Gatlinburg, Tennessee- the perfect Weekend getaway
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a great place to visit year round with hiking and outdoor activities. Gatlinburg is the perfect base for your Smoky Mountain escape. It has cozy mountain charm with family-friendly attractions. Learn more below about how to get there, where to stay and top things to do in this Gatlinburg, Tennessee Weekend Getaway travel guide.
getting there
If you are flying to the area, the closest major airport is the Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is about 1 hours drive . Other nearby airports include Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) and the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) which are both about 2 hour away. When we visited we were driving between Baltimore and Nashville and made a short stop here to explore the area and the Smoky Mountain National Park. Gatlinburg is a great place to drive to for a weekend escape from these major cities: Nashville (4 hours), Atlanta (4.5 hours), Charlotte (4 hours), and Chattanooga (3 hours).
getting Around
The best way to get around the area is by having your own car and driving. It really affords you the flexibility of exploring the area and the national park. If you don’t have a car there are ways to see the Smoky Mountains National Park with guided tours. If you fly into Knoxville airport, you can get an uber or taxi to Gatlinburg or a shuttle.
where to weekend stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Though Gatlinburg is a small town there are so many options of places to stay depending on your budget and desired stay.
There are so many hotels and lodges in the downtown in walking distance to restaurants and attractions. You could also opt for a cozy cabin in the surrounding areas.
During our trip we stayed in the Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center Gatlinburg which was a very affordable option for us. It is a 3 star hotel and had a nice balcony overlooking the water and Gatlinburg.
Other options include resorts as well such as Margaritaville Resort or the Bearskin Lodge on the River.
when to visit Gatlinburg
This area is absolutely beautiful year-round and wonderful to visit. The most popular time to visit for good reason is in the fall for the foliage. September and October are the high season followed by the summer.
Summer and Fall are great for hiking, biking and the Smoky Mountain National Park.
Fees
Great Smoky Mountain is the most visited National Park in the United States but what is so wonderful about it is that there are no entrance fees.
Parking in Gatlinburg is generally paid parking on the main strip. There are lots (Welcome Center on the Spur or City Hall on Highway 321) that you can park for free and take a the trolley to the main part of town.
things to do in Gatlinburg Weekend Getaway
Smoky Mountain National Park
Smoky Mountain National Park is a must see national park! It is the most visited national park in the United States and no trip to Gatlinburg is complete without visiting this park. Just driving for the scenic views are worth a visit. Other popular spots and trails include Clingmans Dome, Laurel Falls, Alum Cave Bluff and so much more!
Stroll Downtown Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg is packed with energy and things to do. You can ride the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway, visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or check out Anakeesta a mountaintop adventure park with ziplines and bridges. There are so many cute boutique shops and candy stores.
Enjoy the local flavors
Gatlinburg is teeming with a variety of dining options. If you are looking for a hearty breakfast Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is recommended. You can enjoy a mountain view at the Peddler Steakhouse. You should absolutely check out the BBQ and consider a moonshine tasting at one of the distilleries downtown. There are also several breweries in town!
Trust me you are going to love exploring the outdoors on your weekend getaway to Gatlinburg. It is a perfect escape into the beautiful and serene area. Don’t forget your hiking gear and big camera (look out for wildlife and bears)! Gatlinburg offers great nature and mountain charm in every season and is the perfect base for exploring the Smoky Mountains.
