As you make your way into the wonderful City of Gatlinburg, surrounded by the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, spellbound by exciting attractions, entranced by the aroma of Southern flavors, and mesmerized by endless cabin amenities, falling in love isn’t a choice — it’s a natural response. And we believe once you visit Gatlinburg, you’ll feel the same. That’s why we’ve put together a list of reasons why we love Gatlinburg, from hiking in the most visited national park and tackling every attraction in sight to savoring local food creations and spending quality time in a cozy cabin with an epic mountain view. After exploring Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for the first time, return trips are bound to happen!
Location, Location, Location!
One reason we can’t get enough of Gatlinburg is its awesome location — nestled right along the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park! Harboring hiking trails for every experience level and gorgeous views beyond belief, a high entrance fee is sure to be expected but is never required as this national park allows FREE entry to all — a price that can’t be beat! Even if you only visit the park for an hour or two, it’s a must-see on your Gatlinburg getaway, so strap on your hiking shoes, grab your gear, and trek your trail of choice. We have plenty of recommendations!
Choose Your Level (Roundtrip Distance)
- Laurel Falls| 2.6 Miles | Easy
- Andrews Bald | 3.6 Miles | Easy
- Hen Wallow Falls | 4.4 Miles | Moderate
- Alum Cave Bluff | 4.6 Miles | Moderate
- Chimney Tops | 4 Miles | Strenuous
- Ramsey Cascades | 8 Miles | Strenuous
Much to See & More to Do
Another great reason to visit Gatlinburg is the many attractions, some of which are worth the trip alone. Keep things cool with a full day of fun at Ober Gatlinburg, an amusement park and ski area perfect for the whole family. From ice skating year-round, soaring on a mountain coaster, and meeting wild animals up close to playing mini golf, shopping for souvenirs, and dining with a view, nothing but good times await!
Up for an outdoor adventure? Head to Anakeesta, a brand-new aerial adventure park sure to be a hit with the kids and kids at heart. Race your bestie on the Dueling Zipline Adventure, take panoramic pics of Mt. LeConte, feast on barbecue galore at Anakeesta Summit Smokehouse, dive into hand-dipped ice cream at Pearl’s Pie in the Sky, spot wildlife along the Tree Canopy Walk, and bring home a gift from Firefly Village. With so much to see and even more to do, we see multiple trips to Gatlinburg in your future!
Fantastic Food
In Gatlinburg, every meal is an adventure — the good kind, we assure you. From hiking and exploring to shopping and lounging plus everything in between, food is a must on any trip, so why not travel to a place with exquisite taste? Delve into a pile of fluffy pancakes for breakfast with a dollop of butter, hot maple syrup, and a side of fresh berries at Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin (the name was enough to convince us).
For lunch, enjoy a beautiful mountain view by rooftop with your made-from-scratch meal at Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina, featuring Tex-Mex classics, like tableside guacamole, tomato-roasted salsa, and sizzling fajitas. When evening approaches, settle in to your seats on the Little Pigeon River and enjoy a juicy steak grilled over the finest Tennessee hickory charcoal at The Peddler Steakhouse, a local favorite since 1976.
A Cozy Cabin Stay
Why settle for the same ole hotel when you can elevate your Gatlinburg experience with a luxurious cabin stay? Featuring top-notch amenities, cabins are the best way to go and one of our favorite parts about visiting Gatlinburg. Spend the night playing foosball, air hockey, pool, and arcade games in the rec room or plan a movie night in the home theater with a projector screen and reclining seats. Perhaps, relaxing is more your style. Unwind in the outdoor hot tub on the back deck with sunset hues over the mountaintops or go for a midnight swim in the private indoor pool.
In the morning, sleep in the master suite’s king-size bed until noon or whip up a nutritious breakfast with stainless-steel appliances in the fully equipped kitchen. In the afternoon, fire up the grill for a barbecue party with friends and family or order an array of pizzas for the whole gang. Looking for a touch of romance? Schedule a personal in-cabin chef to prepare a 4-course dinner for two, book a masseuse for a Swedish massage in the privacy of your home away from home, and order a bouquet of wildflowers and a spa gift basket to add a little something extra. No matter the amenities you seek, Gatlinburg has the perfect cabin for YOU!
Why do we love Gatlinburg? Well, aside from the enchanting national park, exciting local attractions, exceptional food options, and amenity-filled cabins, we love Gatlinburg because it is an extraordinary place where cherished memories are made, precious moments are found, and loved ones always wear a smile.