Gatlinburg two-day itinerary

  • Day 1: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    25 minutes (10 miles) from Gatlinburg

    Experience the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife roaming around, and hiking trails for visitors of all levels. Visit Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, and Clingmans Dome for panoramic vistas.

  • Day 2: Ober Gatlinburg
    15 minutes (3.5 miles) from Gatlinburg

    Ober Gatlinburg is a year-round amusement park, ski resort, and water park for all ages. Take a scenic chairlift ride, ice skate, slide down the water slide or ski down the slopes. End the day perfectly by watching the sunset over the Great Smoky Mountains with a tram ride at the Mountain Skyride.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park (3-4 hours, free)
  • Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area (4-6 hours, $30+)
  • Tram ride at the Mountain Skyride (1 hour, $15+)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $45+

Transportation

You can explore Gatlinburg's main sites on foot as they are near each other. Alternatively, renting a car or using Gatlinburg's public transportation system is recommended to enjoy the surrounding areas, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The city's trolley service starts at $1 and covers most attractions within Gatlinburg.

Useful tips

If you have more time, spend an additional day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to explore more scenic routes and exceptional picnic spots. Moreover, Gatlinburg and its environs offer different styles of dining, including 24/7 pancake houses, locally sourced high-end restaurants, and authentic Southern cuisine. Visitors with fewer days can take a scenic drive around Gatlinburg and experience the Smoky Mountains' natural beauty.

Airports

The nearest airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) located in Knoxville, 46.5 miles northwest of Gatlinburg. Other airports that can be used include Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) located in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Chattanooga Airport (CHA) in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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