Gatlinburg Travel Tips: Do's & Don'ts

Honest tips for a vacation that's More Fun, and Less Planning.

Are you daydreaming of panoramic peaks, sweet Southern charm, and a vacation that's actually affordable? If so, welcome to Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Smokies! But let's be real—a trip to America's most visited national park can be overwhelming if you don't know the ropes.

No BS, really. You can have a trip that's all fun and no stress, and I'm here to give you the insider info to make it happen. I've explored the Parkway, tasted the moonshine, and even made a few mistakes so you don't have to. Here are the must-do's and must-don'ts for your Gatlinburg adventure.

Strapped for Time? Here's the Essential Gatlinburg Cheat Sheet:

• DO get a bird's-eye view. You can't miss the panoramic views from places like the Gatlinburg SkyPark or Anakeesta.

• DO get into the National Park EARLY. The main sights like Cades Cove get packed. An early start beats the traffic jams.

• DO taste the local flavor. From moonshine tastings to the world-famous pancakes, dive into the mountain culture.

• DON'T ever, ever feed or approach the bears. It's the #1 rule for a reason. Stay safe, and keep them wild.

The Absolute MUST-DO's

DO: Get High Above the Town

You can't really grasp the insane beauty of this place until you're looking down on it. The mountains literally roll on forever. It's a "wow" moment, I promise. There are a few great ways to do it, and each one offers a totally different vibe.

• For Thrills: Walk across the Gatlinburg SkyPark's SkyBridge if you've got the nerve. It’s the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and the views are absolutely epic.

• For a Full Day of Fun: Anakeesta isn’t just a chairlift; it's a whole adventure park on a mountaintop. You can do a treetop skywalk, dueling ziplines, and grab a bite with a killer view. It’s an entire afternoon of fun.

• For a Classic Ride: Take the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway for a more relaxed, scenic journey up the mountain.

DO: Actually Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg is butted right up against the entrance to the main event! Seriously, don't just stay on the Parkway. The park is HUGE, and exploring its wild beauty is the reason you're here. To get your adventure started without feeling overwhelmed, here are the absolute can't-miss highlights:

• Cades Cove: Yes, it gets busy, but there's a reason. It’s one of the best spots in the whole country to see wildlife. We're talking black bears, deer, wild turkey—the works. My advice? Get there the second the gate opens at sunrise to have the place almost to yourself.

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: This is my personal favorite for a quick, scenic drive that feels like old-school Smokies. It's a narrow, winding road with historic cabins and lush forests right outside your window.

• Kuwohi (Clingsmans Dome): Hike the steep (but paved!) half-mile trail to the observation tower. You’ll be at the highest point in Tennessee, and on a clear day, the 360-degree view is just unbelievable.

DO: Taste the Real Gatlinburg

The Parkway is a blast, but you have to dive into the local flavor.

• Moonshine Tastings: It's practically a requirement. Head to Ole Smoky Distillery ("The Holler") or Sugarlands Distilling Co. for free samples and live bluegrass music. It’s a guaranteed good time.

• Pancakes, Pancakes, Pancakes: In the morning, the whole town smells like pancakes and bacon. It's amazing. I had the Apple Walnut Crepes at the Pancake Pantry, and let me tell you, they were life-changing.

Want to see these spots in action?

Before we get to the mistakes to avoid, check out our full video tour of the Smokies. You'll get a feel for the different towns and see exactly why this place is so special!

Great Smoky Mountains: Exploring Gatlinburg to Pigeon forge and more!

Video Description: Welcome to your ultimate guide to the Great Smoky Mountains! Are you dreaming of an affordable vacation that combines breathtaking views, endless adventure, and charming towns? You've found it. In this video, we explore everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to the most visited national park in the USA...

Save Your Trip: The Must-Don'ts in Gatlinburg

DON'T: Feed or Get Close to the Bears

Okay, this is the big one. Seeing a bear is a magical experience, but they are WILD animals. Keep your distance (at least 150 feet). I saw a family get way too close trying to get a selfie, and it's not only incredibly dangerous, but it ruins the experience for everyone and puts the bear at risk. For official park rules on bear safety, please read the NPS guide on bear safety. Don’t be that tourist.

DON'T: Pay for Parking When You Don't Have To!

In Gatlinburg, the trolley is FREE. I repeat, FREE! Parking downtown can cost you $20 for the day. Find a spot on the edge of town, hop on the free trolley, and let it take you everywhere. It even connects you directly to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in the national park, saving you the hassle of finding a spot there, too.

DON'T: Forget to Bring Spares (of Everything!)

Here’s a real-world story. We were river tubing (which you should absolutely do!), and my daughter lost her glasses in the water. Gone. She had no spares. We spent the next half of the day driving around to find a one-hour glasses place. The lesson? If it's important—glasses, contacts, specific medication—bring a backup. You never know what's going to happen on an adventure!

DON'T: Wing It With Your Itinerary

Listen, I'm all for spontaneous fun, but Gatlinburg and the Smokies are places where a little bit of pre-planning pays off big time. If you show up at a popular restaurant at 6 p.m. without a reservation or try to hike a famous trail at 11 a.m., you're going to spend your vacation waiting in lines and hunting for parking. Go early, have a plan, and enjoy a stress-free trip.

Ready for More Smoky Mountain Fun?

This is just the tip of the iceberg! Now that you know the do's and don'ts, dive deeper with our other guides to plan the perfect trip:

• Smoky Mountains Travel Guide: Your Perfect TN Vacation - This is your complete guide to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and everything in between for an unforgettable family vacation.

• Guide to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Get all the pro tips, ticket info, and can't-miss exhibits for one of the best family attractions on the Parkway.

• Hollywood Star Cars Museum: A Gatlinburg Must-See! - If you love movies, you HAVE to check this place out. See our guide to see the Batmobile, the DeLorean, and more iconic cars.

Alright, that's the rundown! Go enjoy those mountains, and have fun out there.

Great Smoky Mountains Adventures

Discover the magic of America's most visited national park! Get insider guides for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, find the best scenic drives, uncover hidden waterfalls, and get tips for spotting the park's famous wildlife.