Gatlinburg Area Attractions
Gatlinburg is the "Heart of the Smokies" and the major gateway into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Gatlinburg has been drawing visitors to the Smokies for decades (now estimated 9- 12 million in number annually)who lose themselves to the exciting things to do in the area. In fact, there are so many things to see and experience that most visitors are hooked for life and return year after wonderful year. The most popular attractions (and access to more info) include:
Cades Cove - Easily the most visited part of the National Park (conveniently accessible from downtown Gatlinburg). Approximately 2-3 million visitors yearly converge on Cades Cove to see the preserved pioneer homesteads, the blue-misted mountains which serve as a backdrop to the cove, campgrounds and picnic areas, horseback riding, hiking trails, and the abundant wildlife which now populate the area. Self-guided tours allow you to visit the Cove at your own pace.
Hiking - The best attraction in the Smoky Mountains area is the Smoky Mountains National Park itself, which has over 800 miles of hiking trails, and more than 500,000 acres of land. During your visit to the Park and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you should try several hikes on the maintained trails.
Arts & Crafts Community – Gatlinburg’s Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community represents the largest group of independent artists and crafters in the U.S. with almost 80 members. Visitors to the 8-mile loop of galleries and studios will recall Gatlinburg from the 1970s, when many of the artisans maintained shops downtown. The artists demonstrate their talents in their shops and studios--an array of fine, handcrafted gift items made right here in Gatlinburg.
For a complete presentation of Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain attractions, go to Smoky Mountain – Gatlinburg attractions. Visit here for the best in a Gatlinburg cabin rental