Gatlinburg has a lot of attractions, but not all of them are worth your time or money. Here’s your guide to what to skip...
- [Does It Snow in Tennessee? Where & When to See Snow](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/where-to-see-snow-in-tennessee): While snow is possible in the other parts of the state, your best bet is concentrated in a small area in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park… - [5 Best Smoky Mountain Towns (Gatlinburg Alternatives)](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/5-towns-in-the-smoky-mountains): The towns around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. And, in some places, an overwhelming amount of tourist attractions! Some… - [7 Live Webcams in Pigeon Forge (2026)](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/live-webcams-in-pigeon-forge): Seven live cams covering the Pigeon Forge Parkway, the coasters, Inn on the River, Bluff Mountain ridge, and the surrounding Smokies skyline. - [Pigeon Forge Without Spending a Lot: 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in 2026](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/pigeon-forge-without-spending-a-lot): Updated for 2026: free parking, $1 trolley rides, The Island fountain show, Old Mill, Greenway walks, Smokies parking tags, and seasonal events. - [The Most Visited National Parks in the U.S. (Updated For 2025)](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/the-most-visited-national-parks-in-the-us): The National Park Service released 2025 visitation data, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park remained the most visited national park in the U.S. by a huge margin. - [How Common Are Bear Attacks In The Smoky Mountains?](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/bear-attacks-in-the-smoky-mountains): The Smoky Mountains are known for their natural beauty and wildlife, including black bears. While the chance of a bear attack is very low, there are a few things… - [The Ultimate Guide to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (2026)](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/ultimate-guide-to-pigeon-forge): Everything you need to plan the perfect Pigeon Forge vacation. From Dollywood tips to the best dinner shows and lesser-known spots—this comprehensive guide covers it all. - [Gatlinburg Skybridge Review: Is It Worth It? Our Honest Review](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/gatlinburg-skybridge-review): The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. It’s easy to spot when you’re in Gatlinburg, sitting high above the Parkway. It’s fun (and scary… - [7 Epic Places to See Sunrise and Sunsets in the Smoky Mountains](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/places-to-see-sunrise-and-sunsets-in-the-smoky-mountains): The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the best natural beauty of anywhere we’ve been. The landscape makes for some beautiful views at dawn and dusk. There… - [The Best Scenic Drives Near Gatlinburg](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/scenic-drives-near-gatlinburg): Gatlinburg has some amazing scenery nearby, including places you don’t need a long hike to see. Here’s our favorite drives that let you explore the Smoky Mountains. without leaving… - [Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A Hike Without Leaving Your Car](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/roaring-fork-motor-nature-trail-a-hike-without-leaving-your-car): The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is our favorite scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains. What makes it so special? This narrow, winding road feels like a hiking… - [Closest Airports to Gatlinburg + Knoxville Distance](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/the-closest-airports-to-gatlinburg-tn): The closest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, which is around an hour away. A rental car is almost necessary for a Gatlinburg vacation as you’ll need… - [5 Lesser Known Smoky Mountain Spots Loved by Locals](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/lesser-known-smoky-mountain-spots): The Smoky Mountains’ half-million acres extend beyond the best-known attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. While millions visit for the iconic views, there are some spots not everyone knows… - [Townsend Wye: Swimming Hole, Parking & Tips](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/townsend-wye): The Townsend Wye is a popular local swimming area, just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance. Y or Wye The Wye (or Y) is where the Little… - [Treetop Skywalk at Anakeesta: What You Really Need to Know](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/treetop-skywalk-at-anakeesta-what-you-really-need-to-know): If you’re heading to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, the Treetop Skywalk is the hanging-bridge loop up in the trees. It’s probably our favorite part about Anakeesta. You walk across 16… - [Gatlinburg Scenic Overlooks: Best Mountain Views](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/scenic-overlooks-of-gatlinburg): Gatlinburg, Tennessee, sits in a valley surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, with some great scenic overlooks above the town. These spots provide beautiful views of the town and… - [What’s The Best Time To Visit Gatlinburg? What To Consider](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/when-to-visit-gatlinburg): Gatlinburg is a great destination year-round. We’re here every month, so here are our recommendations: We love visiting Gatlinburg anytime, even during the winter. But if we could pick one… - [2026 Synchronous Firefly Viewing Dates Announced — Lottery Closes April 27](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/2026-synchronous-firefly-lottery-dates-elkmont): Great Smoky Mountains National Park has set the 2026 synchronous firefly viewing dates at Elkmont for May 20–27. The lottery is open through April 27 — here's how to apply, what it costs, and what to do if you don't win. - [The Former Smoky Mountain Wedding Chapel Turned Restaurant](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/townsend-abbey): In Townsend, Tennessee, The Abbey is an example of creative repurposing. Once the site “I do’s” as the Heartland Wedding Chapel, it’s now a scenic and unique riverside lunch… - [Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Review: Is It Worth It?](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/ripleys-aquarium-in-gatlinburg): We paid our own way through Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. Here's what our family liked, what felt overpriced, and who should still go. - [8 Best Hotels In Gatlinburg TN For A Family](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/top-hotels-in-gatlinburg-tn): In this local guide, we’ve got the best places for a family to stay in Gatlinburg, TN. We’ve visited or stayed at all of these, and they’re all great… - [Gatlinburg Vs Pigeon Forge: Which One Should YOU Choose?](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/gatlinburg-vs-pigeon-forge-which-one-should-you-choose): Picking Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge as a base is one of the top questions we get. Both towns are in the Smoky Mountains, so you’ve already made a great choice!… - [6 Live Webcams Near Downtown Gatlinburg (2026)](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/live-webcams-near-downtown-gatlinburg): Six live cams covering the Gatlinburg Parkway, SkyPark, Anakeesta, Space Needle, Ober Mountain, and Ripley's Aquarium penguin habitat. - [9 Smoky Mountain Cabins With Private Indoor Pools](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/smoky-mountain-cabins-with-indoor-pools): Cabins around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville with their own indoor pools — group sizes from 12 to 26, most with hot tubs and game rooms. - [The Smoky Mountain Ghost Town That Helped Create a National Park](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/elkmont-ghost-town): Discover Elkmont's transformation from elite resort to historic ruins. Walk through preserved cabins where wealthy families once vacationed before the park was born. - [Smoky Mountain Day Trip Idea #1: Little River Rd, Cades Cove, & Townsend](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/smoky-mountain-day-trip-idea-1): Smoky Moutain Day Trip Plan #1 In this new series, we’ll provide ideas and plans for a family-friendly partial or full day of activities. Our first idea is one… - [Foothills Parkway Guide: Best Section, Overlooks, and Look Rock](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/foothills-parkway-guide-best-overlooks): A short practical Foothills Parkway guide: which section to drive, when Look Rock is worth it, and what to know about parking tags in 2026. - [15 Things to Do in Gatlinburg When It Rains (A Local's Guide)](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/rainy-day-in-gatlinburg): Rain in the Smokies is practically guaranteed. Here are 15 indoor activities in Gatlinburg worth your time and money — plus a few you should skip. - [You Can See Wild Elk In The Smoky Mountains: Here’s Where](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/elk-in-the-smoky-mountains): You might not know it by driving through Pigeon Forge, but there are Elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They’re only in a few areas, so we… - [Embassy Suites Gatlinburg Resort: Honest Review](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/embassy-suites-gatlinburg): We stayed at the new Embassy Suites in Gatlinburg just a few weeks after it opened. Despite some minor issues, we loved the spacious suites, fantastic pool area, and… - [Anakeesta Gatlinburg Review](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/anakeesta-gatlinburg): Anakeesta is one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg. We’ve been going to Anakeesta for years, and in this review we’ve got the best things to do there…. - [The Old Mill Restaurant Review: What to Order, What to Skip, and When to Go](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/old-mill-restaurant-pigeon-forge-review-2026): Planning a family meal at The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge? Get the inside scoop on what dishes to try, when to visit, and what to avoid to make the most of your time and budget. - [Exploring the Smoky Mountains With Limited Mobility: Scenic Drives & Accessible Spots](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/exploring-the-smoky-mountains-with-limited-mobility-scenic-drives-accessible-spots):The Great Smoky Mountains have beautiful scenery that everyone should enjoy, regardless of mobility challenges. There are several scenic drives and accessible locations that...
- [This Secret Mountain Town Built for WWII Changed History Forever](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/this-secret-mountain-town-built-for-wwii-changed-history-forever): Behind barbed wire in Tennessee’s mountains, 75,000 workers secretly built the atomic bomb while living in a hidden wartime city. - [The Largest Underground Lake in America is Hidden Just Outside The Smoky Mountains](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/the-largest-underground-lake-in-america-is-hidden-just-outside-the-smoky-mountains): Submerged beneath Tennessee’s hills, the mysterious Lost Sea conceals unexplored chambers within America’s largest underground lake system. - [4 Live Webcams in Cherokee & Bryson City (NC Side of the Smokies)](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/live-webcams-cherokee-bryson-city): Four live cameras covering the North Carolina side of the Smokies — Purchase Knob NPS cam, Bryson City town square, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot, and Nantahala Outdoor Center. - [Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg Review](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/margaritaville-resort-gatlinburg-review): We always recommend downtown Gatlinburg (or a cabin) to families heading to the Smoky Mountains for the first time. If you’re staying downtown and looking for a newer hotel,… - [To Honk or Not to Honk? The Real Story of the Gatlinburg Spur Tunnel](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/to-honk-or-not-to-honk-the-real-story-of-the-gatlinburg-spur-tunnel): If you’ve ever driven the scenic stretch of US-441/321 known as the Gatlinburg Spur, you’re familiar with the short, dark tunnel that cuts through the mountain. For decades, this… - [Our Favorite Things To Do in Pigeon Forge](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/pigeon-forge-things-to-do-guide): Looking for a vacation that’s anything but boring? Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, might be your answer! This lively mountain town is right down the road from us, but is still… - [The Sinks Waterfall in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Scenic Stop You May Have Missed](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/the-sinks-waterfall): The Sinks is located on Little River Road, west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re taking Little River Gorge Road from Gatlinburg… - [Best Time to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains (2026 Guide)](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/when-to-see-bears-in-smoky-mountains): Black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are most visible in late spring and autumn — when bears emerge from winter dens and again when hyperphagia drives heavy fall feeding before denning. - [Dollywood Public Employee Appreciation Days 2026](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/dollywood-public-employee-appreciation-days): Dollywood is celebrating its milestone 40th Anniversary, and they’re bringing back Public Employee Appreciation Days from April 21 through June 13, 2025! This special event honors the dedication of… - [Best Snow Tubing Near Gatlinburg: Ober, Rowdy Bear, and Pigeon Forge Snow](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/snow-tubing-near-gatlinburg): Compare the best places for snow tubing near Gatlinburg, including Ober Mountain, Rowdy Bear, and Pigeon Forge Snow, with current notes on seasons, pricing, and what to pack. - [Great Location, BUT: Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Review](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/hampton-inn-gatlinburg-review): While we’ve often stayed in Gatlinburg overnight, we hadn’t stayed at the Hampton Inn on the Parkway until we needed a last-minute hotel on a weekend. Here’s our review… ## Directory & trip planning - [Attractions directory](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/attractions): Ranked, reviewed attractions across the Smoky Mountains region. - [Restaurants directory](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/restaurants): Local restaurants by town, with ratings and honest notes. - [Hotels](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/hotels): Hotels and resorts across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. - [Cabin rentals](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/cabins): Smoky Mountain cabin rentals, including cabins with indoor pools. - [Book hotels & cabins](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/book): Compare and book lodging directly. - [Travel guides](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/guides): In-depth planning guides for the region. ## About - [About](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/about): Who runs TheSmokyMountains.com and our editorial approach. - [Contact](https://www.thesmokymountains.com/contact): Get in touch.