected their recipes and built genuine relationships with the community. The consistent quality and friendly service reflect that deep commitment to their craft.
Cozy Two-Level Dining
The intimate dining rooms upstairs and down create a homey atmosphere where conversation flows easily. The limited seating adds to the charm, though it means you'll want to time your visit right.
Know Before You Go
- Use their free parking lot across the street rather than hunting for Parkway parking
- Dress casually - it's a rustic, no-frills family atmosphere
- They accept cash, cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay
- Arrive early (3-4 PM) or late (8+ PM) to avoid dinner rush waits
- First floor only is handicap accessible
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsSmoky Mountain Trout House receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Smoky Mountain Trout House Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Smoky Mountain Trout House
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Smoky Mountain Trout House?
They're open daily from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Hours can change seasonally, so we recommend calling (865) 436-5416 to confirm before heading over.
How much does Smoky Mountain Trout House cost?
Trout entrées typically run $20-30 depending on preparation style. Other mains like steaks and catfish are generally in the high teens to mid-$20s, with appetizers and desserts in the single digits to low teens.
Do I need reservations for Smoky Mountain Trout House?
No, they don't take reservations - it's walk-ins only. This means you might wait during busy times, especially weekend evenings and peak tourist seasons.
How long should I spend at Smoky Mountain Trout House?
Plan on 45-75 minutes for your meal if there's no wait. During busy times, add another 20-45 minutes or more for waiting since seating is limited.
Is Smoky Mountain Trout House good for kids?
Absolutely! They're family-friendly with a kids' menu and casual atmosphere. The rustic cabin setting appeals to all ages, and kids love the wood-burning fireplace.
Is there parking at Smoky Mountain Trout House?
Yes, they provide free parking across the street for restaurant guests. This is a huge advantage on the busy Parkway where parking can be tough to find.
Do they only serve trout?
While trout is their specialty with 10 different preparations, they also serve steaks, catfish, shrimp, chicken, burgers, and have a full kids' menu.
Is the trout really fresh and local?
Yes, they source rainbow trout from the clear waters of the Smokies and have it ice-packed directly to the restaurant. It's been their specialty since 1975.
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More great places in Gatlinburg
We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Smoky Mountain Trout House receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
410 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738
410 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738
Gatlinburg
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