Attention all summer adventurers! Are you getting ready to head to Gatlinburg for a sun-soaked, mountain-hiking, and festival-filled experience? This charming town is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and a haven for both indoor and outdoor fun.
Summer is Gatlinburg’s busiest season, so you’ll have to contend with large crowds. But fear not; just follow these seven travel tips to ensure your trip to Gatlinburg runs smoothly.
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1. Book Your Accommodation Early
First, you should get your accommodation sorted out early. Gatlinburg is a hotspot in the summer, and places fill up faster than you can say “Great Smoky Mountains.” From cozy Gatlinburg cabin rentals tucked deep in the woods to elegant hotels with sophisticated amenities, you’ll have a wide range of lodging options to choose from.
Booking your stay early has many advantages. You’ll get the best deals and the perfect location, so you’re not stuck miles away from all the summer action in Gatlinburg (and there is a lot).
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2. Plan Ahead for Outdoor Activities
Gatlinburg is an outdoor lover’s paradise, so you’ll want to make the most of your trip by planning activities and attraction visits ahead of time. Don’t get me wrong — there are enough thrills in Gatlinburg for everyone, but popular spots can get packed (and quickly).
Zip-lining, whitewater rafting, sightseeing, hiking — your options are endless. Deciding which experiences you don’t want to miss out on helps you prioritize and avoid being stuck in long queues. Plus, some attractions require reservations or permits, so being an early bird helps.
Having a game plan also means you can hit the ground running (or hiking or sightseeing). In other words, you’ll be able to squeeze every ounce of adventure out of your Gatlinburg summer trip.
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3. Stay Hydrated and Cool
Summer weather in Gatlinburg can get pretty toasty, so staying hydrated is a must. Daily temperatures typically range between highs of 86°F and lows of 59°F. July is Gatlinburg’s hottest month, as it’s right in the middle of summer, so perhaps visit in June or August.
If you’re planning to do outdoor activities, be sure to always carry a bottle of water, wear a decent amount of sunscreen, and rock a hat or cap. Follow all these safety tips for hiking, check the weather, dress appropriately, and take breaks in the shade or indoors.
Gatlinburg also experiences 10 to 12 days of rain every month of summer, so packing rain gear, such as waterproof hiking boots, umbrellas, and rain jackets, is a must.
4. Explore Earlier or Later in the Day
If you want to beat the crowds (and the heat), explore Gatlinburg earlier in the morning or later in the evening. Top attractions like the Gatlinburg SkyLift, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Ober Mountain can get pretty packed during peak hours. By going earlier or later, you get to experience these popular spots without having to elbow your way through a sea of tourists.
Other perks of arriving before or after everyone else include having more time to admire the stunning mountainous surroundings and snap awesome photos without people in the way. Night owls will love exploring Gatlinburg later in the evening, as many stores stay open as late as 11 pm. You can spend this time shopping for summer gifts for friends and family.
If you’re an early bird, the best way to use your extra time is by exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s open 24 hours a day all year round. However, take note that most of the visitor centers only open at 9 am and close at 5 pm.
5. Explore the Local Dining Options
Foodies will love Gatlinburg! The town is brimming with restaurants serving delicious meals you’ve got to try. Many of Gatlinburg’s specialty foods aren’t found in grocery stores and eateries across the country. Simply put, you’ll have to visit the town’s local food stores to find these.
From locally made jerky to candy, jams, and baked goods, Gatlinburg offers a delightful menu of tasty treats. Indulge in original taffy logs at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, enjoy crepes and pancakes at the Pancake Pantry, and chow down sweet donuts at The Donut Friar.
Sweet treats aside, Gatlinburg also has many restaurants offering a hearty meal. The Peddler Steakhouse serves up custom-cut steaks, chicken dishes, and salads to suit every palate. Best Italian on the Parkway is the perfect lunch spot, and for a bite on the go, get yourself an Ogle Dog at Fannie Farkle’s.
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6. Take Advantage of Free Attractions
This one’s for my savvy travelers. Gatlinburg has plenty of free attractions that are just as impressive as the paid ones. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without paying a cent — if you’re not driving in, that is. A parking tag is required if you park for longer than 15 minutes. If you absolutely have to drive in through the park, the daily tag only costs $5.
If you’re not up for hiking, walk through the street performance festival appropriately named Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. Taking place daily from July 1 to July 27, 2024, between 6 pm and 10 pm, you’ll enjoy musical performances, dancing, and storytelling by costumed characters.
Art aficionados cannot miss out on strolling through the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. This 8-mile loop boasts numerous shops, galleries, and art studios that display Gatlinburg’s cultural flair. You can also walk through the Gatlinburg Farmers Market for free. This fresh produce market is the ideal shopping spot if you’re looking to cook a meal.
Another fun and free activity is riding the Gatlinburg Trolley. Operating daily, from 8:30 am to midnight during summer, this public transit system is your best way to get around. Riding the trolley is completely free for visitors and residents, so use it to get from one spot to the next.
Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash
7. Prepare for Bumper-to-Bumper Traffic
Traffic in Gatlinburg during the summer can be a bit of a headache, and not just vehicle congestion but foot traffic along the streets and long queues at attractions. But don’t let that put a damper on your trip; just adequately prepare for your summer holiday in Gatlinburg.
How? Glad you asked. Plan your routes ahead of time, consider using the Gatlinburg Trolley, and, if possible, walk to nearby attractions. Book skip-the-line tours to avoid those long queues at attractions. And, if you want to avoid both the car and food traffic altogether, then visit Gatlinburg during the week, but not on any national holidays.
